Palo Alto University Names Margo Landy as Its First Vice President for Enrollment Management

Palo Alto University (PAU) has named Margo Landy, PhD, its inaugural Vice President for Enrollment Management, effective November 16, 2026. In the new role, Dr. Landy will oversee admissions, financial aid, registrar operations, and student progression as PAU builds on its fall quarter numbers, with new student enrollment growing by more than 13%.

Dr. Landy comes to PAU from California College of the Arts, where she served on the President's Cabinet as Vice President of Enrollment Management and led Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Records, and Enrollment Operations. Earlier in her career, she held enrollment leadership roles at San Francisco State University, the University of the Pacific, Holy Names University, and the University of the Pacific's School of Dentistry. She holds a PhD from UNC Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley.

“In Dr. Landy, we have found the exact experience PAU needs at this pivotal moment," said PAU President Farouk Dey, PhD. “She has led enrollment work through complex institutional change and built the systems that help students move from inquiry to graduation. She has done both with operational precision and genuine care for the people. I am thrilled to welcome Margo to our community.”

At CCA, Dr. Landy oversaw approximately $40 million in annual federal and institutional aid and was praised for bringing structure, clarity, and stability during a period of significant institutional transition. Nationally, she serves on the Board of Directors of the International Education Research Foundation and holds leadership positions with the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

The appointment comes at a time of rising interest in psychology, counseling, and social work, as more people look toward careers built on human understanding. For PAU, creating a dedicated enrollment leadership role reflects a commitment to supporting students at every step, from their first inquiry through graduation, and to making sure the people drawn to this work can find their way to it.