Dr. Jenni Murphy, who’s been serving as interim dean of the College of Continuing Education (CCE), will now take the helm as the new dean following a nationwide search.

“I’m so honored and excited to be CCE’s next dean,” said Dr. Murphy. “I’ve seen this college grow is so many ways during my 17 years at Sacramento State and CCE and look forward to building on that legacy by continuing to expand access to education. We have a unique opportunity to support the development of our community, the city of Sacramento and the state of California with our innovative pathways to learning – and I’m ready to get started.”

One of Dr. Murphy’s major initiatives unfolded on May 23. The Summit on Educational Attainment for Working Age Adults concentrated on an overlooked population – working age adults (25-64) – who currently have some college and training, but often not enough to move ahead in their jobs and careers. At the same time, California faces a projected shortage of 1-million college-educated workers by 2025.

Partnering with the community network Align Capital Region, Dr. Murphy brought together elected officials, community leaders, employers, educators and workforce development counterparts in the state and across the country to make working age adults a top educational and economic priority. Visit our photo gallery!

Collaboration and “regional solutions are needed” to expand support and access to educational opportunities,” said Dr. Murphy, so working age adults, in particular, can complete their associate or bachelor’s degree or earn a high quality industry certificate or credential. And ultimately, strengthen California’s economy. 

Congratulations to Dr. Jenni Murphy, CCE’s new dean!

On May 25, Provost Dr. Ching-Hua Wang issued the following letter:

“In concurrence with President Nelsen, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jenni Murphy as Dean, College of Continuing Education. This appointment resulted from a national search that attracted a large competitive pool of applicants. Her appointment is effective June 1, 2018.

Prior to this appointment, Dr. Murphy served as Interim Dean of the college on two separate occasions, first from March to July in 2016 and most recently since February 2018.

She joined the College of Continuing Education in 2001 and during the past 17 years has served in various leadership roles including Associate Dean, Senior Director of Strategic Communication and Emerging Markets, Special Assistant to the Dean, and Director of Extension Programs among others. 

Dr. Murphy has garnered extensive experience in the area of strategy and leadership, built strong relationships with community leaders and stakeholders, and developed an understanding of local workforce needs.

In the area of program development and management, Dr. Murphy has directed numerous activities associated with the creation and delivery of over 45 credit and non-credit education programs, and played a key role in growing the revenues for Extension Programs through grants, by collaborating with faculty, building networks with advisory boards, and overseeing program development and curriculum teams.

She collaborates with colleges, departments, faculty and employers to explore program opportunities, identify learning needs, conduct feasibility studies and develop program budgets. Her leadership experience at CCE also included development and oversight of enrollment and marketing models for student recruitment and retention, department and program budgets, recruitment and human resources activities, technology, monitoring compliance with the CSU Chancellor’s Office, and accreditation requirements and applicable federal, state and local laws.

Since 2015, Dr. Murphy has held an instructional faculty role teaching and directing master’s thesis and doctoral dissertations in the Department of Public Policy and Administration at Sac State.

Dr. Murphy obtained her doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D) from California State University, Sacramento; her Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the University of Phoenix (Roseville, CA campus), and her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (Magna cum laude) from Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.

Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Dr. Jenni Murphy to her new role as Dean, College of Continuing Education.”