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Provost's Office Staff
Associate Provost for Institutional Engagement & Student Experience Kathy Purnell
Dr. Kathy G. Purnell, PhD, MSW, MSc, CEC, CLC
Associate Provost for Institutional Engagement & Student Experience
Dr. Kathy is an accomplished higher education leader whose work centers on well-being, belonging, and psychological safety. She partners with students and employees to create environments where everyone can flourish and contribute meaningfully to campus life. Currently serving as Associate Provost for Institutional Engagement & Student Experience at La Sierra University, Dr. Kathy works closely with the Provost and senior leadership to design and operationalize strategic plans that strengthen student success and institutional climate and engage our community.
A creative strategist, storyteller, innovator, and futurist, she uses technology to deepen connection and belonging, reimagine learning and engagement, amplify voices and stories that matter, and spark innovation and discovery. With extensive leadership experience in social work education across both online and face-to-face settings, Dr. Kathy has been at the forefront of innovation in teaching and learning, leading groundbreaking initiatives that build thriving online communities and foster deep engagement.
Dr. Kathy serves as co-principal investigator on a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant that uses virtual reality (VR) and other innovative strategies to augment teaching and learning in STEM and other disciplines in higher education. She has advised university presidents, led campus-wide strategic initiatives, and designed institutional surveys and studies on belonging and campus climate. Her scholarship and practice emphasize the power of research, storytelling, and digital innovation to create spaces of connection, growth, and discovery. She mentors students in their academic and professional journeys, supports leaders, educators, and institutions in expanding access to online learning, and provides spiritual encouragement for individuals navigating difficult life transitions.
Dr. Kathy holds a Ph.D. in Education, a master's degree in Social Work, and a master's degree in Instructional Design and Online Technology, along with certifications in executive, leadership, and transformative coaching.
Originally from London, England, with roots in the Caribbean, Dr. Kathy finds joy in travel and values time with her family and friends. She treasures faith, laughter, and the simple ritual of sharing tea and conversations as reminders of life's grounding and sustaining moments. From her early years in higher education to her current leadership role, Dr. Kathy's "why" has remained the same: to create pathways where students and employees feel supported, safe, heard, empowered, and equipped to thrive in a changing world. She is looking forward to engaging with you!
Interim Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives Marni Straine
Interim Associate Provost for Strategic Planning Marni Straine
Throughout Dr. Straine’s 14 years of exceptional experience in both the academic and practical application of social work, she has repeatedly proven her ability to step up and lead the charge on initiatives that benefit her students and her community.
She holds a D.S.W. from the University of Southern California and a professional background in child abuse investigation and family reunification assessment and processes. Her interests expanded into the realm of policy and macro practice leading to her service since 2013 as the faculty sponsor for students’ participation in the National Association of Social Workers' Annual Legislative Lobby Days in Sacramento. She is also a founding member of the Love Your Neighbor collaborative initiative based in the Riverside mayor’s office and aimed at ending homelessness.
This year, Dr. Straine and her students represented La Sierra University at the California Social Welfare Archives conference, the first Inland Empire university to participate. The university was represented alongside the Annenberg Foundation and the UCLA Social Welfare Department. She holds numerous certificates and focuses on academic and practice areas that include administration and leadership, policy advocacy, macro social work, and faith-based community organizing.
Outside of teaching, guiding students into their social work careers and advocating for the most vulnerable in our communities, she is a busy mother of two children ages 13 and 10, both of whom attend La Sierra Academy. Her husband, Kevin Straine, serves as the Business Development Manager for the MBA Cohort Program in the Zapara School of Business, and as a pastoral intern at La Sierra University Church.
Sam McBride, Ph.D.
Associate Provost
Associate Provost for Academic Support Sam McBride
The Associate Provost for Academic Support aids the work of the Provost by overseeing:
- the Office of the Registrar
- the Library
- Student Academic Success Services
- the Division of Online Learning
- Title V Projects
- the Writing Center
Kaitlyn Satelmayer
Executive Coordinator
Provost's Office
Executive Coordinator Kaitlyn Satelmayer
As Executive Coordinator, Kaitlyn Satelmayer serves as the "front desk" for the Provost, planning events and coordinating meetings (with a particularly important role in preparing for graduation ceremonies).
Kaitlyn came to the Provost's Office after working as the Curatorial and Administrative Assistant at the Center for Near Eastern Archaeology. With a Master’s degree in Near Eastern Archaeology from La Sierra University, her archaeological interests include Domestic Religion and the Archaeology of Childhood.
When not working or pursuing archaeological activities, Kaitlyn enjoys trying out various new baking recipes and taking evening walks around the neighborhood, which usually involve lots and lots of stops to pet all the cats she comes across.
Her life goals include pursuing a PhD. She wants to work with students to uncover the past and share the gift of curiosity with others.
Office Location
Administration Building
Suite 225
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