As Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo) embarks on an ambitious expansion into California and other western states, its focus remains steadfast: increasing access, affordability, and student success. Through its new RISE regional tuition initiative (available to Resident Instruction students) CSU Pueblo is making higher education more attainable for first-generation and non-traditional students.
In this exclusive Executive Q&A, Kristyn White Davis, Vice President of Enrollment Management, shares the vision behind the expansion, discusses how the university will maintain academic excellence, and outlines why CSU Pueblo is ultimately, uniquely positioned to serve a diverse and growing student population.
Robert Sidenberg: What specific California cities or regions will CSU Pueblo target first in its enrollment expansion, and will there be any in-person hubs or support centers established in the state?
Kristyn White Davis: We are in the process of finalizing the zip codes for our Fall 2025 recruiting cycle, we know from historical enrollment patterns that Orange County and San Diego show strong potential.
Approval for this major tuition change was approved in December of 2024 and shortens our recruiting timeline for the upcoming fall semester; we are very excited about the upcoming fall to bring the message of college affordability for the 2026 graduating seniors and their parents in California, so with the remaining time we for this recruiting cycle we are looking at historical enrollment patterns in Orange County and San Diego, and we are moreover already working on our Fall 2026 recruiting plan to reach more students.
These areas have alumni connections and relationships with high schools that we have nurtured over several years.
As an access-focused institution, our outreach is designed to connect with first-generation students — those who might not initially consider college an option.
We’ll continue targeted digital marketing, participate in California admissions fairs, and deepen our partnerships with school districts. Our counselors will also be actively traveling to California to engage with students directly.
Robert Sidenberg: How does CSU Pueblo plan to ensure the same academic quality and rigor in its hybrid and online programs as it does on its main campus?
Kristyn White Davis: At CSU Pueblo, academic excellence is consistent across all modalities — whether on-campus, hybrid, or fully online; all programs are governed by our accrediting body to ensure quality standards are met.
Our hybrid and online options allow students greater flexibility while maintaining the same rigorous education and support. And many students combine in-person and online learning to balance academics with athletics, work, or personal responsibilities.
Flexibility is key, but so is maintaining the integrity of the CSU Pueblo experience, regardless of format.
Robert Sidenberg: How will CSU Pueblo support first-generation and non-traditional students from California in their transition to (and success within) these programs?
Kristyn White Davis: Beginning as of Fall 2025, we are reinstating our 'Living Learning Communities' in residence halls, providing students with both academic and student affairs mentors.
These communities foster a cohort-based experience, critical for first-generation success.
In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of support services, including free tutoring, counseling, and proactive student engagement programs designed to ensure students thrive socially and academically.
We ultimately aim to create a supportive environment that meets students wherever they are on their educational journey.
Robert Sidenberg: With the RISE program significantly reducing tuition for California students, how does CSU Pueblo plan to sustain this financially, all while maintaining educational quality and services?
Kristyn White Davis: The sustainability of the RISE initiative hinges on expanding enrollment.
By attracting more students from California and other RISE-eligible states, we achieve the volume necessary to sustain affordable tuition rates, while enhancing student services and academic offerings.
We are committed to putting access and affordability first, and Pueblo’s cost of living — lower than many areas in California — further supports this model.
Robert Sidenberg: Outside of California, are there other regions or states CSU Pueblo is focusing on?
Kristyn White Davis: Absolutely. The RISE initiative extends to 10 states: all Colorado-adjacent states plus California, Nevada, and Texas. We are committing to being a top choice for students across the southwest region of the US, and that starts with being affordable.
This opens opportunities for a broader, more diverse student population and reinforces our commitment to regional service and access.
Robert Sidenberg: How will CSU Pueblo adapt programs to serve an increasingly diverse student body?
Kristyn White Davis: Diversity is already a strength of CSU Pueblo - and of the city of Pueblo itself.
We serve rural and urban students, first-generation students, and students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. This prepares us well to welcome students from across the RISE states, ensuring they receive a supportive experience that respects and embraces their individual journeys.
Robert Sidenberg: Where do you envision CSU Pueblo five years from now?
Kristyn White Davis: In five years, I envision CSU Pueblo consistently welcoming RISE students from across the region, while continuing to serve our core community in southeastern Colorado.
We hope to sustain the RISE initiative indefinitely, reinforcing CSU Pueblo’s reputation for putting affordability and student success at the center of everything we do.
Robert Sidenberg: Congratulations on CSU Pueblo’s recent Carnegie Classification designation. Can you speak to its significance?
Kristyn White Davis: We are incredibly proud to have received the new Carnegie classifications. They recognize institutions like ours, those that choose to cast a wider net for admissions and achieve significant economic and social mobility for graduates.
This reflects the strength of our career-aligned academic programs and the commitment of our faculty and leadership to staying responsive to industry needs.
Only 53 institutions nationwide received this recognition, and it reaffirms that CSU Pueblo is truly making a transformative impact.
Robert Sidenberg: Finally, is there a key takeaway you’d like readers in California and beyond to remember about CSU Pueblo’s expansion?
Kristyn White Davis: At CSU Pueblo, we believe deeply in our students and their potential.
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