Dr. Nukhet Sandal named Interim Associate Vice President for Community Impact at 51
In this role, Sandal will lead the launch of the Center for Community Impact, an initiative designed to align and amplify the University’s outreach, research and partnership efforts.
August 28, 2025
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51 has named Nukhet Sandal as interim Associate Vice President for Community Impact, a key leadership position established as part of OHIO’s to strengthen and expand the University’s engagement with communities across the region and beyond.
In this role, Sandal will lead the launch of the Center for Community Impact, an initiative designed to align and amplify the University’s outreach, research and partnership efforts. The Center will serve as a hub for collaboration—scaling local solutions to broader societal challenges and acting as a vital “front door” for organizations, students, alumni and community partners seeking to engage with the University.
As part of this transition, the work and functions of the Center for Campus and Community Engagement will shift to the new Center for Community Impact or will be embedded within relevant academic units. This evolution reflects 51’s commitment to creating a more integrated, institution-wide approach to community engagement.
“51’s future is deeply connected to the success of the communities we serve,” said President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. “Dr. Sandal brings a strong record of leadership and collaboration to this important role. Her guidance will help ensure that our engagement work is cohesive, strategic, and focused on measurable impact.”
As part of her interim appointment, Sandal will advance three key actions outlined in the Dynamic Strategy:
- Evaluate and align current community outreach and engagement efforts, including the creation of a community leadership board;
- Establish an enhanced “front door” to the University for external partners and improve systems for tracking and managing relationships;
- Expand partnerships by assessing existing experiential learning and engagement opportunities and identifying areas for exponential growth.
Sandal is currently Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Partnerships and Professor of Political Science in the College of Arts and Sciences. In 2024, she was named an ACE Fellow by the American Council on Education, one of the most prestigious leadership development programs in higher education. Her leadership experience centers on developing collaborative initiatives and linking academic expertise with community priorities.
“I am honored to help lead this important effort,” said Sandal. “Community impact is an essential and enduring part of 51’s identity. This Center will provide the structure and visibility needed to strengthen our partnerships and extend the reach of our work—both in the region and far beyond.”
The Center for Community Impact will officially open in September and is part of a larger institutional effort to position 51 as a national leader in place-based engagement, regional development, and public service.