Dr. Ronald D. Kraft, SCU President

Southern California University of Health Sciences President Ronald Kraft took office on September 1, 2007, to lead the University into the future of integrative medicine in a building process where academic quality, innovation and leadership are inextricably bound together.

“Southern California University of Health Sciences is a remarkable place,” he said. “It’s an environment that values student-centered learning, providing a vital link between traditional approaches to healing and complementary and alternative medicine; between theory and practice; and between effective action and planning for a successful future.

Dr. Kraft brings a strong blend of roles in higher education, business and elected public office to his position. His background includes a love of Southern California, where he has spent most of his over twenty-five years as a higher education administrator, faculty member and professor and as an executive in business.

Upon the announcement of his selection as president by the Southern California University of Health Sciences by the Board of Regents in September of 2007, Dr. Kraft stated as his major priorities:

• To lead the university in a focused commitment to build a more powerful institution based on a successful history as a place where the traditions of 100 years of health and wellness and complementary and alternative medicine provide a clear imperative for an integrative approach to the future of healing
• To successfully implement a shared strategic orientation and plan to build the University’s performance, stature and international reputation
• To lead a consistent university-wide commitment to academic excellence, while, maximizing student growth, retention and enrollment loyalty
• To create a learning-based environment that will foster innovation
• To lead strong professional management programs that develop both competent practitioners and successful professionals

Dr. Kraft, a native of California, served three years as CEO and president of the Alliance for Corporate Education, a pioneering agency of the Washington State Community and Technical Colleges charged with coordinating workforce programs and training of the state's higher education sector to business and industry. This followed an appointment as Vice President at Lord Fairfax Community College in suburban Virginia, where he also served as special assistant to the President. In California, he served as a professor of entrepreneurship, chair, and directed the Community Programs at Southwestern Community College. Dr. Kraft was a publicly elected trustee serving four terms as a governing board member and as President of the board for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District in California.

Dr. Kraft has held senior level positions in the private sector, as an executive vice president of a financial firm and chief operating officer of an international services company, and managing partner of a strategic consulting firm serving high growth companies, higher education and foundations. He received his PhD in higher education administration and leadership from Capella University in Minnesota, his Master’s and Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, and his Associate’s degree from Grossmont Community College in San Diego. He currently serves as a founding director on the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation Board and was instrumental in establishing the Southern California Foundation branch. He has served on many higher education panels, as well as on a variety of boards and councils in California, Virginia and Washington.

Dr. Kraft speaks at the local, state and national levels on leadership, entrepreneurship and successful business practices, the role of higher education in training and economic development, and the role of college regents and trustees in advancing the mission of their institution. He has written articles on leadership and is the author of “Strategic Planning for the Entrepreneur, and No Fear Entrepreneur” (upcoming release through DPL Press, 2008).

He and his wife, Janene, have two grandchildren and share four wonderful children.