Dr. Ellen Neufeldt Named CSUSM's Fourth President

The California State University Board of Trustees has appointed Ellen J. Neufeldt, Ed.D., to serve as the next president of California State University San Marcos. Neufeldt currently serves as vice president of student engagement and enrollment services for Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with CSUSM’s exceptional faculty, staff and growing number of supporters to reach new levels of achievement for current and future students,” said Neufeldt. “There has been remarkable growth both on the campus and in the local community and the opportunity for additional growth still remains. This is an exciting time for the campus and the prospects are limitless.”

Neufeldt becomes the fourth president of Cal State San Marcos. She will join the campus in her new capacity in July. Neufeldt succeeds Dr. Karen Haynes who will be retiring at the end of June, 2019 after serving as CSUSM president for nearly 16 years.

“Dr. Neufeldt has been a visionary leader who has demonstrated a commitment to student success throughout her career,” said CSU Trustee Jean Picker Firstenberg, chair of the CSUSM search committee. “She brings a wealth of experience, and will serve as an inspirational leader on the campus and in the community.”

Neufeldt has served as a vice president at ODU since 2011 where she leads the areas of student engagement, student success enrollment services, government relations, Institutional research, marketing and public relations. Her previous higher education leadership roles include service as vice president of student affairs at Salisbury University and assistant vice chancellor for student development and dean of student life at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she also served as the assistant dean of students.

Neufeldt earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and a master’s in educational psychology and counselor education from Tennessee Technological University, and a doctorate of education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Media Contact

Margaret Chantung, Associate Vice President for Communications
mchantung@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-4407