Reena Lichtenfeld

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University announced the appointment of Reena Lichtenfeld as its new vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing. She will join the executive leadership team and provide strategic leadership for enrollment management, marketing, and communications at a pivotal moment in the university’s history following the acquisition of Cambridge College.

Lichtenfeld brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, enrollment strategy, admissions operations, and marketing across private, public, online, and for-profit institutions. Her career reflects a deep commitment to access, innovation, and student-centered outcomes, with expertise spanning undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, online, adult, and transfer populations.

“Dr. Lichtenfed’s appointment represents an important investment in Bay Path’s future,” said Sandra Doran, president of Bay Path University. “She brings an exceptional combination of strategic vision, data-informed decision making, and a genuine passion for serving learners at all stages of their learning journey. As we continue to integrate Bay Path University and Cambridge College, Reena’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our enrollment strategies, unifying our brand, and expanding access to a Bay Path education.”

Most recently, Lichtenfeld served as senior vice president at RNL + Encoura, where she led Enrollment and CRM Consulting Services, overseeing organizational assessments, marketing and communication audits, and student journey optimization for institutions nationwide. Her prior roles at RNL + Encoura include Vice president, assistant vice president, and executive consultant, during which she advised colleges and universities on strategic enrollment planning, recruitment strategy, governance, accreditation, and compliance.

Earlier in her career, she held senior enrollment leadership roles at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development and Laureate Education, where she led large, multi-national admissions and operations teams, launched new institutions, developed global transfer credit and transcript evaluation processes, and spearheaded major change management initiatives across multiple regions.

At Bay Path, Lichtenfeld will oversee undergraduate and graduate admissions, marketing, communications, and the enrollment center, leading a division of 56 professionals. She will guide the development of data-informed enrollment and marketing strategies that support the university’s mission, strengthen brand identity across all campuses and online programs, and drive sustainable enrollment growth across all modalities.

“I am honored to join Bay Path University at such an exciting and transformative time,” Lichtenfeld said. “Bay Path’s mission-driven focus on access, career relevance and workforce development, and student success deeply resonates with me. I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, and leadership to build integrated enrollment and marketing strategies that tell the Bay Path story clearly, expand reach to new partners and markets, and support learners at every stage of their educational journey.”

Lichtenfeld holds a doctor of education degree in higher education administration from Walden University, a master of education degree in higher education administration, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina. She is a contributing faculty member at Walden University, mentoring doctoral students in higher education leadership, and is a published author and frequent presenter at national higher education conferences. She is also a CliftonStrength certified coach and brings a collaborative, appreciative-inquiry-based leadership approach to her work.

Lydia Dodson

LONGMEADOW — Lydia Dodson, a skilled higher education professional with more than a decade of senior leadership experience, has been named chief of staff to the president at Bay Path University. She reports directly to President Sandra Doran.

In this role, Dodson will lead the operations of the Office of the President and serve as liaison to the board of trustees, partnering closely with board leadership to support effective governance, trustee engagement, and board communications. She will also oversee presidential communications, guide the university’s grants strategy, and coordinate government relations efforts, helping to align external partnerships and resources with Bay Path’s mission and long-term strategic priorities.

“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Dodson to our executive leadership team,” Doran said. “She brings a deep understanding of higher education strategy, governance, and workforce alignment, along with a collaborative leadership style that reflects our institutional values. Dr. Dodson’s experience building strong partnerships and advancing innovation will support Bay Path’s continued growth and impact.”

Most recently, Dodson served as executive director of the Future of Work Institute & Partnerships at Massasoit Community College, where she led workforce and economic development initiatives and cultivated partnerships across education, government, and industry. Previously, she served as chief of staff and associate vice president of Strategy, Planning, and Innovation, following earlier roles in the President’s Office, including serving as primary liaison to the board of trustees.

“It is an exciting time to join Bay Path University at this pivotal moment in higher education,” Dodson said. “I am honored to become part of a university community that is deeply committed to providing career-focused education, expanding access and opportunity for students, and serving as a vital contributor to the region’s economic growth.”

Dodson earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Johnson & Wales University. She holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a doctor of education degree in higher education leadership from Johnson & Wales University.