Kirschenmann Sacramento Center Executive Director

Sandra Kirschenmann, appointed executive director of the Sacramento Center for Graduate Studies

Drexel University has named Dr. Sandra G. Kirschenmann, vice chancellor of resource development for Los Rios Community College District, as executive director of the Sacramento Center for Graduate Studies, announced Drexel President John A. Fry. She will begin her tenure at Drexel on December 12, and report to Provost Mark Greenberg.

“I am confident that we have found in Sandra Kirschenmann the right leader to help us position the Center for Graduate Studies as a unique academic presence in Sacramento offering excellent career-oriented programs with intense student engagement and strong outcomes,” said Fry.

As executive director of the Center, Kirschenmann will oversee all Drexel Sacramento operations, building on three years of strong growth resulting in a total enrollment of more than 300 students in eight programs and an inaugural graduating class of approximately 100 this past June. She will work with Drexel’s provost and deans to assess, refine and further develop the Center’s portfolio of academic programs. Working with the Center’s Advisory Board and community partners, Kirschenmann will ensure that Drexel’s commitment to civic engagement carries over to Sacramento.  She will succeed Dr. Frank Linnehan, associate dean of Drexel’s Lebow College of Business, who has served as the Center’s interim executive director since June.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to build Drexel's excellent educational offerings for Sacramento,” Kirschenmann said. “Drexel’s unique combination of rigorous academics and real world job experience are perfect for our region.”

Kirschenmann brings 30 years of experience as a higher education administrator and leader with the Los Rios Community College District, which comprises four colleges serving more than 90,000 students in the Greater Sacramento region. Since 2003 she has served as vice chancellor of resource development for the District, responsible for all efforts to secure resources through fundraising, grants and corporate partnerships. She previously held senior roles in academic oversight and program management.

Kirschenmann has extensive experience in economic development for the Los Rios District and served as director of the Economic Development Coordination Network of the California Community Colleges. Her expertise in this area will help Drexel remain committed to partnering with the people and businesses of Sacramento.

“As Mayor, I’m delighted to see the appointment of Dr. Sandra Kirschenmann as the new executive director of the Drexel University Sacramento Center,” said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. “Not only is Dr. Kirschenmann a proven leader in the field of higher education, she is a true home-grown talent, having been raised in Sacramento and having served on the leadership team at the Los Rios Community College District. I’m especially proud that she’s a fellow Dragon, a Sacramento High School graduate. Congratulations to Dr. Kirschenmann and Drexel University.”

The Center for Graduate Studies, which opened in January 2009, is already known as one of Northern California's most high-tech conference and educational facilities. In its state-of-the-art classrooms, Drexel – a national comprehensive research university – is offering in Sacramento six master's, one doctorate, and one post-baccalaureate program that are designed for working professionals in the fields of business, higher education, knowledge management, health science, and medical science.