Rachel Guettler. Photo courtesy of California Lutheran University.
Advancement leader focuses on collaboration, innovation and opportunities for future growth
THOUSAND OAKS — For over 20 years, Rachel Guettler, Ed.D., has built her career in philanthropy, student enrollment and leadership coaching. She will bring this expertise to her new position as the vice president for growth and advancement at California Lutheran University. Guettler will start Aug. 17 as the senior leader responsible for advancing the university’s enrollment strategies and leading institutional growth through fundraising, partnerships and external engagement.
“A leader in development and growth in higher education, Rachel has a strong mission-driven approach and background in relationship-building that aligns with Cal Lutheran’s vision and values,” said Laureen Hill, M.D., MBA, chief strategy and growth officer.
As the VP of growth and advancement, Guettler will leverage data, analytics and insights to develop fundraising strategies aligned with the university’s priorities. She will work with colleagues across Cal Lutheran on initiatives to support sustainable enrollment growth across undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, Guettler will serve as a key member of the university leadership team in shaping strategy and direction.
“Every great university is built on people who believe in its mission,” Guettler said. “Transformational growth occurs when teams cultivate meaningful relationships, inspire shared purpose and strategically align resources with institutional goals. I am honored to bring my experience to California Lutheran University to serve our mission and community as vice president of growth and advancement.”
Guettler joins Cal Lutheran after 12 years with Pepperdine University in leadership positions, most recently as the vice chancellor of development. During her tenure, she launched and taught in the Pepperdine Consulting Certificate Program and served as a teaching consultant for the capstone projects of the Master of Science degree in Management and Leadership Program at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School.
Before Pepperdine, she was the assistant director of admissions and career advancement for AMDA College of the Performing Arts. She is the principal of OperaTune, which coaches individuals, teams, nonprofits and corporations in empowered philanthropy, public speaking and building powerful teams.
Guettler holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, a master’s degree from California State University, Northridge, and two bachelor’s degrees from Florida State University.
About California Lutheran University: Founded in 1959 and federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016, California Lutheran University is home to over 2,200 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students. Our students come from 58 countries and represent many faiths and spiritualities. Our dedicated, accomplished faculty teach in small classes, guiding our students as they grow into open-minded leaders who are strong in character and judgment, confident in identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Everyone at Cal Lutheran is committed to helping students pursue their passions, discover their purpose and transform their communities. Learn more at CalLutheran.edu