Innovation in online education demands visionary leadership, and chief engagement officer Dr. Sandy Jones delivers precisely that at Colorado State University Global (CSU Global). Spearheading transformative initiatives across communications, marketing, strategic partnerships and enrollment, she orchestrates a symphony of growth that resonates throughout the institution while fostering a culture of excellence in digital learning.
Dr. Jones’ strategic acumen shines through remarkable achievements. Under her guidance, new student enrollment experienced unprecedented growth, while earned media advertising value more than doubled. This First-Year Titan 100 Honoree’s impact extends beyond metrics, fostering a culture of innovation that positions CSU Global at the forefront of digital education.
Her pioneering work in artificial intelligence exemplifies forward-thinking leadership. Collaborating with Google, Dr. Jones developed groundbreaking AI tools that provide real-time transfer credit estimates for prospective students. This innovation, the first of its kind in higher education, streamlines the enrollment process while demonstrating her commitment to technological advancement.
Building strong foundations characterizes Dr. Jones’ approach to organizational development. She restructured departments to focus on specific key performance indicators, implemented comprehensive scorecards and held vendor partners to rigorous performance expectations. Her talent for identifying and nurturing leadership potential resulted in strategic promotions that aligned team strengths with departmental objectives.
Community engagement amplifies Dr. Jones’ influence beyond campus borders. Serving as vice chair of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, she champions professional development and gender equity in leadership. Her thought leadership reaches millions through articles in Times Higher Education, inspiring conversations about women’s advancement in academia.
Educational excellence marks Dr. Jones’ journey, from UCLA’s Phi Beta Kappa honors to a Ph.D. in higher education administration and policy from UC Riverside. Currently pursuing an MBA at CSU Global with perfect academic standing, she embodies the lifelong learning principles she champions.
Through unwavering dedication to student success and institutional growth, Dr. Jones shapes the future of online education. Her strategic vision, coupled with a deep understanding of adult learners’ needs, ensures CSU Global remains a beacon of innovation in higher education. By fostering collaboration, embracing technology and maintaining steadfast focus on measurable outcomes, she continues to elevate standards of excellence in digital learning.
Her transformative leadership extends to building robust enterprise partnerships, successfully onboarding dozens of new partners ranging from Denver International Airport to AmeriCorps. These strategic alliances expand educational opportunities while strengthening CSU Global’s position in the competitive landscape of online education. Dr. Jones’ expertise in partnership development earned her selection for the inaugural P3.EDU fellowship, where she now shares best practices with emerging leaders in higher education partnerships.
