MBWA - Management by Walking Around - is something Harlan Sands learned in the military, and it is a practice he has carried into his career in higher education. Whether he is walking and talking with students on campus, visiting staff in their offices, or more recently, “zooming” into remote classrooms, his high-energy, hands-on approach demonstrates his passion and commitment to the Cleveland State University (CSU) community.Under Sands’ leadership, CSU has significantly strengthened its financial statement and balance sheet, invested in student coaching and direct financial support, and implemented new international and regional recruitment and marketing strategies. In addition, CSU has established three new local enrollment partnership pipelines with Cuyahoga Community College, Lorain County Community College, and Lakeland Community College, established a ground-breaking Living-Learning Community for Cleveland Metropolitan School District students through a partnership with Parker-Hannifin, and secured additional multi-million dollar gifts from several major contributors, setting new records in both giving and donor participation.
Throughout his academic career, all at urban-serving universities, Sands has always focused on meeting the unique needs of his students. Earning two of his degrees part-time at night for six years while serving full-time on active duty in the U.S. Navy, he understands the challenges faced by many non-traditional students, and is fully invested in CSU’s Engaged Learning approach that transforms lives, connects students to career opportunities, and contributes to the growth and vibrancy of the community.
Sands came to CSU from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, where he served as Wharton’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to his time at UPenn, his more than 20 years of experience as a higher education thought leader, academic administrator, business process transformer, teacher and student advocate also included leadership positions at the University of Louisville, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Florida International University.
Prior to his career in higher education, Sands practiced law as an assistant public defender in Miami, where he litigated more than 50 trials in state and county courts representing indigent clients.
He also served on active duty for more than a decade in the U.S. Navy, including service as a Surface Warfare Officer on the USS Guam (LPH-9) and several tours of duty as a Naval Intelligence Officer. He received two Naval Commendation Medals during Operation Desert Storm.
He holds a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, an M.B.A. with a major in Finance from George Washington University, and a J.D. from George Mason University.
Sands is a native of Wantagh, New York. He and his wife Lynn have two sons, Samson and A.J.
