Kari Knutson Miller has been appointed dean of University Extended Education and associate vice president of International Programs and Global Engagement, effective July 1.
Since joining Cal State Fullerton in 1999, Knutson Miller has served as chair and professor of child and adolescent studies. She was named to the interim position leading University Extended Education (UEE) and International Programs and Global Engagement (IPGE) two years ago, and oversees approximately 170 staff and 50 faculty.
José L. Cruz, provost and vice president for academic affairs, applauded Knutson Miller for demonstrating “strong and passionate leadership” for the University’s self-support programs, including: intersession, summer session, Open University, professional development, degree programs, online programs, children’s programs, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Fullerton Arboretum, study abroad, University Semester Abroad, American Language Program and International Programs and Partnerships.
“Please join me in congratulating Dr. Knutson Miller,” said Cruz. “I am confident she will have the support of the campus community as she continues to advance the missions of UEE, IPGE and the University as a whole.”
Knutson Miller, who earned her doctorate in educational psychology from Arizona State University, said she was attracted to the Titan campus because of its mission and students.
“I saw a position in the Cal State University system as being the dream job,” she said. “I wanted to be at a comprehensive campus where teaching, research and service were all of high value.”
As a professor, Knutson Miller enjoyed engaging students in high-impact experiences. When the opportunity arose to join the UEE and IPGE units, she felt it would be a natural fit.
“I was excited by the range of participants involved in UEE and IPGE programs – from children in summer camps to seniors interested in lifelong learning,” she said. “The opportunity to work with colleges and departments, corporations, community-based agencies and international partners to support learning was very appealing.”
Her short-term goals include strategic planning, outreach and partnership development to align UEE and IPGE’s programming with University goals, as well as community interests and needs. Knutson Miller hopes to complement study abroad programs, which have already seen an increase in student participation by 34 percent in the last two years, with the launch of an online platform for global engagement this fall.
“We have more than 38,000 students at Cal State Fullerton, and we would like for all of them to have an international experience,” said Knutson Miller. “Experiences may be internationally located and also available at home.”