Columbus State Appoints New ‘Chief’ to Oversee Enrollment and Student Experience

Following the retirement of the current vice president of its enrollment division, Columbus State University has hired a University of West Georgia vice president to oversee all its enrollment and student engagement efforts.

Kim Scranage, currently vice president for strategic enrollment management at the University of West Georgia, will begin her tenure on Feb. 1 as Columbus State’s chief student experience officer. She succeeds Dr. Chip Reese, who retires this month as CSU’s vice president for enrollment services.

Scranage brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education—including serving in five administrative roles within student services—to her new role at Columbus State.

“I am honored to bring my passion and dedication to student success, community impact and responsible stewardship to this thriving university,” Scranage said. “Columbus State’s commitment to student success resonates deeply with my own professional philosophy. I am eager to contribute to initiatives that prepare students not only for graduation but also for meaningful lives and rewarding careers. By focusing on well-being, belongingness, safety and career readiness, CSU is creating a dynamic environment where students thrive.”

Her appointment as chief student experience officer aligns with President Stuart Rayfield’s strategy of creating “chiefs” over critical functional areas within the university. Scranage’s duties will include overseeing the university’s student affairs enterprise—student life, housing, well-being and new-student orientation—along with admissions and student recruitment efforts in enrollment management.

“We are excited to bring someone of Kim’s experience and expertise to Columbus State University,” Rayfield said. “We have strong enrollment and student affairs teams that have energized the campus and helped grow enrollment again over the last few semesters. I expect Kim to build on that success and help us retain and attract students at unprecedented levels.”

Scranage began her higher education career in 1997 as an admissions recruiter. Before the University of West Georgia, she served in executive enrollment management roles at Northern Kentucky University, Kutztown University in Pennsylvania and Shepherd University in West Virginia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia State University and a master’s degree in strategic leadership from Mountain State University.