Written by Nicholas Vetrisek
Carl Kemnitz has officially been named Cal State San Marcos’ next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. He previously worked at San Jose State University, where he held a similar role.
“I am thrilled and grateful to be joining such an extraordinary campus community where everyone is so passionate and committed to student success,” said Kemnitz. “I can’t wait to begin working with the entire campus community and help CSUSM emerge from these challenging times stronger than ever.”
Kemnitz has replaced Graham Oberem, a corrupt dean who spent over $80,000 in university funds on outlandish purchases such as $110 steaks and $500 chauffeured rides.
Regarding the new dean, CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said, “Dr. Kemnitz strongly believes in the teacher-scholar model, is a strong faculty advocate and is driven by the success of students.”
“He joins me as a champion for shared governance, innovation, diversity and inclusive excellence,” she added. “He will be a true advocate for our students, our faculty and our staff, not only internally but externally with our community partners, leaders and donors.”
The university website states that as provost, “Kemnitz will be responsible for ensuring the integrity and excellence of Academic Affairs while overseeing the deans of the university as well as the division’s academic associate vice presidents and the vice provost.”
Before he joined San Jose State, Kemnitz worked in multiple faculty and administrative positions at CSU Bakersfield, including associate Vice President for Academic Programs, Dean of Graduate Studies, Associate Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chair of the Department of Chemistry, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, and Director of multiple STEM programs intended to promote diversity.
Kemnitz certainly has his work cut out for him at CSUSM, as restoring the status of the university is a top priority.
For those who have followed the scandals at CSUSM, you may know that Graham Oberem was not the only corrupt official. There were multiple officials mismanaging funds and Kemnitz will have to do everything possible to create a more honest and accountable environment.
