CSUSM Names New Chief Enrollment Officer
Cal State San Marcos has announced the appointment of Peter A. Lien as its new chief enrollment officer.
Lien joins CSUSM from the University of Northern Colorado, where he has served as associate vice president for Enrollment Management since 2021. He brings more than 15 years of experience in enrollment management and admissions across public and private higher education institutions.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to higher education because of its ability to change the trajectory of a student, a family and a community,” Lien said. “That is what makes CSUSM so special. I’m incredibly excited to join President Neufeldt and a university so deeply committed to student success and creating real opportunity for so many students. I look forward to helping build on that impact.”
At the University of Northern Colorado, Lien leads a 100-person enrollment division encompassing admissions, financial aid, the registrar, bursar operations and extended campus programs serving undergraduate, graduate and international students. He also co-chairs the university’s Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, working across across all campus divisions to align recruitment, affordability and retention strategies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Pete to CSUSM and are confident that his combination of strategic enrollment leadership, commitment to access and student success, and collaborative approach will serve our university exceptionally well,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. “Pete brings a deep understanding of the enrollment landscape and a proven record of bringing people and data together to advance institutional goals. At a time when higher education is navigating significant changes in demographics, student needs and the competitive landscape, Pete’s leadership will be instrumental in building on our enrollment momentum and ensuring CSUSM remains a place where students can see a path to achieving their dreams.”
During his tenure at UNC, Lien helped establish enrollment analytics, forecasting and financial aid optimization processes that contributed to a 3.4% increase in overall undergraduate headcount. He implemented the university’s first-year admissions guarantee, launched the UNC Tuition Promise to expand access for Colorado students with significant financial need, and helped advance enrollment strategies that contributed to UNC becoming the newest Hispanic-Serving Institution in Colorado.
Before joining UNC, Lien served as director of Recruitment at the University of Idaho. Earlier in his career, Lien held progressively responsible admissions and enrollment positions at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., where he began his career in higher education. His experience includes developing access initiatives for first-generation college-bound students, working with community and school partners, and collaborating with faculty and academic departments to support student recruitment and success.
In his new role, Lien will oversee CSUSM’s Enrollment Management Services division and lead enrollment strategy, working closely with Neufeldt, university leadership, academic colleges and student support units to advance the university’s strategic enrollment plan and priorities.
Lien holds a master’s degree in educational leadership with an emphasis in higher education from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Concordia College. He was named the 2023 Educator of the Year by the Greeley Dream Team, a Colorado organization focused on supporting students through education and career pathways.
Lien will begin his new role at CSUSM on Nov. 1.
Media Contact
Eric Breier, Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314