Palo Alto University (PAU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kristel Nazzal as Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and University Relations (SPUR). In this role, she leads the University’s newly established division focused on strengthening partnerships, elevating PAU’s visibility, and advancing initiatives that connect our mission with the broader community.
The SPUR division brings together Alumni Relations, External Partnerships, Government Relations, Development, and Brand, Communications, and Engagement into one integrated effort. Through this division, Dr. Nazzal is helping to deepen relationships, expand opportunities, and position Palo Alto University for continued growth and impact.
Dr. Nazzal is a psychologist, strategist, and senior higher education leader with more than 15 years of experience spanning human behavior, organizational development, and university administration. A licensed clinical psychologist and proud PAU alumna, she has been an integral member of the PAU community since 2008, contributing to various areas of the University’s growth and impact.
"Dr. Nazzal’s experience in government relations and strategic partnerships, her long tenure at PAU as an educator and trusted leader, and her expertise in mental and behavioral health will help us build the institutional advancement infrastructure of the university and position PAU for long-term success," said President Farouk Dey. " We are fortunate to have her institutional knowledge, strategic mindset, and commitment to collaboration in this important new leadership role."
Prior to this appointment, Dr. Nazzal served as Senior Director of Strategy and Community Engagement in the Office of the President, where she advanced major initiatives, cultivated government and community partnerships, and led executive communications. Earlier in her tenure at PAU, she held several key roles, including Director of Educational Excellence, Director of Undergraduate Engagement and Success, and Associate Director of the M.S. psychology program. Across these positions, she championed teaching excellence and innovation, student belonging, and academic achievement while helping to shape a culture of continuous improvement in teaching and learning. Over more than a decade, she also taught undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, supporting student growth and success across programs.
Beyond PAU, Dr. Nazzal’s consulting work has focused on helping organizations optimize operations, enhance workplace culture, and promote employee well-being through evidence-based approaches. Her professional and scholarly work integrates mental health, transformative teaching, and community-engaged research, areas that closely align with PAU’s mission.
Dr. Nazzal earned her PhD and MS in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University and her BS in International Business from the University of San Francisco. Before joining PAU, she worked in human resources in San Francisco and London.
Through her leadership of the SPUR division, Dr. Nazzal continues to advance work that is grounded in purpose, strengthened by collaboration, and dedicated to human well-being. Her appointment marks an important step in PAU’s ongoing commitment to building partnerships that support growth, innovation, and community connection.