Welcome, Chancellor Michelle Marks

Starting a leadership position during a moment as tumultuous as this is challenging. Assuming the job of chancellor of a premier urban public research university is particularly so. Fortunately, Michelle Marks, CU Denver’s new chancellor, is well-equipped to navigate this moment – and the disruptions and opportunities that lie ahead – while elevating the campus to new levels of excellence in its service to our students, the community and the great state of Colorado.

Chancellor Marks joined us last week from George Mason University in Virginia, where, in her most recent capacity of vice president for academic innovation and new ventures, she provided key leadership in many endeavors, including shaping the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of her career as a faculty member and an administrator, Michelle has demonstrated a deep commitment to students and their success and has a proven track record as an effective, collaborative, visionary leader. Her work to foster diversity, inclusion and equity in higher education is notable, as is her entrepreneurial spirit, which has yielded valuable public-private partnerships. I am confident Michelle is the leader we need now and in the future. I hope you can participate in the “100 days of listening” tour she has planned. Please join me in welcoming her to the CU family.

I would be remiss if I did not once again thank and celebrate Chancellor Emerita Dorothy Horrell. Dorothy’s bold leadership enabled CU Denver to achieve prominence, prestige and impact. I am grateful for her exceptional service to the university, her passion for our students and their educational journeys, and the indelible mark of distinction she leaves on CU Denver and Colorado.