Responding to Your Request for More Information on Leadership Searches

Sep. 28, 2020

Dear CU Denver community,

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying hearing from so many of you in my listening sessions – they’re a true highlight of my day. A common theme has been the desire for more openness and transparency around the searches for key leadership positions. I am writing today to update you on the status of four key searches, and to provide information on how you can provide input and stay informed on the progress of these searches as they unfold over the course of this academic year.

• Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, CU Denver (chaired by School of Education and Human Development Dean Rebecca Kantor and College of Arts and Media Associate Professor Quintin Gonzalez)
• Vice Chancellor for Communications, CU Denver (chaired by College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Pam Jansma and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Gabriel Castaño)
• Vice Provost/Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Success, CU Denver | Anschutz
• Chief Information Officer, CU Denver | Anschutz

We are launching the searches for the first two of these roles this week. The student success search will launch in October. We have retained the search firm WittKieffer to assist us for these three searches. And we are developing a strategic structure for Information Technology leadership and anticipate launching a CIO search this fall as well.

A newly created Leadership Search page on my website provides information for the two searches that have begun, including search committee members and a mechanism to provide campus feedback and candidate nominations. From the page, you may register for open forums to talk about these searches and to help identify the key qualities and qualifications in the ideal candidate. Note that the first forum for staff input on the VC for DEI position is this Thursday, Oct. 1 and the all-campus input session on the VC for Communications position is this Friday, Oct. 2. Be sure to check the website regularly for updates on these searches and new information in October once the search for Vice Provost/Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Success begins. 

Building a strong leadership team for CU Denver is critical to our shared success. This is a priority for me, and I know from your feedback how important it is to you as well. That’s why I’m committed to being transparent and soliciting your input on these key searches. I so appreciate how much you care about this, and am grateful for your perspective on the traits and skills we should seek in the leaders who will help lead us through these complex and challenging times into a stronger, more innovative future.

With appreciation,

Michelle Marks
Chancellor
@MarksMichelleA