California State University San Marcos President Ellen Neufeldt announced the appointment of the university’s next vice president of Finance and Administrative Services, Leon Wyden.
Wyden currently serves as vice president for Administration and Finance at Frostburg State University (FSU) in Frostburg, Maryland. Frostburg is part of the University System of Maryland.
At CSUSM, Wyden will be responsible for overseeing a division of 240 employees with six subdivisions: administration, business and financial services, facilities development and management, human resources, the university police department and the CSUSM Corporation. Wyden’s appointment will begin at the end of May 2021.
“Leon is a versatile leader with a tremendous track record of financial and strategic leadership supporting institutional priorities, facilities master planning, improving fiscal and administrative operations and ensuring financial sustainability,” Neufeldt said.
“Furthermore, he is extremely dedicated to student success and inclusive excellence. I know that he will be a tremendous asset to our university as we navigate the ongoing challenges related to the pandemic, and look to the future with a strategic, collaborative, innovative and adaptive spirit.”
Wyden’s previous positions include vice president for Business Affairs at the University of Findlay, vice president for Finance and Administration at Tiffin University, and associate vice president of Finance and Planning at Upper Iowa University. Wyden’s first position in higher education was as deputy controller at Howard University.
“I am grateful to Leon Wyden for his leadership, collegiality and advice over these past three years,” said Ronald Nowaczyk, president of FSU. “His guidance has especially been invaluable through this past year of the serious financial disruption and uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are in a much better position than we could have been because of his steady hand, foresight and collaborative nature.”
“I have long believed that higher education is the golden key for social mobility and a better life – and I’m pleased to be joining a university so well regarded for empowering people and enriching the region it serves,”
Wyden said. “I’m excited to join CSUSM and I look forward to getting to know the students, faculty and staff.”
Wyden holds a bachelor’s of business administration in accounting from the University of Detroit Mercy and is a certified public accountant. He succeeds Mary Stephens, who has served in the interim role since the retirement of Neal Hoss in fall 2020.
About California State University San Marcos
Building on an innovative 30-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. Located on a 306-acre hillside overlooking the City of San Marcos, it is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego, Southwest Riverside and South Orange counties.
The university enrolls more than 16,000 students. With approximately 2,000 employees, the institution is a Great College to Work For® (The Chronicle of Higher Education). As a recipient of the annual HEED Award since 2014—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—CSUSM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. For more information visit csusm.edu.
