Beth Lesen

Beth Lesen serves as the vice president for student affairs at California State University, Long Beach. In this role, her portfolio encompasses 40 different departments and programs, including student health services, counseling and psychological services, access services for students with disabilities, basic needs, multicultural affairs, and housing and residential life. She has over 30 years’ experience serving diverse communities in New York, Ohio, and California, with expertise in counseling, behavioral intervention, student risk assessment, and disability services/learning disabilities. Lesen holds a Ph.D. in counseling and school psychology and she is a former faculty member from The City University of New York, where she also served as executive director of access, wellness, and counseling. As a higher education leader, her expertise as a psychologist has positioned her to lead equitable and inclusive strategic priorities centering student mental health as an essential pillar of academic success.