Dr. Jolene Koester
California State University, Northridge
Office of the President
Jolene Koester began her tenure as the fourth president of California State University, Northridge in 2000. Since her arrival, Koester has been committed to furthering the excellence of Cal State Northridge. Under her leadership, the university has improved graduation rates, received record levels of fundraising, and become known for its culture of collaboration. Koester initiated a master planning process, which included the conception and development of the Valley Performing Arts Center at California State University, Northridge, which opened in January 2011. She has increased the overall stature of Cal State Northridge, resulting in improved visibility and relationships in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles.
Known nationally for her leadership in higher education, she serves on the Board of Directors for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and was recently appointed to a national steering committee focused on the college readiness of high school graduates. As an active member of the community, Koester serves on the boards of directors for numerous organizations, including the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley, and the Valley Industry and Commerce Association.
Koester has been recognized for her leadership in the community with numerous awards, including a Women in Business Award from the San Fernando Valley Business Journal in 2011, the “Pioneer Woman Award,” presented by the Los Angeles Commission on the Status of Women and the Los Angeles City Council in 2004, and the Armand Arabian Leaders in Public Service Award given by the Encino Chamber of Commerce in 2002.
Academic Experience
President, California State University, Northridge, 2000 to date.
Vice President for Academic Affairs, California State University, Sacramento, 1993-2000.
Provost, California State University, Sacramento, 1996-2000.
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, California State University, Sacramento, 1991-93.
Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, California State University, Sacramento, 1989-91.
Chair, Department Of Communication Studies, California State University, Sacramento, 1986-89.
Education
Ph.D., Speech Communication, University of Minnesota
M.A., Communication Arts, University of Wisconsin-Madison
B.A., College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota