Two New Chancellors Named – Daniele Struppa for Chapman’s Orange Campus and Gary Brahm for University College – Both Reporting Directly to President Doti


University College, Chapman’s Network of Campuses for Adult Learners in California and Washington, Will Incorporate and Be Accredited Separately


Saskia Knight Appointed University College Vice-Chancellor
for Enrollment and Student Affairs


ORANGE, Calif., May 16, 2007 – Chapman University will undergo major operational restructuring, effective June 1, President James L. Doti announced today. University College – Chapman’s network of campuses aimed at adult learners, located throughout California and Washington state – will incorporate separately from the main Orange campus and become subject to separate accreditation. Two new chancellors – both reporting directly to President Doti – will be named: Dr. Daniele Struppa, current university provost, will become chancellor of the main Orange campus; and Gary Brahm, current executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Orange campus, will become chancellor of University College. Saskia Knight, current Chapman vice-president and dean of enrollment services, has been appointed vice-chancellor for enrollment and student affairs in University College.


“This is a historic moment in the life of our university,” President Doti said in his announcement to Chapman faculty and staff. “The Orange campus and University College have much in common in their commitment to quality and personalized education. But operationally they are significantly different – different customers, different delivery models, different marketing and recruitment strategies, different management, different faculty governance structures and decidedly different curricula. We believe this restructuring is critical to enabling University College to be competitive in serving the needs of the growing population of adult learners, while allowing Chapman University to achieve its full potential.”


The restructuring provides for the creation of the two new leadership positions: chancellor of University College and chancellor of Chapman University. Daniele Struppa, Ph.D., who arrived as Chapman’s provost last July 1, will serve as Chapman University chancellor. “Daniele has far exceeded even my high expectations of him,” said President Doti. “He has led the university in the preparation of an academic affairs plan that will guide our strategic thinking for the next few years, engaged in a vigorous analysis of the future of science at Chapman, and was instrumental in the establishment of the new College of Performing Arts. He is now beginning to study the possibility of adding programs in engineering and health sciences and an International Institute to our university.” Dr. Struppa will assume direct responsibility for the enrollment management and student life divisions, which in the past reported directly to the president.


Gary Brahm, currently executive vice president and COO of Chapman University, will become the chancellor of University College. “Gary has served Chapman successfully and faithfully since 1994,” said President Doti. “He is a seasoned professional who is fully versed in the nature of adult education in this country, and has a remarkable resume that includes extensive experience in the non-profit academic world. Since coming to Chapman, Gary has significantly advanced our goals of academic excellence and financial strength. He has had a direct leadership role in University College; passionately believes in its mission, purpose and vision; and enjoys the trust and confidence of our board of trustees. I believe Gary is the ideal person to launch this exciting new endeavor.”


Saskia Knight, appointed new vice-chancellor for enrollment and student affairs in University College, is Chapman’s current vice-president and dean of enrollment services. She first joined Chapman in 1988 as university registrar. President Doti noted, “Under Saskia’s leadership, we have increased our incoming SAT scores for 16 consecutive years – an unparalleled achievement in higher education. This is even more remarkable given that at the same time, Saskia was responsible for successfully implementing key strategies to build enrollment and administrate financial aid. I am very pleased to report that just last week I received word that Chapman University College has been selected to receive the 2007 Noel-Levitz Marketing and Recruitment Excellence Award – wonderful recognition for Saskia and her dedicated team.”


Chapman’s organizational restructuring comes about as a result of studies carried out by a task force appointed by Provost Struppa last August. The task force met for two months, and the provost then issued a recommendation for separate accreditation for University College. The conversation then continued, and at its January meeting the Chapman Board of Trustees approved the proposal to separately incorporate University College and thereby make it subject to separate accreditation.


President Doti offered thanks and appreciation to the special committee of trustees who gave generously of their time and expertise: committee chair Charles Martin, George Argyros, Jerry Cwiertnia, Michael Hayde, David Henley, Doy Henley, David Janes, William Hood, Joann Leatherby, Jim Roszak and Don Sodaro.

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