Ready to Lead
Harlan M. Sands, vice dean and chief financial officer of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, has been selected as the seventh president of Cleveland State University following a national search.
He officially begins his presidency June 1 and succeeds Ronald M. Berkman, who is retiring. However, Sands has been on campus since May 1, working with Dr. Berkman to ensure a smooth transition.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” says Sands, who was attracted to CSU, in part, because of his passion for urban education, having spent his entire academic career at urban universities. “I truly believe in the mission of urban universities and in the unique impact they have. I understand the importance of urban universities to first-generation students, as well as the challenges these students face in pursuing higher education. I am committed to helping them succeed and graduate. I also am committed to CSU’s research and partnerships that are expanding knowledge.
President-elect Sands with wife Lynn and sons A.J. and Samson
“Cleveland State is a great urban university. Through its commitments to higher education access for all, student success, Engaged Learning and connectivity with the community, Cleveland State is uniquely positioned to transform lives in a way that very few institutions can match,” he adds. “I am honored and humbled to be chosen to lead this prestigious university and am excited to work with students, faculty, staff and community leaders to continue and enhance CSU’s important educational mission.”
With nearly two decades of experience as an administrator, research center director and faculty member at urban research universities, Sands is a highly regarded and widely respected higher education leader. He comes to CSU with a proven track record of advancing academic excellence, elevating faculty endeavors, championing research, and aligning strategies and operations to meet the emerging needs of higher education in the 21st century.
Bernie Moreno, chair of the CSU Board of Trustees, calls the selection of Sands “a grand slam.
“He will be a major asset as Cleveland State continues to expand its academic and research quality, enhance value for students and grow its national reputation. He will be the visionary leader CSU needs to further its position as a leading urban research university,” adds Moreno, who chaired the presidential search committee comprised of students, faculty, staff and members of the Cleveland community.
Prior to serving as vice dean and chief financial officer at Wharton, Sands served as senior vice president of finance and administration and chief operating officer at the University of Louisville, where he implemented several large-scale, revenue-generating opportunities in enrollment growth, student success and business support. Prior to that, he served as vice provost at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where his responsibilities included budget and finance, auxiliary services such as student housing and dining, and student success operations. He began his tenure in higher education at Florida International University as a faculty member in the Department of Criminal Justice. He later advanced to assistant and associate dean of the College of Health and Urban Affairs before serving as FIU’s associate vice president for research.
Before entering academia, Sands served 11 years in the United States Navy as well as four years as an assistant public defender in Miami. His many career accomplishments include distinguished service during Operation Desert Storm.
He received his bachelor of science in economics from The Wharton School in 1984. He also holds an MBA from George Washington University and a JD from George Mason University. He and his wife of 17 years, Lynn, have two sons, Samson and A.J.
President-elect Harlan Sands
- Served as a White House military aide under Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton
- Worked as a public defender in Miami
- Led a cutting-edge research center at Florida International University
- Served as a Big Brother in several communities
Also in This Issue...
Legacy of Leadership
President Ronald M. Berkman spearheaded tuition savings, campus expansion, new labs, research growth, record fundraising, and powerful partnerships — solidifying CSU's impact and student success vision.
Gateway to Engineering
CSU’s spectacular new northern gateway to campus, Donald E. Washkewicz Hall, provides enhanced educational and research opportunities for engineering students and faculty.
50 Years and Still Going Strong
Andrew Gross, professor of marketing and international business, has been a CSU faculty member since 1968. As he prepares to retire in June, he shares some reflections on his career.
A Message from the President
Outgoing President Ronald M. Berkman reflects on nine years of growth — new labs, film/media school, urban health programs — and thanks the CSU community for driving the university’s transformation.
Graduate Programs Among Nation’s Best
U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Graduate Schools guide features more than a dozen CSU programs, highlighting the University’s continued national rise.
Athletics
Four new members have been inducted into the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame — Sarah Galon, Christine Kohler Myeroff, Kristen Obush and Jake Scott.
The Internet of Things Collaborative
The Internet of Things (IoT) Collaborative between CSU and Case Western Reserve University has moved from planning to full launch with $1.75 million in funding from the Cleveland Foundation.
Law Explores New Frontiers
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law has launched several groundbreaking initiatives, including a Space Law Center and a Cybersecurity Center that takes a rare multidisciplinary approach integrating law, technology and business management.
Festival Filled with AHA! Moments
Books, theater, music, art, dance and ideas will again be celebrated during the Arts and Humanities Alive! (AHA!) Festival sponsored by CSU and Playhouse Square.
Personal Growth Through Service Learning
Since 2007, Viking Expeditions (VE) has been helping CSU graduate and undergraduate students broaden their worldview through local, national and international service opportunities.
Faculty Highlights
CSU faculty across arts, sciences, engineering, education, and health are advancing research, teaching innovation, and community engagement — driving excellence across dozens of departments.
Partners in Scientific Progress
For close to a half-century, Cleveland State University and Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute have partnered to enhance medical and science education while helping to advance discovery in numerous disciplines. The Joint Doctoral Program Pa
Scholarships Make Dreams Come True
CSU’s annual Scholarship Luncheon brought together more than 400 individuals who have made personal gifts, as well as representatives of businesses and organizations that have supported scholarships, and the grateful students who received them.
Embrace Your Voice
Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 300-plus participants felt following CSU’s fourth-annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Embrace Your Voice.”
Summit Advances Alumni Engagement
More than 100 representatives of some 40 organizations shared best practices, ideas and professional perspectives at the first-ever Northeast Ohio Summit on Alumni Engagement.
CSU on the Road
Passport Cleveland alumni tours in Northeast Ohio, plus engaging CSU2U events and alumni meet‑ups in FL, AZ — connecting Vikings through travel, learning, and connection.
CSU Salutes Outstanding Alumni
Graduates who are impacting their communities, the world and Cleveland State University in unique and creative ways were honored at the second-annual Alumni Recognition Awards. The event also saluted CSU’s third class of Fascinating Alumni.
Share the Love Month!
The Summer of 1967 was known as the Summer of Love. But at CSU, February 2018 was Share the Love month with special events to bring Vikings together. We’ll be sharing the love again next February!
Class Notes – Summer 2018
Legacy of Leadership
President Ronald M. Berkman spearheaded tuition savings, campus expansion, new labs, research growth, record fundraising, and powerful partnerships — solidifying CSU's impact and student success vision.
50 Years and Still Going Strong
Andrew Gross, professor of marketing and international business, has been a CSU faculty member since 1968. As he prepares to retire in June, he shares some reflections on his career.
Graduate Programs Among Nation’s Best
U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Graduate Schools guide features more than a dozen CSU programs, highlighting the University’s continued national rise.
The Internet of Things Collaborative
The Internet of Things (IoT) Collaborative between CSU and Case Western Reserve University has moved from planning to full launch with $1.75 million in funding from the Cleveland Foundation.
Festival Filled with AHA! Moments
Books, theater, music, art, dance and ideas will again be celebrated during the Arts and Humanities Alive! (AHA!) Festival sponsored by CSU and Playhouse Square.
Faculty Highlights
CSU faculty across arts, sciences, engineering, education, and health are advancing research, teaching innovation, and community engagement — driving excellence across dozens of departments.
Scholarships Make Dreams Come True
CSU’s annual Scholarship Luncheon brought together more than 400 individuals who have made personal gifts, as well as representatives of businesses and organizations that have supported scholarships, and the grateful students who received them.
Summit Advances Alumni Engagement
More than 100 representatives of some 40 organizations shared best practices, ideas and professional perspectives at the first-ever Northeast Ohio Summit on Alumni Engagement.
CSU Salutes Outstanding Alumni
Graduates who are impacting their communities, the world and Cleveland State University in unique and creative ways were honored at the second-annual Alumni Recognition Awards. The event also saluted CSU’s third class of Fascinating Alumni.
Class Notes – Summer 2018
Gateway to Engineering
CSU’s spectacular new northern gateway to campus, Donald E. Washkewicz Hall, provides enhanced educational and research opportunities for engineering students and faculty.
A Message from the President
Outgoing President Ronald M. Berkman reflects on nine years of growth — new labs, film/media school, urban health programs — and thanks the CSU community for driving the university’s transformation.
Athletics
Four new members have been inducted into the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame — Sarah Galon, Christine Kohler Myeroff, Kristen Obush and Jake Scott.
Law Explores New Frontiers
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law has launched several groundbreaking initiatives, including a Space Law Center and a Cybersecurity Center that takes a rare multidisciplinary approach integrating law, technology and business management.
Personal Growth Through Service Learning
Since 2007, Viking Expeditions (VE) has been helping CSU graduate and undergraduate students broaden their worldview through local, national and international service opportunities.
Partners in Scientific Progress
For close to a half-century, Cleveland State University and Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute have partnered to enhance medical and science education while helping to advance discovery in numerous disciplines. The Joint Doctoral Program Pa
Embrace Your Voice
Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 300-plus participants felt following CSU’s fourth-annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Embrace Your Voice.”
CSU on the Road
Passport Cleveland alumni tours in Northeast Ohio, plus engaging CSU2U events and alumni meet‑ups in FL, AZ — connecting Vikings through travel, learning, and connection.
Share the Love Month!
The Summer of 1967 was known as the Summer of Love. But at CSU, February 2018 was Share the Love month with special events to bring Vikings together. We’ll be sharing the love again next February!
Legacy of Leadership
President Ronald M. Berkman spearheaded tuition savings, campus expansion, new labs, research growth, record fundraising, and powerful partnerships — solidifying CSU's impact and student success vision.
A Message from the President
Outgoing President Ronald M. Berkman reflects on nine years of growth — new labs, film/media school, urban health programs — and thanks the CSU community for driving the university’s transformation.
The Internet of Things Collaborative
The Internet of Things (IoT) Collaborative between CSU and Case Western Reserve University has moved from planning to full launch with $1.75 million in funding from the Cleveland Foundation.
Personal Growth Through Service Learning
Since 2007, Viking Expeditions (VE) has been helping CSU graduate and undergraduate students broaden their worldview through local, national and international service opportunities.
Scholarships Make Dreams Come True
CSU’s annual Scholarship Luncheon brought together more than 400 individuals who have made personal gifts, as well as representatives of businesses and organizations that have supported scholarships, and the grateful students who received them.
CSU on the Road
Passport Cleveland alumni tours in Northeast Ohio, plus engaging CSU2U events and alumni meet‑ups in FL, AZ — connecting Vikings through travel, learning, and connection.
Class Notes – Summer 2018
Gateway to Engineering
CSU’s spectacular new northern gateway to campus, Donald E. Washkewicz Hall, provides enhanced educational and research opportunities for engineering students and faculty.
Graduate Programs Among Nation’s Best
U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Graduate Schools guide features more than a dozen CSU programs, highlighting the University’s continued national rise.
Law Explores New Frontiers
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law has launched several groundbreaking initiatives, including a Space Law Center and a Cybersecurity Center that takes a rare multidisciplinary approach integrating law, technology and business management.
Faculty Highlights
CSU faculty across arts, sciences, engineering, education, and health are advancing research, teaching innovation, and community engagement — driving excellence across dozens of departments.
Embrace Your Voice
Enlightened, entertained, informed, inspired and empowered. That’s how 300-plus participants felt following CSU’s fourth-annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, “Embrace Your Voice.”
CSU Salutes Outstanding Alumni
Graduates who are impacting their communities, the world and Cleveland State University in unique and creative ways were honored at the second-annual Alumni Recognition Awards. The event also saluted CSU’s third class of Fascinating Alumni.
50 Years and Still Going Strong
Andrew Gross, professor of marketing and international business, has been a CSU faculty member since 1968. As he prepares to retire in June, he shares some reflections on his career.
Athletics
Four new members have been inducted into the CSU Athletics Hall of Fame — Sarah Galon, Christine Kohler Myeroff, Kristen Obush and Jake Scott.
Festival Filled with AHA! Moments
Books, theater, music, art, dance and ideas will again be celebrated during the Arts and Humanities Alive! (AHA!) Festival sponsored by CSU and Playhouse Square.
Partners in Scientific Progress
For close to a half-century, Cleveland State University and Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute have partnered to enhance medical and science education while helping to advance discovery in numerous disciplines. The Joint Doctoral Program Pa
Summit Advances Alumni Engagement
More than 100 representatives of some 40 organizations shared best practices, ideas and professional perspectives at the first-ever Northeast Ohio Summit on Alumni Engagement.
Share the Love Month!
The Summer of 1967 was known as the Summer of Love. But at CSU, February 2018 was Share the Love month with special events to bring Vikings together. We’ll be sharing the love again next February!