Dear Neighbors,
"Education has opened doors throughout my life. It gave me opportunities to teach, to lead, to work alongside talented people from many different backgrounds, and to spend a career solving complicated problems that rarely came with simple answers.
That is why I am running for the Sierra College Board of Trustees.
Sierra College plays an extraordinary role in our community. It prepares students to transfer to universities, develop career skills, build new lives, and pursue opportunities they may not have imagined were possible. I want to ensure those opportunities remain available to students of every age and background.
As a Trustee, I will listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, follow the facts, and make decisions based on what best serves students and our community. I will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, administrators, students, families, employers, and residents while remaining an independent voice on the Board.
I believe good leadership means being willing to hear different points of view, manage resources responsibly, prepare for change, and never lose sight of the people we are there to serve.
I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote."
I am sincerely honored to be endorsed by the Sierra College Faculty Association. 
Meet Dennis Grossman, PhD
I have spent more than 35 years working at the intersection of science, education, public policy, organizational leadership, and collaborative problem-solving.
My career has included teaching through UC Davis, serving in executive leadership positions with respected scientific organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and NatureServe, and serving the State of California as Senior Advisor for Environmental Science and Policy. Throughout that work, I have led teams, managed complex initiatives, worked with public agencies and private organizations, and brought people with different interests together to solve difficult problems.
I earned my Ph.D. in Plant Ecology and master's and bachelor's degrees in Botany. Education has shaped my life, both as a student and as an educator, and I want to help make sure Sierra College continues opening those same kinds of doors for generations to come.
I'm a small business owner, and Auburn is home. I continue serving our region through conservation and community work in Placer County. My wife Christine and I enjoy the outdoors, gardening, our family, and my longtime passion for woodworking.
My Priorities for Sierra College
I believe every student should have access to a safe, supportive, high-quality education that prepares them for what comes next. As a Trustee, I will listen carefully, make thoughtful decisions, and keep students and their future at the center of my work.
- Expand Opportunities for Student Success - I will support strong academic, transfer, career and technical education, and workforce programs that prepare students for careers, four-year colleges, and personal achievement.
- Make Education Accessible at Every Stage of Life - Sierra College serves recent high school graduates, working adults, career changers, lifelong learners, and students returning to education. I want high-quality opportunities to be accessible to students of all ages and backgrounds throughout our communities.
- Listen Before Making Decisions - I will bring an open and objective mind to the Board, listen respectfully to different viewpoints, ask thoughtful questions, and make decisions based on the facts and what best serves Sierra College and its students.
- Support Great Teaching and the People Who Make It Possible - Excellent education depends on excellent people. I will work to ensure our faculty and staff have the resources and facilities they need, along with fair compensation for their expertise.
- Foster an Open and Constructive Communications Culture - I will encourage strong communication and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, administration and the Board.
- Prepare Sierra College for the Future - Technology is changing education and the workplace at remarkable speed. I want Sierra College to use online learning, emerging technology, and Artificial Intelligence thoughtfully, taking advantage of new opportunities while addressing the challenges they create for teaching, learning, and academic integrity.
- Create a Safe, Supportive Environment for Learning - Students should be able to learn in an environment where they feel safe, supported, challenged, and respected. I want Sierra College to help students become curious, knowledgeable, capable, and responsible members of their workplaces and communities.
Help Build a Stronger Future for Sierra College
Join the campaign to support students, empower educators, and ensure our community has a strong voice in the decisions shaping our institution.
Contact The Campaign
Who is Dennis Grossman?
Dennis Grossman is a scientist, educator, small business owner, and experienced public and nonprofit leader with more than 35 years of experience bringing people together to solve complex problems. His career includes teaching through UC Davis, executive leadership with The Nature Conservancy and NatureServe, and serving as a Senior Advisor for the State of California. Dennis is running for the Sierra College Board to help ensure this educational opportunity remains strong and effective in an ever-changing world. He will listen to the people Sierra College serves and bring thoughtful and responsible leadership to the decisions shaping its future.