Harlan M. Sands Named 7th President of CSU

A highly regarded and widely respected higher education leader is ready to take the helm at Cleveland State University.

By Cleveland State University

Harlan M. Sands will become the seventh president of Cleveland State University on June 1, 2018.

With nearly two decades of experience as an administrator 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.

Sands is currently the vice dean of finance and administration, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He previously served at the University of Louisville,the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Florida International University. He also is a U.S. Navy veteran and a former public defender.

CSU announced his appointment on January 29, 2018.

Joining Sands for the celebration at CSU were his wife of 17 years, Lynn, and their sons, Samson and A.J.

Harlan M. Sands Named 7th President of CSU

A unanimous vote by the CSU Board of Trustees made it official.

Among the guests at a luncheon for Sands were former CSU President Michael Schwartz and current CSU President Ronald M. Berkman.

‘The Opportunity of a Lifetime’

Students, faculty and staff packed the Student Center Ballroom for a reception, where Sands was greeted with a standing ovation. They also rose to their feet to applaud President Berkman for his leadership over the past nine years.

CSU Board of Trustees Chair Bernie Moreno introduced Sands. "I'm confident we've found the very best person to take the lead in writing the next chapter in CSU's remarkable history," Moreno said.

Sands thanked CSU for entrusting him with "the opportunity of a lifetime" and pledged: "I will work tirelessly on behalf of CSU's students, faculty and staff to help us collectively achieve common goals and perform at the highest possible levels."