Richard J. Sands Ph.D.

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Business and Management

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Dr. Richard J. Sands, MBA, CLSSBB, is a scholar-practitioner and experienced leader in strategic planning, process improvement, and operational excellence. With 33 (1992-2025) years of leadership experience across healthcare, business, and financial services, and 19 (2007-Present) years of concurrent experience in higher education, he brings a practical, outcomes-focused approach to teaching and mentoring. His work emphasizes ethical leadership, continuous improvement, and equipping learners to apply concepts directly to real organizational challenges.

EDUCATION:

• Ph.D. in Management (Leadership and Organizational Change), Walden University Dissertation: Does Six Sigma Reduce Defects & Increase Efficiencies?
• Master’s Certificate in Lean Six Sigma – Healthcare, Villanova University
• M.B.A., Pepperdine University, Graziadio Business School
• B.S. in Management, Pepperdine University, Graziadio Business School
• A.S. in Business, Citrus College

CAREER HISTORY:

Academic Appointments

• Associate Professor, CBM, Hope International University (2026–Present)
• Adjunct Professor, National University (2020–Present)
• Adjunct Professor, Los Angeles Pacific University (2017–Present)
• Subject Matter Expert (as needed), Saylor Academy (2022–Present)
• Adjunct Professor, Capella University (2009–2015)
• Adjunct Professor, University of Phoenix (2007–2014)

Professional Leadership

• Consultant, The Tay Group | Blue Shield of California (2024–2025)
• Director, Process Improvement, Providence Health & Services (2022–2024)
• Consultant, RGP Consulting | Providence Health & Services (2021–2022)
• Director, UnitedHealth Group (2010–2021)
• Senior Program Manager, Kaiser Permanente (2005–2010)
• Founder, SANDS Insurance & Financial Services (2003–2005)
• Senior Product Manager, PacifiCare Health Systems (2001–2003)
• Land Surveyor, Vulcan Materials Company (1995-2001)
• Land Surveyor, SANDS Land Surveyors, (1983-1995)

ACADEMIC INTERESTS:

Dr. Sands’ academic interests center on bridging theory and practice in ways that improve organizational outcomes and develop ethical, service-oriented leaders. Primary areas of focus include:

• Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence
• Healthcare operations and process improvement
• Business management, agility, and scalable execution
• Ethical leadership and corporate responsibility
• Technology, innovation, and the practical use of analytics for decision-making
• Project Management & Scaled Agile Framework

COURSES:

Dr. Sands has taught and/or developed graduate and undergraduate courses across business, management, leadership, operations, healthcare administration & management, supply chain, communication, Lean Six Sigma, project management, and digital marketing. Representative courses include:

• Management & Leadership:

         o Principles of Management

         o Organizational Behavior

         o Leadership Theory & Practice

         o Strategic Thinking

         o Entrepreneurial Leadership

         o Leadership & Managerial Ethics

• Operations & Quality:

         o Business Operations Management

         o Operations Management

         o Improving Quality & Productivity

         o Production & Operations Management

         o Supply Chain Management

• Healthcare:

         o Healthcare Delivery Systems

         o Healthcare Financial Management

         o Healthcare Information Technology

         o Healthcare Ethics & Quality Control

         o Healthcare Management & Administration

• Communication & Project Management:

         o Public Communication

         o Business Communications

         o Project Management

         o Lean Six Sigma

         o Agile Scaled Framework

• Information Systems & Innovation:

         o Information Systems for Managers

         o Technology & Innovation,

         o Information & Supply Chain Systems

PUBLICATIONS:

• Six Sigma Success Factors (Book)

         o http://amazon.com/author/drsands

• Does Six Sigma Reduce Defects & Increase Efficiencies? (Doctoral Dissertation)

         o https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1932/

MINISTRY:

Dr. Sands’ faith has been a lifelong commitment grounded in a Christ-centered worldview. He was dedicated into the Christian faith as a baby, regularly attended church while growing up, and later chose adult baptism to publicly proclaim his relationship with Jesus Christ. In adulthood, he served in the church through leadership and mentorship, including leading Men’s Groups, and he produced weekly services. This ministry experience informs his commitment to servant leadership, humility, and service to others in both professional and academic settings.

HOBBIES/INTERESTS:

Outside of academia and consulting, Dr. Sands enjoys cooking and creating informative educational content (including video-based learning resources). He also values mentoring and service opportunities that align with faith-based leadership and community impact. And taking adventurous road trips with his wife, Jen.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” —Calvin Coolidge

LIFETIME SCRIPTURE:

Mark 10:42–45 This passage frames servant leadership as Christ modeled it, leading through service, humility, and self-giving for others.