Sharon Reich Paulsen
About Sharon Reich Paulsen
Sharon Reich Paulsen serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Administration Officer at The George Washington University, a position she has held since 2022. She has extensive experience in higher education administration and legal affairs, having previously held roles at the University of Minnesota Law School and the University of Vermont.
Current Role at The George Washington University
Sharon Reich Paulsen serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Administration Officer at The George Washington University. She has held this position since 2022, contributing to the university's administrative leadership in Washington, DC. In her role, she oversees various administrative functions and strategic initiatives that support the university's mission.
Previous Experience at University of Minnesota Law School
Sharon Reich Paulsen worked at the University of Minnesota Law School as Associate Dean for a total of 16 years, split between two terms. Her first tenure lasted from 1991 to 2004, and she returned for a second term from 2012 to 2015. During her time in this role, she was involved in academic administration and contributed to the development of legal education.
Legal Career and U.S. Department of Justice
Before her academic roles, Sharon Reich Paulsen practiced law as a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice from 1984 to 1988. This position in Washington, D.C., involved litigation and legal representation for the federal government. Following her tenure at the Department of Justice, she worked as a Business Litigation Attorney at Faegre & Benson LLP from 1988 to 1991.
Educational Background
Sharon Reich Paulsen holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from Yale University. She furthered her education at Stanford Law School, where she earned her Doctor of Law (J.D.). Her educational background provides a foundation for her extensive career in law and higher education administration.
Roles at University of Vermont
At the University of Vermont, Sharon Reich Paulsen held multiple positions. She served as Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel to the President from 2016 to 2017. Subsequently, she was the Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, and Senior Advisor to the President from 2017 to 2022. These roles involved overseeing legal matters and advising university leadership.