Harlan Sands, J.D., M.B.A, former president of Cleveland State University, is an accomplished leader in public higher education, with over 20 years of executive experience across complex institutions. During his presidency, University, he led the development and execution of CSU 2.0, a strategic growth plan focused on enrollment expansion, new academic programs, faculty investment, and deepened community partnerships. In 2019, Sands was named on Cleveland Magazine Most Interesting People list, and in 2021 he was a Crain’s Cleveland Business Newsmakers of the Year. His leadership, CSU achieved enrollment gains, financial stability, and enhanced student support. Harlan remains a professor at CSU law, teaching professionalism and legal ethics.

 

Prior to CSU, Sands served as vice dean and CFO at the Wharton School, overseeing finance, operations, HR, compliance, and strategic planning. He also held senior roles at the University of Louisville, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Florida International University, where he combined operational leadership with faculty and research center responsibilities.

 

Harlan began his career as a U.S. Navy officer and later served as an assistant public defender in Miami. He holds a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School, an MBA in Finance from George Washington University, and a J.D. from George Mason University.

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