Kumar brings more than 15 years of CSU experience to a new role connecting financial strategy, enrollment and operations.
Balvinder Kumar has joined Cal Poly Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE) as its inaugural associate dean of strategic business operations and planning, effective Oct. 5, 2026.
The new position brings together financial and resource planning, enrollment strategy, business operations, facilities and data-informed decision support. Kumar will work with CPGE Dean Larisa Preiser-Houy and the college leadership team to connect the college’s strategic goals with the resources and systems needed to support sustainable growth.
As CPGE expands its programs and partnerships, the associate dean role will help align enrollment priorities, operational capacity and financial planning. That coordination supports the college’s work to expand learning opportunities for working professionals, adult learners and partners while maintaining long-term financial and operational sustainability.
Experience in Continuing Education
Kumar brings more than 15 years of experience in the California State University system, spanning professional and continuing education, self-support operations, financial and enrollment management, and organizational leadership. Most recently, she held a leadership role with CSU East Bay’s University Extension and International Programs, working across professional and graduate education, workforce development and international programs.
Kumar described her service in an interim associate vice president role as especially formative. Working across responsibilities and with colleagues who brought different perspectives and priorities strengthened her belief that effective leadership begins by understanding the people doing the work.
Building the Role With the CPGE Team
CPGE’s strategic plan and workforce development work were among the reasons Kumar was drawn to the college. She welcomes the opportunity to build a new leadership role within a team that already has a clear direction.
Kumar plans to begin by getting to know colleagues, listening to their ideas and learning the college’s culture before recommending changes. She hopes to be an accessible partner to staff and a thought partner to faculty as CPGE develops programs and partnerships that serve learners and communities.
Outside of work, Kumar enjoys cooking, walking and celebrating team successes.