University chooses new VP of Student Life and Enrollment Management 

Pittsburg State University has announced Karl Stumo as the new vice president of Student Life & Enrollment Management. 

Stumo comes to Pitt State from Moorhead, Minnesota, where since 2015 he has been vice president of Enrollment and Marketing at Concordia College — a private, four-year liberal arts college with about 2,000 students. 

He will begin his new role at Pitt State on July 24.  

“I am honored and excited to join the Pitt State community,” he said. “It’s clear to me that Pitt State is experiencing positive momentum right now. Enrollment is growing, the academic program is strong and thriving, the student life experience is rich with opportunity for involvement and belonging, and the economic vitality of Pittsburg and the surrounding Southeast Kansas area is tremendous.” 

Stumo will oversee the offices of Admission, Financial Aid, Registrar, Student Life, and Student Success.  

“There’s a strong sense of excitement for the future among students, faculty, and staff here,” he said. “I look forward to collaborating with the campus community in all the good work ahead!” 

Stumo brings to Pitt State more than 20 years of leadership experience in admissions, enrollment, marketing, and financial aid at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, Drake University in Des Moines; Iowa State University in Ames; and Concordia. 

Stumo earned his bachelor’s degree from Concordia, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Seattle University. 

In his most recent position at Concordia College, Stumo directed a data-informed recruitment strategy that resulted in enrollment growth in new freshmen for several years; directed financial aid budgets; and oversaw enrollment technology improvements. 

He led a national alumni referral and recruitment campaign; collaborated with the Office of Student Success on retention initiatives; and established partnerships and programs related to inclusion and belonging, including driving first-generation and international enrollment. 

The list of his professional memberships and activities is lengthy. It includes membership in the Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling and the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the National Government Relations Advisory Committee, and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers.  

He has served on several community-level boards and task forces, including public school boards and educational foundations.  

As for hobbies, Stumo describes himself as a “passionate yet average golfer.” 

“We are excited to have a person with Dr. Stumo’s credentials to lead our new division and provide the leadership to grow our institutions programs and enrollment,” said Provost Howard Smith.