Dr. Sandy Jones Appointed Chief Engagement Officer at CSU Global

In an exciting development for Colorado State University Global (CSU Global), Dr. Sandy Jones has been appointed as the new Chief Engagement Officer effective November 15, 2024. This leadership change marks a significant step in enhancing the university's strategic initiatives aimed at boosting student success and fostering vital partnerships.

Dr. Jones has been with CSU Global since joining as the Director of Communications and External Relations in 2020. Her exemplary leadership capabilities led her to be promoted to Vice President of Strategic Engagement in 2022, where she successfully contributed to a remarkable 32% increase in student enrollment in just one year. Her deep understanding of the university's mission and her demonstrated ability to develop innovative processes are expected to bring invaluable benefits to CSU Global as she steps into her new role.

CSU Global President Becky Takeda-Tinker expressed her confidence in Dr. Jones's abilities to manage and enhance the university's engagement efforts. "Dr. Jones embodies our University's values and has been instrumental in leveraging technology and organizational culture to achieve our goals. As we navigate the ever-evolving higher education landscape, her leadership will be crucial in fortifying our relationships with industry partners and ensuring that our programs provide exceptional value to our learners."

As Chief Engagement Officer, Dr. Jones’s responsibilities will encompass oversight of every engagement-related initiative, including admissions, enrollment strategies, partnerships, and the marketing and communication departments. With a keen focus on strategic planning and process development, Dr. Jones will implement innovative techniques to improve both brand awareness and the overall enrollment experience for students.

Integral to her role will be the ongoing development of strategic partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits, and corporations. This effort is part of CSU Global's broader mission to enhance educational opportunities for adult learners and provide career pathways that meet the workforce's needs. Dr. Jones is particularly excited about exploring innovative approaches, particularly in areas like prior learning assessment, which will help students flourish professionally and academically.

Dr. Jones has prior experience in multiple higher education institutions, including the University of Colorado Boulder, University of California, Irvine, and the University of Southern California. Her extensive experience spans over 20 years and has equipped her with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities within the educational landscape.

On her new role, Dr. Jones stated, "I am honored to step into this position and continue supporting a transformative educational experience for our students. We are focusing on robust partnerships with industries that will benefit both our learners and the workforce, ensuring our graduates leave with measurable skills that employers seek. I extend my gratitude to Dr. Takeda-Tinker and the whole CSU Global community for their trust, and I am enthusiastic about collaborating to achieve our collective goals."

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Jones is a community advocate. She serves on the Board of the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce and has previously been involved with The Butterfly Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting those who have experienced personal tragedies. Her commitment to community service and higher education shines through her various accolades, including being recognized as one of the "Top 40 Under 40 to Watch" by OC Metro magazine in 2012.

Dr. Jones holds a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA, an M.Ed. from USC, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from UC Riverside. She is also currently pursuing an MBA at CSU Global, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and improvement in the educational field.

CSU Global stands as a leader in online education, primarily catering to post-traditional learners seeking to enhance their careers and knowledge through flexible learning opportunities. Dr. Jones’s appointment signifies the university's continued dedication to fostering student success and cultivating meaningful connections within the community and industry.

For more information about Colorado State University Global and its programs, visit their official website at CSUGlobal.edu.