Dr. Shari Saperstein is vice president of student life at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), overseeing all aspects of the student experience. She is a student-centered leader with a proven commitment to fostering inclusive, engaging, and supportive environments. Dr. Saperstein has more than 30 years of experience overseeing a diverse portfolio of programs and excels in data-driven decision-making to drive impactful outcomes.
Most recently, she served as vice president for student affairs at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Florida, where she led efforts to enhance the student experience across academic support, residential life, student conduct, disability services, campus engagement, and career development. Additionally, as a member of both NSU’s President’s Council and Dean’s Council, she played a key role in shaping strategic initiatives and policies.
Earlier in her career, she held impactful roles at institutions including Vassar College, The New School, and University of Southern California (USC), building a reputation for innovation, advocacy, and deep student engagement.
Dr. Saperstein earned her doctor of education in Higher Education Administration from NSU’s Fischler School of Education, her master’s in Higher Education Administration from New York University, and her bachelor’s in Communication Studies from Buffalo State University.
A native New Yorker, she enjoys connecting with others, exploring new culinary experiences, staying active, and traveling with her husband, Scott, and their two sons, Leo and Vance.