Division of Student Affairs Employee Award Archives

Who was Sandra R. Kuchler?

Sandra began her 21-year CSU career at San Diego State University. In 1981, she was named Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the San Diego State University North County Center. During this time, she worked closely with outreach and recruitment efforts, influencing the Center’s growth from 167 students to 2000 over a 10-year period. 

In 1989, when California State University San Marcos was born, Sandra worked diligently to ensure that a blueprint for accessible student services was adopted.  She held responsibility for the development and management of Counseling & Psychological Services, Disability Support Services, and Student Health Services. In 1993 she was appointed Associate Dean of Students with responsibilities that included Student Conduct, Student Activities, and Alumni Services.  In 1998 Sandy was appointed Dean of Students providing leadership within Student Affairs and the broader campus community.

What colleagues recall about Sandra...

"Having traveled with her on recruiting trips to malls and events back in the 80's, I firmly believe her unfailing commitment to growing a campus in North County is what sustained the dream and brought it to fruition."

"She was a champion for re-entry students – ensuring their success and future, a supporter of women in higher education, and two of Sandy’s mentees went on to longstanding careers in the CSU"

"She was always focused on doing what was best for the students."

"I will always remember Sandy’s unparalleled support of students. The word “no” wasn’t in her vocabulary. In discussions she would always turn the focus back to the students and their needs. If students needed help after hours, she would figure out how to make that happen. If they felt disenfranchised, she would create a vehicle for them to connect. She also loved the one on one contact with students. She is one of the reasons SDSU-North County and CSUSM were known for being student-centered."

Sandra had a huge impact on students and coworkers whose lives were made better by her impact.  Sandra sadly passed away in 1999 just a few weeks shy of her 51^st birthday. 

We all stand on the shoulders of those who built the foundations we inherited - just as others will stand on our shoulders in the years to come.

Sandra R. Kuchler Award Recipients

• 2020/2021 | Todd Snedden
• 2019/2020 | Not Awarded
• 2018/2019 | Rosa Barr-Williams
• 2017/2018 | Diana Sanchez
• 2016/2017 | Perla Rivas & Patricia Reily
• 2015/2016 | Va'Shajn Parr
• 2014/2015 | Hilary Taylor & Jim Mickelson
• 2013/2014 | Cathy Nguyen
• 2012/2013 | Fritz Kreisler & Donna Dawn
• 2011/2012 | Jennie Ruiz & Sara Gallegos
• 2010/2011 | Karen Nicholson & Diana Soderbeck
• 2009/2010 | Patricia Diaz
• 2008/2009 | Margaret Nuttall
• 2007/2008 | Nathan Evans
• 2006/2007 | Pam Bell
• 2005/2006 | Lorena Checa & Diana Sanchez
• 2004/2005 | Pamela Wells
• 2003/2004 | Rodger D'Andreas
• 2002/2003 | Rosa Mora & Susan Mitchell
• 2001/2002 | Vonda Reyes
• 2000/2001 | Dilcie Perez & Paul Phillips
• 1999/2000 | Sandra L. Punch