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 that 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, he 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 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.

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Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Mills’ first day on the job is July 28. He is replacing Kathryn McFarland, who in August will conclude her one-year term as CSUSM’s interim associate vice president of Enrollment Management Services.

The interim chief enrollment officer position will report to the office of President Ellen Neufeldt.

“I’m excited to join President Neufeldt and the team at CSUSM,” Mills said. “I’m honored for the opportunity to build upon the institution’s track record of success.”

Mills brings to CSUSM nearly 40 years of experience in enrollment management and student affairs. His career includes serving as vice president for student affairs and chief enrollment officer at Sacramento State, where he led transformative initiatives to enhance student success and institutional growth.

Most recently, he was brought on at Sonoma State on a special two-year assignment to support the university with its enrollment turnaround. Under his leadership, enrollment grew for the first time in a decade. Before his time at Sacramento State, he served as the vice provost for enrollment and student services at Cleveland State University. 

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Mills, a national expert in enrollment, to our team,” Neufeldt said. “As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Mills embodies a deep commitment to access and student achievement, values that resonate with our mission at CSUSM. His extensive experience and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to advance our enrollment objectives and support student success.”

Mills will serve in an interim role only. A national search will be conducted for any permanent enrollment leadership position at CSUSM.

Mills holds a bachelor’s degree in health science from Kansas State, a master’s in counselor education and student personnel from Penn State and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and human resources studies from Colorado State.