Bio


Kirsti Copeland oversees the Office for Student Affairs in the School of Engineering. Student Affairs includes the Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Global Engineering Programs, and the Technical Communication program, which provide various opportunities such as fellowships, research grants, internships, academic support, and more. The OSA also works with students and offices across campus to develop, explain, and implement Stanford’s academic policies for students at all levels and to manage funding for graduate students and postdocs.

Prior to coming to the School of Engineering, Kirsti worked in the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at Stanford for twelve years in five different positions. At VPUE, she taught courses designed to introduce first-year students to college thinking, worked as a full-time professional advisor, and ultimately served as Associate Dean for Residential and Pre-Major Advising.

As part of her scholarly work, Kirsti has appeared in five documentaries, which aired on the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, and the National Geographic Channel. Kirsti continues to teach in Religious Studies and Classics.

Current Role at Stanford


Associate Dean, Student Affairs, School of Engineering

Education & Certifications


  • Ph.D., Princeton University, Religion (2001)
  • M.T.S., Harvard Divinity School (1995)
  • A.B., Princeton University, Religion (1993)

2023-24 Courses