USPC Membership
Members of the University Strategic Planning Council include:
- Rich Ogle (co-chair), Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Arya Alami (co-chair), Speaker-elect, Academic Senate / Associate Professor of Exercise Science
- Dana Nakano (co-chair), Speaker, Academic Senate / Professor of Sociology
- Miranda Gonzalez, Associated Students Inc., President
- Sebastian Sclofsky, CAHSS – Associate Professor, Criminal Justice
- Jingyun (Jenny) Li, CBA – Associate Professor / Chair, Management, Operations & Marketing
- Kilolo Brodie, COEKSW – Professor, Master of Social Work
- Bjorg Johannsdottir, COS – Associate Professor, Mathematics
- Margarita Zamora Saunders, Library – Research, Instruction, Outreach & Inclusivity Librarian
- Sacha Joseph-Mathews, Vice President & Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
- Heather Dunn-Carlton, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students
- Sarah Sweitzer, Dean of the Stockton Campus
- Carolina Alfaro, Executive Director, Student Leadership, Engagement and Belonging
- Mandy Khaira, Director of Marketing and Digital Strategy
- Ryan Storm, Associate Vice President for Financial & Support Services
- Alexander Lazar, Talent Acquisition and Employment Coordinator
- Juan Esquillin, Lead Groundsworker
- Bobby Ismail, Community Representative/Foundation Board
Charge
The University Strategic Planning Council (USPC) is charged with guiding the development of a comprehensive Strategic Plan. The council’s primary objective is to facilitate a thoughtful and inclusive planning process that explores and strengthens Stanislaus State’s mission, vision and values while charting key opportunities and initiatives and strategically addressing challenges. This collaborative work aims to catalyze a stronger Stan State. The council will play a central role in:
- Engaging the campus and broader community in meaningful dialogue and consultation.
- Reviewing institutional data and emerging trends.
- Recommending strategic goals and objectives that reflect institutional priorities and aspirations.
- Supporting a culture of collaboration, shared governance and innovation.
- Ensuring alignment with systemwide goals, accreditation standards and regional needs.
Technology and Planning Team
Members of the Technology and Planning Team include:
- Neisha Rhodes, Director, Presidential Initiatives
- Amanda Theis, Academic Affairs, Chief of Staff
- Jennifer Humphrey, Student Affairs, Assistant Vice President for Operations
- Kristina Stamper, Director for Communications and Creative Services
- Christopher Claus, Professor, Communication Studies
- Dai Li, Director of Institutional Effectiveness & Analytics
- Al Speckens, Deputy Chief Info Officer/Chief Information Security Officer
Process & Timeline
| Phase | Step | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Phase I: Planning | 1. Assessing Campus and Community 2. Commencing the strategic pathway 3. Identifying Strategic Position 4. Facilitating Environmental Scanning |
Oct–Dec 2024 |
| Phase II: Engaging | 5. Making Decisions regarding Strategic Plan Guiding Principles 6. Making Decisions regarding Strategic Direction |
Jan–Apr 2025 |
| Phase III: Developing | 7. Identifying Goals and Metrics 8. Preparing Draft |
May–Jul 2025 |
| Phase IV: Previewing | 9. Presenting Draft 10. Addressing capability planning, strategic budgeting and overall resource management 11. Prepare institution to track, report and celebrate progress |
Aug–Dec 2025 |
| Launch | Spring 2026 |
Blue Dot Teams – Institutional Priority Workgroups
| People and Culture | Student Experience | Resource Optimization | Pride, Identity, Brand | Programs in Partnerships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creating an environment where faculty, staff, and students are empowered to thrive. Cultivating a culture of inclusivity, belonging, and shared purpose that is promoting a sense of belonging and high morale. | Enhancing academic, co-curricular, and support services to ensure a dynamic, relevant, and life-changing student experience. | Ensuring fiscal sustainability by diversifying revenue streams, advancing development efforts, and increasing operational efficiency. | Inspiring pride in Stan State across internal and external communities by elevating recognition of its transformative educational impact and its role as a key regional and statewide economic engine. | Strengthening regional engagement by building partnerships that are enhancing and sustaining academic, co-curricular, and support programs. |
| Co-Leads:
Juan Esquillin Heather Dunn-Carlton |
Lead:
Christopher Claus |
Lead:
Margarita Zamora Saunders |
Lead:
Kilolo Brodie |
Lead:
Sarah Sweitzer |
Updated: June 01, 2026