SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (February 13, 2024) — Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Keller S. Magenau as the new Executive Director of Institutional Assessment, Research, and Planning. With a rich background as a first-generation college student who started in the California Community College system, Dr. Magenau brings over 20 years of experience in higher education, focusing on access, equity and student success programs.

“Dr. Magenau is an excellent addition to SBCC and just what we need to make us better,” said Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas, Ph.D. “Adding Dr. Magenau to the team will enhance our institutional effectiveness through greater access to and use of data as we continue our focus on student success.”

Dr. Magenau's journey in higher education began at Golden West College, leading to a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University and a Ph.D. in Sociolinguistics from Georgetown University. Her career has been marked by a commitment to achieving parity in student outcomes, especially for underrepresented and marginalized students. Her work in institutional research and planning is driven by a fundamentally human-centered and context-driven approach. Dr. Magenau believes that "Data are just summaries of thousands of stories," underscoring the importance of translating institutional data into actionable insights that reflect the real and complex experiences of SBCC students.

In her new role, Dr. Magenau is set to introduce innovative, equity-focused, and student-centered practices to SBCC, drawing from her experience in developing programs that elevate student voices and perspectives. She is eager to collaborate with her seasoned research team and the broader SBCC community to develop new tools and strategies that enhance access to critical information, supporting actionable inquiry and decision-making aligned with SBCC's mission.

“I’m really excited to be part of this moment at SBCC. I’ve met so many colleagues whose decades-long devotion to the college is infectious. And in my experience, a leadership team that works well together can really catalyze positive change. The college seems to have landed into that special dynamic with this skillful executive team universally dedicated to equity and student success. There are wonderful things happening all across the college. It’s such an honor to be part of it.”

Dr. Magenau's appointment signals a new chapter in SBCC's commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that supports the success of all students. The college community looks forward to the impactful contributions she will make in her role as Executive Director of Institutional Assessment, Research, and Planning.

SBCC is currently searching for an Assistant Superintendent/Vice President - Human Resources. Please check the link to learn more about opportunities at SBCC.