After eight months of searching for a new president, Ellen J. Neufeldt Ed.D. was appointed as CSUSM’s fourth president at the March Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, March 20.

Neufeldt is currently vice president of student engagement and enrollment services for Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, Virginia.

She will officially start her title as president this upcoming July.

CSU Trustee member Jean Picker Firstenberg, who was also chair of the CSUSM Search Committee said Neufeldt is someone who, “demonstrated a commitment to student success throughout her career.”  

“She brings a wealth of experience, and will serve as an inspirational leader on the campus and in the community.”

Neufeldt will be replacing President Karen Haynes, who announced her retirement on September 2018 and will retire in June 2019. Haynes, who is currently the longest serving president in the CSU system, has had a steady student growth rate, 15 new buildings created and an off-campus center in Temecula.

Haynes said Neufeldt is someone who possesses a “trailblazing, community-engaged and innovative mindset.”

Neufeldt has had previous leadership experience in higher education, such as serving as vice president of student affairs at Salisbury University, Maryland. She acted as Assistant Vice Chancellor for student development at the University of Tennessee, where she was also dean of student life and assistant dean of students.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in educational psychology and counselor education from the Tennessee Technological University. She also earned a doctorate of education from the University of Tennessee.

Neufeldt said that she is thrilled to be able to work with the faculty, staff and students of CSUSM and looks forward to her time as president.

“I know that there’s such a positive trajectory to move forward from together,” she said, “I have so much pride and I’m thrilled to be someone who can lead them on the next chapter of the journey.”