Chris Hirschler
Assistant Vice President of Academic AffairsÂ
Hired in 2026
Education
B.S., Excelsior University
M.A. SUNY Brockport
Bio
Dr. Christopher Hirschler is an innovative, student-centered academic leader, educator, and advocate driven by a desire to improve the lives of people and animals. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, and global initiatives, he is passionate about creating opportunities that inspire academic, personal, and professional growth. His collaborative, servant-leadership approach emphasizes student success, equity, inclusion, shared governance, and building relationships that create meaningful, lasting change.
Throughout his career, Dr. Hirschler has led academic programs, advanced curriculum development, strengthened student support and advising, fostered community and clinical partnerships, and championed innovative approaches to teaching and learning. His professional expertise spans accreditation, enrollment growth, online education, public health, workforce development, service learning, and international education. He has secured more than $1 million through 13 grants, authored 14 publications, delivered more than 50 conference presentations, and taught more than 200 courses at colleges and universities.
Beyond higher education, Dr. Hirschler is deeply committed to community service and nonprofit leadership. His board experience includes leadership roles with organizations focused on healthcare, domestic violence prevention, education, and international humanitarian work. As President and Vice President of A Better Life Guatemala, he helped advance initiatives that secured $63,000 in grants and contributed to providing healthcare to more than 3,000 patients and delivering more than 122,000 meals. He has also served on the boards of University Hospitals, Lorain County Safe Harbor/Genesis House, Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, and Excelsior University's Alumni Leadership Council, where he currently serves on the Executive Committee as First Vice President.
A strong believer in giving back locally, Dr. Hirschler is particularly excited to serve his new community through volunteer work as a dog walker with the Herkimer County Humane Society. His commitment to animal welfare reflects a lifelong passion for making a positive difference, whether through education, community service, or helping animals find loving homes.
Dr. Hirschler is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) and has completed executive education and leadership programs through Harvard University, Yale University, Cornell University, and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO).
He believes that education has the power to transform lives and that effective leadership begins with listening, collaboration, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.