SACSA Welcomes Dr. Ellen J. Neufeldt as Opening Keynote Speaker

SACSA is excited to welcome Dr. Ellen J. Neufeldt, President of California State University San Marcos, as the opening keynote speaker for our 76th Annual Conference on Sunday, November 1st.

As higher education continues to navigate uncertainty, competing priorities, and institutional change, student affairs professionals are challenged to lead with clarity, courage, and perseverance while remaining grounded in their commitment to student success.

In her opening keynote, Standing in the Gap: Leading Through Complexity and Building the Bridge Forward, Dr. Neufeldt will explore what it means to lead intentionally through complexity while advancing equity, supporting holistic well-being, and strengthening the teams and institutions that serve students. Grounded in this year's conference theme, The Bridge Forward: Reshaping, Reigniting, Reclaiming, the session will challenge attendees to move beyond reaction and embrace forward-thinking strategies that sustain both their teams and the profession. Special attention will be given to inspiring and retaining the next generation of student affairs professionals, helping them recognize the responsibility and transformative power of this work.

Meet Our Keynote Speaker

Dr. Ellen J. Neufeldt is the fourth president of California State University San Marcos, where she has served since 2019. Under her leadership, CSUSM has advanced a new strategic plan, expanded innovative and high-demand academic programs, transformed its campus, and achieved record-setting gains in enrollment, research, and philanthropy. A recognized leader in higher education innovation and student success, she has championed workforce-aligned programs, strengthened community partnerships, and elevated national conversations about social and economic mobility. Her achievements have earned numerous regional and national honors, including NASPA's President's Award and the San Diego Business Journal's CEO of the Year.

Dr. Neufeldt has been a member of SACSA since 1996, making the association her professional home for three decades. Throughout her involvement, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including SACSA president, conference chair, Foundation Board member, member-at-large, local arrangements chair, and faculty member and director of the Mid-Managers' Institute. Her contributions have been recognized through SACSA's Howard Davis Senior Award, Melvene Hardee Award, and Lifetime Membership Award.

Join Us Sunday Evening

Begin the SACSA 2026 Annual Conference with an inspiring conversation about leading through complexity, investing in the future of student affairs, and building a bridge forward for our profession. Join Dr. Neufeldt on Sunday, November 1st, as we gather in Greenville, South Carolina, to reflect on the leadership, courage, and collective commitment needed to shape what comes next.