Kevin MacLennan has been helping Colorado students attain a higher education for more than 30 years, and he’s only gained energy when it comes to giving the next generation the tools they need to succeed. 

“It’s an amazing opportunity to help students achieve their dreams,” he said. “Eliminating barriers and helping students continue their education has been my life’s work, and I’m more excited than ever about improving that process and sharing all the amazing things about Colorado State University with anyone who’s interested.” 

MacLennan, who stepped into the interim leadership role in November 2023, will continue to do just that as CSU’s new vice president for Enrollment and Access. 

In this position, he will lead the teams in the Offices of Admissions, Financial Aid and the Registrar to help CSU attract and retain the best possible future classes – as well as to continue to further the University’s land-grant mission to make higher education accessible to all. 

“Over the past year, CSU has greatly benefited from Kevin’s deep expertise in strategic analysis, planning and team building,” said CSU President Amy Parsons. “Kevin is guided by his dedication to inclusive excellence and access throughout every step of students’ enrollment journey. He will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our University community, and we are thrilled that he is part of our leadership team.”

Prior to joining CSU, MacLennan served as the associate vice chancellor of enrollment management for the University of Colorado Boulder, where he also served as assistant vice chancellor of enrollment management and the director of admissions. Before that, he worked in admissions at his alma mater, Western Colorado University in Gunnison. 

He credits a variety of mentors for helping him get his degree, and said he wants to pay it forward through his work at CSU. 

“I’m incredibly passionate about enrollment, access and retention, and I think a diverse, inclusive class that’s focused on equity for all is such an important part of what we do, and is one of the best things we can do for society,” MacLennan said. 

MacLennan said his goal is to ensure that CSU’s enrollment is healthy and has a comprehensive strategic enrollment plan for years to come, and that will require working with partners from across the campus community. 

“Kevin is an experienced, visionary leader who is deeply devoted to CSU’s mission of access and academic excellence,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Marion Underwood. “He led the Enrollment and Access teams through a very challenging year posed by FAFSA delays, helping staff to strategically navigate the fallout and support families dealing with the anxiety of uncertainty. Kevin also is a thoughtful leader who thinks generously toward others, and we are so proud to have him become a permanent member of our Ram community.” 

And after more than three decades in higher education, MacLennan said above all he’s energized about the possibilities at CSU. 

“I like the fact that CSU is a world class university and it’s really focused on student success, retention, and graduation,” he said. “I think the amount of opportunities here at CSU are absolutely incredible, and it offers every single student the ability to really personalize, individualize and customize their education and create as much opportunity for their life after graduation as they possibly can.” 

He added: “I think the faculty, the staff, the students are amazing, and it’s just an incredible place to be able to work. I’m excited to be here, and for this new position.”