OFA News

Faculty Leadership Institute selects 16 faculty fellows for 2026-27

kawo5219 — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 23:40:34 +0000

Faculty Leadership Institute selects 16 faculty fellows for 2026-27 kawo5219 Wed, 09/09/2026 - 17:40

The Office of Faculty Affairs is pleased to welcome the 2026-27 Faculty Leadership Institute (FLI) cohort. This program has supported and connected current and emerging faculty leaders across ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� since 2013.

The FLI offers cohort participants the opportunity to engage with peers and campus leaders in targeted discussions regarding leadership from a variety of position perspectives and to build leadership skills. Through panel discussions with department chairs, associate deans, deans and vice provosts, fellows gain a deeper understanding of leadership across the Boulder campus while building connections across disciplines.

The program also includes professional development such as the Clifton Strengths self-assessment and workshops grounded in the fuller Getting Things Done, Crucial Accountability and The Speed of Trust trainings offered by the Organizational and Employee Development team of campus Human Resources. These elements support faculty participants in self-reflection as current and emerging leaders, and in building leadership strengths. By investing in emerging faculty leaders, FLI continues to foster a strong network of colleagues who contribute to the success of their departments, disciplines and ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

Congratulations to the faculty selected for the AY 2026-27 FLI cohort:

Rachael R. Baiduc, Associate Professor, Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences
Meredith Betterton, Professor, Physics
Matthew Gerber, Associate Professor, History
Adrianna Gillman, Associate Professor, Applied Mathematics
Daniel A. Hirshberg, Teaching Associate Professor, Center for Asian Studies
Charles Hoke, Teaching Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering Sciences
Kathia Ibacache, Associate Professor, University Libraries
Isabel Koster, Associate Professor, Classics
Henry Lovejoy, Associate Professor, History
Kristin Moore, Teaching Associate Professor, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology
Govind Persad, Associate Professor, Law
Petger Schaberg, Teaching Associate Professor, Program for Writing & Rhetoric
Nathan Schneider, Associate Professor, Media Studies
Brian Valente-Quinn, Associate Professor, French & Italian
Chris J. Vargo, Associate Professor, Advertising, Public Relations & Design
Erin Willis, Professor, Advertising, Public Relations & Design

Questions? Contact Anu Sharma, Faculty Fellow for the Faculty Leadership Institute.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� names AY 2026–27 Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP) fellows

kawo5219 — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 19:07:41 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� names AY 2026–27 Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP) fellows kawo5219 Wed, 08/26/2026 - 13:07

Thirteen faculty and staff members from across ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� have been selected for the University of Colorado's Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP), a yearlong experience that brings together high-performing faculty and staff from across the four CU campuses and system office.

Please join us in congratulating the AY 2026–27 cohort:

Janet Donavan, Director of Undergraduate Studies and Teaching Professor, Political Science
Marissa Ehringer, Chair and Professor, Integrative Physiology
Maryam Jamshidi, Associate Professor, Law
Natalie Kooi Sim Ooi, Teaching Professor, Masters of the Environment
Kelly Parkes, Chair and Professor, Music Education
Sriram Sankaranarayanan, Chair and Professor, Computer Science
Philip White, Associate Professor, University Libraries
Sarah Zechman, Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Professor, Leeds School of Business
Chrissy Harrison, Assistant Dean of Administration, College of Communication, Media, Design & Information
Carlos Sepulveda, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Office of the Chancellor
Kat Dailey, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Health & Wellness, Employee Health & Wellbeing
Audra Pinkerton, Principal Giving and Strategic Initiatives Officer, Office of Advancement
Jill Jones, Executive Director of Career Services & Student Employment, Career Services

Leadership development at a university as large and complex as CU requires more than skill-building. Through ELP, fellows participate in monthly sessions, campus visits and conversations with senior leaders from across the CU system and gain a deeper understanding of how decisions, priorities and partnerships connect across campuses.

More than 230 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� faculty and staff have taken part since the program launched 26 years ago. Hosted by CU System Employee Services and supported by the provost and the senior vice chancellor for operations, ELP remains one of the university's signature leadership development opportunities. Merinda McLure, director of faculty and academic leadership development in the Office of Faculty Affairs, and Kristin Martina, organizational development consultant with Campus Human Resources, serve as ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� liaisons for the ELP.

"The ELP provides fellows with a unique opportunity to build relationships with peers and senior leaders across our CU institutions," said Martina. "Participants consistently tell us that the immersive nature of ELP broadens their understanding of the university system while strengthening their confidence and effectiveness as leaders," McLure added.

As the cohort begins its journey together, these fellows join a growing network of CU leaders committed to advancing the university's mission through collaboration, innovation and service.

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New faculty, academic leaders launch AY 2026-27 with FDS Week

kawo5219 — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:35:38 +0000

New faculty, academic leaders launch AY 2026-27 with FDS Week kawo5219 Mon, 08/17/2026 - 09:35 Ka Yong Kleiner

This year, the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) welcomed new and returning faculty members and academic leaders to ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� under the Faculty Development and Success (FDS) Week banner, a campuswide series of orientation, networking and professional development events designed to foster connection, engagement and success from day one.

By the numbers

137 new faculty members welcomed at New Faculty Orientation, representing tenure-track, teaching, clinical, faculty-in-residence and visiting scholar appointments. Chancellor Justin Schwartz greeted attendees during the morning program, and Provost Ann Stevens rounded out the day by welcoming everyone to the afternoon Faculty SPACE social gathering.
41 academic leaders participated in Academic Leaders Institute (ALI) New & Returning Leaders Orientation.
86 attendees joined the ALI Fall Summit on artificial intelligence.
FDS Week spanned orientation, leadership development, community-building and professional learning opportunities across multiple campus units including the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL), the Office of Information Technology (OIT), the Office for Public and Community-Engaged Scholarship (PACES), Research & Innovation Office (RIO), Faculty-Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), and Employee Health & Well-Being (EHWB).

At New Faculty Orientation on Aug. 13, new faculty explored key campus resources and opportunities for involvement at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. Sessions introduced participants to a dedicated Canvas course that serves as an information hub, along with a “who’s who” directory of new faculty. The third annual Buff Besties session offered a fun, informal opportunity for faculty to begin to build relationships, while the Faculty Resource Fair featured more than 20 campus offices sharing resources ranging from athletics and research computing to public engagement, sustainability and well-being. Attendees also joined a plenary discussion on shared equity leadership and Thriving at CU breakout sessions focused on teaching, research and creative work, and student mentoring.

Earlier in the week, more than 40 department chairs, associate chairs, program directors, and other academic leaders participated in the Academic Leaders Institute (ALI) New & Returning Leaders Orientation. The program highlighted strategies and resources for navigating difficult conversations, partnering with ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Advancement and strengthening leadership networks across campus.

FDS Week also included the Aug. 14 ALI Fall Summit on artificial intelligence. The event brought together national thought leaders, including Dr. Leo Lo from the University of Virginia and ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� faculty member Dr. Casey Fiesler, to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in higher education and its implications for academic life and leadership.

“Faculty are at the heart of everything we do at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. FDS Week is about helping new and continuing faculty build meaningful connections, discover resources that support their success, and engage with important ideas and conversations,” said Michele Moses, vice chancellor and senior vice provost for faculty affairs. “We are excited to welcome (and welcome back!) this accomplished group of faculty and academic leaders to our community and look forward to supporting them throughout their journey at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.”

FDS Week marks the start of a yearlong commitment to faculty growth, connection and success. To stay informed throughout the year, subscribe to the FDS newsletter.

For more information, contact FacultyAffairs@Colorado.EDU.

Photos by Glenn Asakawa and Patrick Campbell.

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Start the year strong with Faculty Development & Success (FDS) Week

kawo5219 — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:02:16 +0000

Start the year strong with Faculty Development & Success (FDS) Week kawo5219 Wed, 07/15/2026 - 09:02

2025 orientation events for new faculty including New Faculty Orientation, ALI New Leaders Orientation, and Faculty SPACE social.

The start of a new academic year is a time for preparation, goal-setting, and new possibilities. While students return to campus with renewed excitement in the air, faculty are paving the way for the semester ahead. It’s hard work to balance the various dimensions of academic life: from course planning and advancing research and creative work to leadership responsibilities and community building.

To help faculty launch the year with confidence, the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) is introducing the inaugural Faculty Development & Success (FDS) Week—a week-long series of events, workshops, orientations and resources designed to help faculty navigate the opportunities and demands of the academic year ahead.

The initiative is being led by Merinda McLure, OFA's director of faculty and academic leadership development, and Burke Hilsabeck, OFA's director of faculty relations and community, who together oversee the office's efforts to support faculty development and success across all career stages.

“By bringing together the diverse opportunities available to faculty under the new FDS Week banner, we hope to make it easier for all faculty to discover and engage in these events,” said McLure. “We are so grateful for the partnership of campus offices across ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� in this effort and are pleased to highlight their commitments to supporting faculty, not only during this week but also throughout the year.”

Whether you're new to campus or a longtime member of the faculty community, FDS Week offers a convenient way to explore professional development and support opportunities from OFA and campus partners—all in one place. Programming will cover topics ranging from teaching, academic technologies, research and creative work to leadership, well-being, community engagement, and career development.

“We want faculty to see the wealth of support that is available to them across campus,” Hilsabeck added. “Faculty are at the heart of our mission as the state’s flagship public university, and we hope that FDS Week demonstrates how much we value and support their hard work and service toward that mission.”

Think of FDS Week as a chance to invest in yourself before the semester's pace takes over. Discover new resources, reconnect with colleagues, build your network, and find opportunities that align with your goals for the year ahead.

Ready to get started?

Visit the FDS Week website for event details and information about participating campus partners. Explore the full schedule, register for events that interest you and add them to your calendar.

View and download FDS Week calendar

Questions? Email OFAFDS@Colorado.EDU.

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From insight to impact: Meet ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� sesquicentennial faculty scholars

kawo5219 — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:45:18 +0000

From insight to impact: Meet ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� sesquicentennial faculty scholars kawo5219 Mon, 04/20/2026 - 13:45 Ka Yong Kleiner

Left to right, starting from the first row: Professors Waleed Abdalati, Brian Argrow, Annie Booth, Emmanuel David & Yumi Roth, Mimi Engel, Alena Grabowski, Sarah Matsumoto, Sammy Ramsey, Mehak Sawhney, and Phoebe Young.

What happens when some of ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� most imaginative researchers, creators and innovators step away from their labs, studios and field sites—and take center stage?

In celebration of its 150th anniversary, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� is inviting you to find out. This fall, the Sesquicentennial Faculty Scholars Program will spotlight faculty whose research and creative work are shaping how we understand the world and addressing the pressing challenges of our time. Through two public events in Denver and Boulder, audiences will experience ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� scholarship as it was meant to be shared: bold, engaging and deeply connected to the public good.

Each event features a lineup of faculty delivering TED Talk-style presentations designed for broad audiences. These aren’t traditional lectures. They’re accessible, story-driven presentations that bring big ideas to life, showcasing how ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� scholarship connects to real‑world issues across health, climate, culture, technology and the arts, and why that work matters far beyond campus.

“This program captures what makes ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� special,” said Michele Moses, vice chancellor for faculty affairs. “Our faculty are advancing knowledge in ways that serve communities and the public good, and these events offer a powerful way to experience and celebrate that work firsthand during our sesquicentennial year.”

The Denver event on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, brings together an interdisciplinary group of scholars and artists—Waleed Abdalati, Brian Argrow, Emmanuel David, Yumi Roth, Sarah Matsumoto, and Phoebe Young—for an evening that explores how ideas move from insight to action.

The celebration continues in Boulder on Thursday, Nov. 19, with presentations by Annie Booth, Mimi Engel, Alena Grabowski, Samuel Ramsey and Mehak Sawhney, offering fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping our future.

Open to ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members, these events will provide a unique window into ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� faculty excellence and its continued impact into the future. Registration details and venue information will be announced soon. Space is limited; join us in Denver and Boulder and be part of ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� sesquicentennial celebration in action.

For updates on the Sesquicentennial Faculty Scholars program and ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� 150th anniversary events, please visit the program webpage or contact FacultyAffairs@Colorado.EDU.

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Faculty Leadership Institute (FLI) accepting applications through May 1

kawo5219 — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:24:01 +0000

Faculty Leadership Institute (FLI) accepting applications through May 1 kawo5219 Wed, 04/01/2026 - 14:24

The Faculty Leadership Institute (FLI) is a year-long professional development experience designed to prepare and strengthen the next generation of academic leaders. FLI gives faculty first-hand insight into leadership experiences, career pathways, and faculty-related issues through monthly engagement with ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� campus leaders, interactive workshops, and intentional cohort-building—providing the foundation for advanced leadership roles on campus.

Here’s what two recent participants shared about their journey:

Kay Weaver, Professor and Chair, Department of Advertising, Public Relations & Design
As a fairly new faculty member who joined ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� as a professor and department chair, FLI helped me to better understand the structures and processes of the university, and how relationships and roles are done differently here than in New Zealand where I came from. I gained valuable insights into my own leadership strengths and talents, and learned how to manage my workload better. I now lead with a greater sense of curiosity—about others and myself. I also made some great connections which extended my networks and helped me feel more situated in place, supported, and less isolated than I might have otherwise felt here at CU. FLI is an enlightening, fun program and I looked forward to every session.

Marissa Ehringer, Professor and Chair, Department of Integrative Physiology
I participated in the FLI program after I had already stepped into the chair role, which meant that some of the topics felt familiar based on what I had learned on the job. In retrospect, participating in FLI before becoming chair would have been enormously beneficial! Still, I appreciated the FLI activities that encouraged deep reflection on my strengths and weaknesses as a leader. This has been instrumental in helping me decide which activities are best for me to take on myself or to consider delegating to others, allowing me to work more thoughtfully and sustainably as a leader. FLI also provided insights about where I can continue to grow. Through FLI, I was able to connect with colleagues across campus—many of whom I now regularly see at meetings and events. This has provided an element of community at large, and a trusted group of peers outside my immediate unit who can offer perspective and advice when needed.

Ready to Apply?

FLI selects a cohort of 12–15 faculty members to participate each academic year. Faculty interested in joining should apply by May 1. Preference is given to associate professors and teaching associate professors, though faculty of all ranks are welcome to apply.

Please visit the FLI website to learn more or submit an application. Contact Anu Sharma, faculty fellow for FLI, with additional questions.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� receives grant promoting collaboration and dialogue in higher education

Ka Yong Kleiner — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 07:38:42 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� receives grant promoting collaboration and dialogue in higher education Ka Yong Kleiner Mon, 02/02/2026 - 00:38

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has been awarded a $299,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation’s Higher Learning program to support a three-year initiative entitled Restoring Trust: Humanistic Perspectives on Academic Freedom, American Democracy, and Higher Education Leadership. This project—one of the foundation’s Sawyer Seminars—will explore how university administrators and humanities faculty can work together to foster free and open conversations about divisive issues and rebuild trust in higher education.

Why It Matters

Amid declining confidence in many institutions, Americans’ distrust of higher education has grown increasingly acute. However, alongside this external crisis of confidence, universities also face an internal one: an erosion of trust between faculty and administrators, especially when it comes to policies and practices regarding academic freedom. Recent years have seen a growing number of cases across North America where campus leaders and faculty members have clashed about what it looks like to promote the free and open conversations central to American democratic life.

This need not be the case: rather than being caught up in mutual suspicion, cycles of recriminations, and bureaucratic infighting, campus leaders and faculty members could be working together to promote substantive conversations about even the most controversial issues. To model this path forward—one where dialogue, not division, shapes the future of higher education—��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� new Sawyer Seminar will convene a group of faculty, administrators, staff, and students for three primary activities:

Seminars examining the democratic purposes of higher education
Meetings with representatives from offices across campus to explore the details of university operations and build relationships across institutional divides
Working groups charged with developing concrete proposals for promoting campus cultures—at CU and beyond—committed to academic freedom, collaboration, and shared governance

At the project’s conclusion, these proposals will be considered for adoption by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� leadership.

“At a time when higher education faces growing scrutiny and polarization, this initiative affirms ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� commitment to academic freedom, shared governance, and the civic mission of the university,” said Ann Stevens, provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “By bringing scholars and leaders together from across disciplines, we aim to create space for conducting difficult dialogues, bridge deep divides, and reimagine how universities can work seamlessly to serve the public good. ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� is proud to lead this national effort to restore trust in the transformative power of higher education," Stevens said.

Who’s Involved

The project is led by four ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� humanities scholars and administrators:

Elias Sacks, principal investigator (associate professor, Religious Studies and Jewish Studies; faculty director for public scholarship, Office of Faculty Affairs)
Terri S. Wilson, co-principal investigator (associate professor and chair, Educational Foundations, Policy & Practice; faculty director of the MA in Higher Education Program)
Jennifer Ho, co-principal investigator (professor, Ethnic Studies; director, Center for Humanities & the Arts)
Michele S. Moses (professor, Educational Foundations, Policy & Practice; vice chancellor and senior vice provost for faculty affairs).

Managed by the Office of Faculty Affairs, this project is a partnership with the Center for Humanities & the Arts, the Office for Public & Community-Engaged Scholarship, Strategic Relations & Communications, the School of Education, and others.

This project is made possible by the support of the Mellon Foundation’s Sawyer Seminar program, which was established in 1994 to provide support for comparative research on the historical and cultural factors in current affairs. To mark the program’s 30th anniversary in 2024, the Mellon Foundation invited proposals for the study of academic freedom and democracy in the American university. ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� was selected as a recipient of a Sawyer Seminar grant after a competitive nationwide application process.

“At a moment when universities seem to face new challenges nearly every day,” said Sacks, “we are honored for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to be a laboratory for wrestling with questions about academic freedom, democratic life, and the future of higher education.”

What’s Ahead

This project will run through June 2028 and will include seminar sessions, public-facing programs, and collaborative working groups. In addition to faculty and administrator participants, a postdoctoral fellow and four graduate fellows will also join the effort, encouraging the representation of a broad range of voices and perspectives.

Recruitment for project participants will take place over spring 2026. Updates and additional details are available at the seminar’s webpage.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding. The Foundation believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity, and that everyone deserves the beauty and empowerment that can be found there. Through its grants, the Foundation seeks to build just communities enriched by meaning and guided by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. Learn more at mellon.org.

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Continuing the conversation: ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Federal Governance and Higher Education series returns Feb. 19

Ka Yong Kleiner — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 03:40:55 +0000

Continuing the conversation: ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Federal Governance and Higher Education series returns Feb. 19 Ka Yong Kleiner Thu, 01/22/2026 - 20:40

Since its launch last spring, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� ongoing series on federal governance and higher education has brought together faculty, staff, and students for conversations with CU experts about the present and future of higher education in a shifting national landscape. Across five events and hundreds of participants so far, the series has sparked dialogue on topics ranging from executive authority and academic freedom to the evolving relationship between universities, the federal government and collective action.

To reflect on the impact of the series and preview what’s ahead, we spoke with Elias Sacks, faculty director for public scholarship in the Office of Faculty Affairs and associate professor of Jewish studies and religious studies. Sacks serves as the series’s lead organizer and shared his perspective on why these conversations matter and what participants can expect next.

One year in, what do you see as the most significant impact of the series so far? How has the series evolved since its launch last spring?

Over the past year, the most significant impact of this series has been the community it has brought together—a growing network of faculty, staff, and students across ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� committed to engaging thoughtfully with one another, and the world, during this pivotal moment in American history. As we discussed in a conversation about these programs this past fall, the scale and speed of change playing out nationwide this past year can seem so momentous that they leave us feeling small in comparison. One of the clearest outcomes of this nonpartisan series has been to demonstrate that we all have the capacity to make a difference.

When we were asked by the Chancellor’s Office in spring 2025 to develop these programs, we initially cast a broad net, exploring big-picture features of the American constitutional order alongside issues with particular relevance for higher education. We haven’t abandoned this broad perspective: take a look at these brief presentations by faculty experts on federalism, political violence, and democracy and AI. At the same, given the pressing challenges facing American academia, we decided to focus our attention on topics specifically related to universities, including academic freedom, research funding and student loans, collective action, and immigration. Throughout, however, our goal has been consistent: empowerment through education. We're using the deep knowledge in the CU community to equip all of us to better understand and shape the volatile world around us.

What has been a personal highlight for you?

It’s been wonderful to see the range of individuals who have participated in these sessions. Speakers and attendees have included two ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� provosts, faculty and students from numerous colleges and disciplines, administrators and staff from offices across campus, and leaders from the CU system.

If we’re going to have an impact on the future of higher education, we need to encourage this type of relationship-building. No one unit, discipline or office can secure academic freedom; no one unit, discipline, or office can protect vulnerable faculty, staff and students; no one unit, discipline or office can ensure adequate funding for cutting-edge research, creative work and teaching. We can pursue these goals only when we come together, and I’m honored that our series has been a space for making such connections.

What can the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� community expect from upcoming events this semester? Is there a question or takeaway that you want participants to leave thinking about?

We’ll continue to wrestle with challenging issues. Our first spring event, on February 19, will ask the question “will American higher education remain global?” Experts from a range of fields will explore changing policies relating to immigration, research funding, and academic freedom (among other topics), examining what these developments might mean for international faculty, staff, and students—and for higher education more broadly (reserve your spot here).

Our second event, on April 13, will be a partnership with the Conference on World Affairs, delving into the role of higher education in democratic life; stay tuned for further details.

I’d like each participant to leave our sessions asking this: What can I teach my colleagues and what can my colleagues teach me? Each of us has expertise that’s relevant to this moment in time, and each of us has gaps in our knowledge that our colleagues might fill. My hope is for us to come away from these programs with the courage and confidence to promote this kind of shared learning—to reach out to one another, ask questions, explore answers, and add our voices to conversations about the future of higher education at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� and beyond.

Mark Your Calendars

"Will American Higher Education Remain Global? International Scholars, International Students, and the Federal Government," Thursday, Feb. 19, at 4:30 p.m. in CASE E422. Registration for this in-person event is required. A panel discussion featuring ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� experts Alaa Ahmed (College of Engineering & Applied Science), Janet Garcia (CIRES) and P. Deep Gulasekaram (Law).

In conjunction with the Conference on World Affairs, an additional event will be held on April 13—details to be announced. More whiteboards will be available for continued engagement throughout the semester.

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Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP): Experience leadership where it happens across CU’s campuses

Ka Yong Kleiner — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:22:27 +0000

Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP): Experience leadership where it happens across CU’s campuses Ka Yong Kleiner Mon, 12/01/2025 - 13:22

The University of Colorado’s Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP) offers a distinctive opportunity for leaders across CU’s four campuses and the System office to expand their understanding, strengthen connections, and deepen their leadership practice. Unlike traditional training, ELP is a nine-month immersive experience—bringing participants together for campus visits, leadership panels, and collaborative sessions that foster insight, innovation, and relationships that last well beyond the program.

Here’s what three recent participants shared about their journey:

Stephanie Gillin, Associate Dean of Administration & Finance, Leeds School of Business
What drew me to ELP and what I’ve found most engaging is the opportunity to deepen my understanding of how the other campuses and the CU System relate to one another. This broader perspective is invaluable, and I continue to learn and grow from each meeting. One of the most impactful aspects of ELP has been hearing directly from panels of campus leaders. Their insights have shaped my own leadership approach, offering perspectives I might not encounter in my day-to-day role. I especially appreciate learning about the other campuses, as it is easy to feel siloed within your own. Visiting the Denver and Colorado Springs campuses exemplified ELP’s immersive nature—showcasing innovation, student success, and the unique strengths each campus contributes. Any chance to connect with colleagues across campuses is highly valuable and deepens my appreciation for the collaborative spirit within CU.

Elizabeth Dutro, Associate Dean for Faculty and Professor of Literacy Studies, School of Education
As a long-time faculty member at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, I’ve served in many roles on campus, but I had never had meaningful opportunities to learn about the other three campuses—or how the CU system as a whole pursues shared goals that shape the entire institution. Through ELP, I gained a depth of insight that continues to inform my faculty and leadership work. Each panel and session sparked new thinking about leadership and strengthened my commitment to this work. Most meaningful of all were the relationships that ELP fostered. I now know extraordinary colleagues across units and roles—connections that are personally sustaining, and have created more responsive, trusting, and effective collaborations toward unit- and institution-level goals.

Erika Randall, Interim Dean & Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education and Professor of Dance, College of Arts & Sciences
ELP was more than a leadership program—it was an affirmation of commitment to the bigger picture of my work: to create community, to support students, to maximize my personal capacity and to embrace gratitude, recognition, clarity and joy as tools for team capacity building. Most importantly, ELP placed me among and within a constellation of brilliant and diverse humans and leaders, learning from one another as we challenged ourselves to stay playful and deeply committed to caring for staff, faculty, students and ourselves.

Interested in participating?

Nominations for the next ELP cohort are now open! ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� selects eight faculty fellows each year through a spring nomination process.

Who can be nominated?
Eligible faculty nominees in order of priority are ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� full professors or teaching professors; associate professors and associate teaching/clinical professors will also be considered. Nominees should have formal current or upcoming leadership appointments. They should be situated by these leadership appointments to benefit from gaining an immersive understanding of the operations of the University of Colorado System institutions, insights into the work of senior leaders at each institution, and an expanded community of colleague leaders across CU institutions.
Program commitment:
August–April, beginning with a two-day retreat and monthly workshops at CU’s campuses and System office, plus monthly conversations with ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� senior leaders.
How to apply:
Indicate your interest to your dean so they may consider nominating you (faculty self-nominations are not accepted). Dean nominations are due Feb. 6, in response to a direct call from Merinda McLure, and successful nominees and their deans will be notified by May 1. All questions concerning faculty nominations should be emailed to Merinda McLure, director of faculty & academic leadership development at the Office of Faculty Affairs.

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Where innovation meets the end zone: ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� honors faculty in game-day spotlight

Ka Yong Kleiner — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:12:31 +0000

Where innovation meets the end zone: ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� honors faculty in game-day spotlight Ka Yong Kleiner Tue, 11/18/2025 - 11:12 Ka Yong Kleiner

On crisp fall Saturdays in Boulder, the roar of the crowd, the clash of helmets, and the pride of Buffs fill Folsom Field. But this season, something new is echoing through the stadium. Amid the cheers and touchdowns, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� is shining a spotlight on a different kind of champion: the End Zone Innovator.

Launched this fall, the End Zone Innovators Award is a bold new tradition that brings together the university’s academic excellence and athletic spirit. At each home football game, one faculty member is honored for their outstanding scholarly or creative achievements—work that has “scored big” in their department, within their discipline, and for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

During the game, the honoree is recognized in the end zone by Chancellor Justin Schwartz, with their accomplishments broadcast on the stadium’s video board. Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, they receive a token of appreciation and enjoy a memorable game-day experience.

“This program is about celebrating the heart of our university—our faculty,” said Chancellor Schwartz. “By honoring their achievements in front of tens of thousands of Buffs fans, we’re showing that innovation is something that unites us across the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� community—whether in athletics, academics, research or creative work.”

A collaboration between the Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Provost, Office of Faculty Affairs, CU Athletics, and Strategic Relations & Communications, this initiative is designed to bridge the worlds of scholarship and sport, providing a unique platform to showcase faculty achievements to the broader ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� community. It is a celebration of ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� mission and a reminder that innovation happens everywhere—from the lab to the lecture hall to the end zone.

Honoree Highlights

The season thus far has recognized six faculty members for their outstanding scholarly and creative achievements and their dedication to our university:

Marina Vance, associate professor of mechanical engineering
Joëlle Cruz, associate professor of communication
Ross Taylor, associate professor of journalism
Nicholas Reinholtz, assistant professor of business
Katherine Stange, professor of mathematics
Pieter Johnson, distinguished professor of ecology & evolutionary biology

What’s Next

The End Zone Innovators program will wrap up this season with its final recognition on Nov. 22. Kalonji Nzinga, assistant professor of education, will be honored during the last home game against Arizona State University. Looking ahead, the initiative will return next season, continuing to showcase faculty whose work makes a lasting impact on campus and beyond. Stay tuned for future opportunities to recognize faculty excellence across ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, as well as special staff recognition events associated with CU basketball coming up this season.

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OFA News

Faculty Leadership Institute selects 16 faculty fellows for 2026-27

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���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ names AY 2026–27 Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP) fellows

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New faculty, academic leaders launch AY 2026-27 with FDS Week

By the numbers

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Start the year strong with Faculty Development & Success (FDS) Week

Ready to get started?

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From insight to impact: Meet ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ sesquicentennial faculty scholars

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Faculty Leadership Institute (FLI) accepting applications through May 1

Ready to Apply?

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���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ receives grant promoting collaboration and dialogue in higher education

Why It Matters

Who’s Involved

What’s Ahead

���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

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Continuing the conversation: ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ Federal Governance and Higher Education series returns Feb. 19

One year in, what do you see as the most significant impact of the series so far? How has the series evolved since its launch last spring?

What has been a personal highlight for you?

What can the ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ community expect from upcoming events this semester? Is there a question or takeaway that you want participants to leave thinking about?

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Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP): Experience leadership where it happens across CU’s campuses

Interested in participating?

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Where innovation meets the end zone: ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ honors faculty in game-day spotlight

Honoree Highlights

What’s Next

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� names AY 2026–27 Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP) fellows

From insight to impact: Meet ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� sesquicentennial faculty scholars

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� receives grant promoting collaboration and dialogue in higher education

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Continuing the conversation: ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Federal Governance and Higher Education series returns Feb. 19

What can the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� community expect from upcoming events this semester? Is there a question or takeaway that you want participants to leave thinking about?

Where innovation meets the end zone: ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� honors faculty in game-day spotlight