On the Move

Candace Smith named chief communications and engagement officer at RTD

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 14:22:59 +0000

Candace Smith named chief communications and engagement officer at RTD Megan M Rogers Tue, 08/18/2026 - 08:22

Candace Smith, senior associate vice chancellor for public affairs and strategic communications, has accepted the position of chief communications and engagement officer at the Regional Transportation District (RTD). Smith will leave ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� after nearly a decade of leadership roles within Strategic Relations and Communications.

In her current role on campus, Smith oversees media relations, crisis and issues management, executive and strategic communications and editorial strategy. She advises university leadership on reputation, stakeholder engagement and complex communications challenges while helping advance and protect ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s reputation as one of the nation's leading public research universities.

Throughout her tenure, Smith helped elevate the university's visibility through communications initiatives focused on research, student success, sustainability, athletics and major institutional priorities. She guided communications efforts for nationally significant issues, such as COVID-19, research advocacy campaigns, federal policy developments and major events, including ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s partnership with the Sundance Film Festival and preparations for the university's 150th anniversary celebration. She expanded research storytelling and research advocacy efforts, including increasing visibility for the university’s quantum research enterprise, improving ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� American Caldwell Global University Visibility ranking from 45th to 31st and leading the development of campus communications guidelines for the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

"Candace has been a trusted advisor, strategic leader and valued member of the university's leadership team," said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. "Her leadership helped strengthen ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s ability to tell its story, navigate complex communications challenges and elevate the impact of our research, teaching and public service mission. I am deeply grateful for her many contributions to our campus and to the countless colleagues she has supported throughout her tenure. While we will miss her leadership, we wish her every success and are excited for her as she begins this important new chapter with RTD."

Roqua Montez, vice chancellor of communications, marketing and social media, thanked Smith for her contributions to the university and the Strategic Relations and Communications division.

"Candace has played an important role in the evolution and success of our communications organization," Montez said. "She championed proactive storytelling, strengthened our public affairs and issues management capabilities, expanded executive and strategic communications support and helped position ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� as a national leader in higher education communications. Perhaps most importantly, she invested in people, building award-winning teams and helping colleagues grow professionally. We are grateful for her service and proud to see her take on this significant leadership opportunity."

Prior to joining ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Smith held communications leadership positions at George Washington University and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro). She is an award-winning communications professional whose career spans higher education, public transportation and journalism. Her honors include numerous communications, marketing and journalism awards, including a Radio, Television, Digital News Association Edward R. Murrow Award.

"Serving ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has been one of the greatest privileges of my career," Smith said. "I am grateful to Chancellor Schwartz, campus leadership, my colleagues in Strategic Relations and Communications and partners across the university for their trust, collaboration and support. Together, we have helped tell the story of a remarkable institution that changes lives every day. While it is difficult to leave a place I care so deeply about, I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving Colorado communities in a new way."

A national search will begin immediately.

Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Candace Smith will depart ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to become chief communications and engagement officer for the Regional Transportation District (RTD).

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Erin Furtak appointed interim director of the Center for Teaching and Learning

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:24:02 +0000

Erin Furtak appointed interim director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Megan M Rogers Thu, 08/13/2026 - 13:24

Professor Erin Furtak of the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� School of Education has been appointed interim director of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), effective Aug. 3. She succeeds Kirk Ambrose, who was recently appointed interim vice provost for academic planning and assessment.

Furtak will lead the center during a nine-month interim term. The CTL, which now reports to the Office of Faculty Affairs, supports instructors across campus through programs, resources and partnerships that advance teaching excellence and student success.

"Professor Furtak is an ideal choice for this important role," said Michele Moses, senior vice provost and vice chancellor for faculty affairs. "She is an accomplished teacher and scholar, an experienced academic leader, and a long-time collaborator and advocate of the Center for Teaching and Learning. I am confident that her expertise and leadership will serve both the center and our faculty community exceptionally well."

Furtak currently serves as leader of the School of Education's faculty governance body. Previously, she served as the school's associate dean of faculty from 2018 to 2021. She has held a variety of leadership roles in national and international organizations focused on teaching, learning and science education, including service with the National Association of Research in Science Teaching, the National Academies of Sciences and the European Science Education Research Association.

Her contributions to teaching have been recognized with ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s 2025 Marinus Smith Teaching Award and the 2026 Best Should Teach Gold Award.

As a scholar, Furtak received the 2011 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on early-career scientists and engineers. She also was awarded a German Chancellor Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Her research and partnership projects have been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation and other funding agencies. Her scholarship has appeared in a wide range of scholarly and practitioner-focused publications, including books, book chapters, essays and journal articles.

At the CTL, Furtak will support faculty in exploring and advancing effective teaching and pedagogy across disciplines.

"Erin brings a deep understanding of teaching and learning, along with a collaborative approach that will benefit instructors at every stage of their careers," Moses said. "She will be a trusted resource for faculty as the center continues its important work to strengthen teaching excellence across campus."

Additional information about the search for a permanent CTL director will be shared later in the academic year.

Erin Furtak, a professor from the School of Education, has been appointed interim director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, which supports excellence in teaching and learning across ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

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Academic Affairs announces leadership appointments

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:28:54 +0000

Academic Affairs announces leadership appointments Megan M Rogers Tue, 07/28/2026 - 13:28

Provost Ann Stevens has appointed two new members to the Division of Academic Affairs who will help advance ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s academic mission and support the university's strategic priorities.

Nils Halverson named vice provost for academic technology and resource management

Effective Aug. 13, Nils Halverson will serve as vice provost for academic technology and resource management, a revised position focused on aligning academic resources, technology and data-informed decision-making across the university.

In this position, Halverson will guide the integration of technology and academic resources, oversee analytics and reporting that support strategic planning and decision-making, and help advance ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s online education strategy in partnership with Continuing Education and other campus units.

Halverson currently serves as associate dean for graduate studies and resource management in the Division of Natural Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences. He is also a professor in the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences and has been a member of the ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� faculty since 2005.

Kirk Ambrose appointed interim vice provost for academic assessment and planning

Effective Aug. 1, Kirk Ambrose will serve as interim vice provost for academic assessment and planning. In this role, he will oversee academic planning, academic policies, degree program review and accreditation efforts.

Ambrose succeeds Katherine Eggert, who is now serving as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

A ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� faculty member since 1999, Ambrose is the founding director of the Center for Teaching and Learning and a professor in the Department of Classics. In the coming days, Michele Moses, senior vice provost for faculty affairs, will announce the appointment of an interim director to lead the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Supporting academic excellence across ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��

“These appointments reflect my commitment to ensuring that academic planning, resources and technology work together in support of faculty, staff and students,” Stevens said.

“Nils and Kirk bring deep institutional knowledge, outstanding leadership and a shared commitment to academic excellence. Both have dedicated their careers to serving ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� and helping our students and faculty succeed. I am delighted to welcome them to these roles and look forward to partnering with them and academic leaders across campus as we advance our shared priorities.”

Stevens said the appointments will help strengthen collaboration across Academic Affairs and support the university's ongoing efforts to enhance student success, support faculty excellence and achieve its strategic goals.

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Katherine Eggert named interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Greg B Swenson — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:30:43 +0000

Katherine Eggert named interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Greg B Swenson Mon, 06/22/2026 - 07:30

Katherine Eggert

Provost Ann Stevens has named Katherine Eggert, vice chancellor and senior vice provost for academic planning and assessment and professor of English, as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, effective July 3.

Eggert’s appointment follows the announcement that Daryl Maeda, current dean of the college, will become dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington.

In early fall, the provost will announce the executive search firm that will assist in the national search for the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and host input sessions with the college. The provost will also name the chair of the search advisory committee and invite nominations and self-nominations for committee members, with the anticipation of having a dean of the college named in early to mid-spring 2027.

Eggert will serve in the interim role until a permanent dean is appointed. She will not be a candidate for the permanent dean position, ensuring her full focus is dedicated to supporting the college’s momentum and continued progress during this important transition, working closely with the strong team of divisional, associate and assistant deans who form an experienced leadership team for the college.

A highly respected Renaissance scholar, educator and academic leader, Eggert earned a doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree from Rice University. Her latest book, Disknowledge: Literature, Alchemy, and the End of Humanism in Renaissance England, argues that English writers invented literary strategies for knowing something isn’t true but believing it anyway, using alchemy to signal how to avoid discomfiting topics in an age of rapid intellectual change.

Eggert brings deep experience and a strong record of service to the role of interim dean. She has been a faculty member in ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Department of English for 35 years, including serving as department chair from 2004 to 2010. She also served as director of the Center for British and Irish Studies from 2013 to 2016 and was recognized with the Boulder Faculty Assembly’s Excellence in Leadership and Service Award in 2016.

In addition to her longstanding faculty leadership, Eggert has played critical roles in the Division of Academic Affairs. Since 2018, she has served as a senior academic affairs leader, co-chairing the Academic Review and Planning Advisory Committee (ARPAC) program review process, shaping academic policy and student success priorities, overseeing the development of the Common Curriculum, serving as a key conduit to the Boulder Faculty Assembly and leading the university’s accreditation efforts. ARPAC’s cohorted seven-year review cycle individually addresses the departments and programs in all three divisions of arts and sciences, most recently those in arts and humanities and the physical sciences and mathematics, providing Eggert with a strong foundation for understanding the strengths and opportunities of the breadth of the college’s units.

“Katherine is an exceptional leader and a highly valued member of both the provost’s cabinet and the chancellor’s cabinet,” Stevens said. “She brings a thoughtful, independent perspective and a deep understanding of the university, having worked closely with two provosts, two chancellors and numerous campus partners to advance our academic mission.

“In establishing the college’s structure earlier this year, I emphasized a team-based approach with a clear college leader who works collaboratively with division leadership to support their visions for outstanding scholarship and teaching while bringing those efforts together into a stronger whole,” continued Stevens. “Katherine is deeply committed to that approach, and her experience, judgment and collaborative leadership, combined with the strength of the existing A&S leadership team, will ensure this interim period is one of continued progress for the college.”

With a number of time-sensitive and critical projects already underway, Stevens has asked Eggert to focus on several priorities, including strengthening research support and advancing research and creative work excellence in hiring; improving faculty salary competitiveness and equity; and building on Maeda’s efforts to expand career support for Arts and Sciences students.

Eggert shared her enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to serve the college she has called home for decades.

“It is an honor to serve as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences,” Eggert said. “A&S has been my collegial home for more than three decades, and I look forward to working closely with our faculty, staff and students and our deans of division to support their work, listen carefully and lead in a way that is collaborative, transparent and grounded in our commitment to academic excellence and shared success.”

“With Katherine’s leadership, the College of Arts and Sciences will continue to move forward with focus and confidence, supporting its community, advancing ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� institutional priorities, and continuing to re-envision and revitalize itself in an exciting time,” Stevens added.

Stevens will share information soon about filling Eggert’s current leadership position and will formally launch the national search this fall for the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

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Provost names Bohyun Kim dean of University Libraries

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:37:37 +0000

Provost names Bohyun Kim dean of University Libraries Megan M Rogers Thu, 06/11/2026 - 11:37

Provost Ann Stevens today announced the appointment of Bohyun Kim (pronounced "bo-hyun"—with "yun" sounding like "yearn" without the R) as dean of University Libraries, following a national search. Kim will begin her appointment on Aug. 24.

Bohyun Kim

“Bohyun is a strategic and collaborative leader with deep expertise in guiding large research libraries through periods of technological and organizational change,” Stevens said. “Her record of inclusive leadership, financial stewardship and ongoing innovation in digital scholarship, research infrastructure and collections positions her well to lead ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� University Libraries.”

Kim currently serves as associate university librarian for library information technology and interim associate university librarian for collections at the University of Michigan Library. She oversees two divisions—Library Information Technology and Collections—covering more than 100 faculty and staff and an annual budget of over $44 million. Previously, she has held leadership positions at the University of Rhode Island and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Throughout her career, Kim has led major initiatives to advance open access, robust and sustainable digital infrastructure and preservation, more effective campuswide stewardship of research data, a user-centered approach to library search and discovery, and inclusive and interdisciplinary education and scholarship practices through technology-enhanced learning spaces such as an AI lab and makerspaces.

She has guided many campuswide, consortial and other external partnerships with organizations such as the Big Ten Academic Alliance, HathiTrust, Google Books and Academic Preservation Trust, and has worked closely with university research, information technology and legal partners to strengthen library services at scale to better support students, faculty and staff.

“I am honored to join the University of Colorado Boulder as dean of University Libraries,” Kim said. “Research libraries play an indispensable role in advancing teaching, learning and discovery and are vibrant centers of constantly renewed scholarly practices and research activities. I look forward to working with ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� faculty, staff and students to strengthen library services, infrastructure and partnerships in support of the university’s mission.”

Kim holds three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in library and information science from Simmons College, a Master of Arts in classical philosophy from Harvard University, and a Master of Arts in Western philosophy, as well as a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Seoul National University.

Stevens thanked Sarah Jackson, chair of the search advisory committee, and the committee’s members for their thoughtful engagement and commitment throughout the search. She also expressed appreciation to Tamara Sumner for her exceptional leadership as interim dean, as well as her guidance and dedication in supporting University Libraries and advancing key priorities during this transition.

Provost Ann Stevens today announced the appointment of Bohyun Kim as dean of University Libraries, following a national search. Kim will begin her appointment on Aug. 24.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� announces Roqua Montez as new vice chancellor

Elizabeth Lock — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:50:20 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� announces Roqua Montez as new vice chancellor Elizabeth Lock Tue, 06/02/2026 - 09:50

Chancellor Justin Schwartz has announced the appointment of Roqua Montez IV (pronounced row-KAY mahn-TEZ) as vice chancellor for communications, marketing and social media, following a national search. His appointment begins July 20.

Roqua Montez IV

Roqua is a visionary communications leader who translates complex ideas and institutional priorities into compelling stories that connect with people.”

–Chancellor Justin Schwartz

With nearly two decades of experience in strategic communications and public affairs, Montez has helped leading institutions navigate complex challenges, strengthen stakeholder trust and elevate their public profile across higher education, government and the private sector.

“Roqua is a visionary communications leader who translates complex ideas and institutional priorities into compelling stories that connect with people,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “He brings a rare combination of strategic judgment, creativity and operational leadership. His experience guiding globally recognized organizations through periods of transformation will help ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� strengthen its voice, deepen engagement and further elevate its standing as one of the nation's leading public research universities.”

In his most recent role as interim associate vice chancellor for communications and public affairs at the University of California, Berkeley, Montez was responsible for the entire strategic communications portfolio. There, he built and led a diverse communications team, transforming Berkeley's enterprise communications operation into a more integrated model while helping advance the university's reputation and visibility through strategic storytelling and engagement.

He also held senior roles at the University of California Office of the President, where he led national media strategy and served as a communications advisor to the UC president, and Hewlett-Packard, where he shepherded global internal communications during a period of significant organizational change.

At ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Montez will collaborate closely with campus leaders, faculty, staff, students and communicators to architect a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the university’s institutional priorities and global reputation.

“This is not a university content to watch the future unfold from the sidelines. ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� is helping build it—through research, innovation and a relentless commitment to public good,” Montez said. “At a time when the role of higher education is under intense scrutiny, there has never been a more important moment to communicate clearly who we are, what we stand for and why this work matters.

“Few institutions combine research excellence, innovation and public purpose at the scale of ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, and that is what makes this opportunity so compelling. This moment calls for more than promotion. It calls for intellectual seriousness, public conviction and a willingness to assert the indispensable role public universities play in shaping the future.”

Schwartz thanked search committee co-chairs Janel Forde, senior vice chancellor of operations, and Lori Bergen, founding dean for the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information, as well as the search committee members for their leadership and commitment to the search process. He also expressed gratitude to Jon Leslie for his service as vice chancellor for strategic communications.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced the appointment of Roqua Montez IV as the new vice chancellor for communications, marketing and social media. Montez will join ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� in July, coming from the University of California, Berkeley.

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Arts and Sciences Dean Daryl Maeda to join University of Washington

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:02:50 +0000

Arts and Sciences Dean Daryl Maeda to join University of Washington Megan M Rogers Thu, 05/28/2026 - 10:02

Provost Ann Stevens today announced that Daryl Maeda, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has been selected to serve as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington. Maeda’s last day at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� will be July 2.

Stevens also announced that she will appoint an interim dean in the coming weeks, effective upon Maeda’s departure, to ensure continuity of leadership across the college. A national search for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� next Arts and Sciences dean will launch this fall, with a search advisory committee appointed in the coming months that includes faculty, staff and student representation.

“Daryl has been an exceptional leader, scholar and a deeply valued member of our campus community,” Stevens said. “His longtime service to ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� spans multiple leadership roles, including as interim dean and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and as dean and vice provost for undergraduate education. Across each of these roles, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence, shared governance and student success, leaving a lasting impact on our campus.”

Maeda is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary cultural historian who joined ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� in 2005 as a professor of ethnic studies. His scholarship has made significant contributions to Asian American studies, comparative ethnic studies and the study of social movements.

His work examines the formation of Asian American identity, transnational solidarities and the cultural politics of the 1960s and 1970s, with notable books like “Chains of Babylon: The Rise of Asian America” and “Rethinking the Asian American Movement.” His most recent book, “Like Water: A Cultural History of Bruce Lee,” combines biography and cultural history to examine Lee’s global rise within transpacific exchanges shaped by colonialism, migration and cultural flows.

For more than two decades, Maeda has served the university in a number of key leadership roles. He was appointed dean and vice provost for undergraduate education, where he led campuswide efforts to strengthen the undergraduate experience and advance student success initiatives. In his service as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Maeda has guided the college through a period of growth and change, strengthening academic programs and supporting faculty, staff and students.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��,” Maeda said. “I am deeply grateful to the faculty, staff and students who make the College of Arts and Sciences such a vibrant and inspiring community. The relationships I have developed and the work we have accomplished together will stay with me always.”

Stevens thanked Maeda for his leadership and service, wishing him continued success in his next role.

Provost Ann Stevens has announced Daryl Maeda, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has been selected as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington. His last day is July 2.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� appoints Jill Blondin as vice chancellor for global affairs

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 07 May 2026 15:22:41 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� appoints Jill Blondin as vice chancellor for global affairs Megan M Rogers Thu, 05/07/2026 - 09:22

Chancellor Justin Schwartz has appointed Dr. Jill Blondin as ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� inaugural vice chancellor for global affairs, a leadership role charged with advancing the university’s global engagement, partnerships and impact. Blondin will begin her appointment on July 15.

Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs Jill Blondin

The appointment marks a major milestone in ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� vision to integrate and elevate its global presence by bringing together international partnerships, global programs, international student and scholar services, and campuswide globalization initiatives under a new Office of Global Affairs, a vision Schwartz announced in November 2025 and a move that has been long called for by multiple ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� committees and task forces.

In her new role, Blondin will serve as ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� senior international officer and lead the Office of Global Affairs. She will work closely with campus partners to develop and carry out a cohesive global strategy, foster a culture of global engagement, and strengthen ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� standing as a globally connected research university.

“Dr. Jill Blondin is an accomplished, visionary leader in global education whose experience and values align strongly with our aspirations for ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� global future,” Schwartz said. “She brings an extraordinary record of strategic leadership, partnership building and student-centered innovation, and I am excited to welcome her as we expand global opportunities for our students, faculty and researchers.”

Blondin currently serves as vice provost for global initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), a public R1 institution with campuses in Richmond, Virginia, and in Doha, Qatar. There, she leads a centralized Global Education Office overseeing education abroad, international student support and recruitment, global partnerships, immigration services and an English Language Program. She manages a multimillion-dollar budget and a team of more than 30 faculty and staff members.

At VCU, Blondin spearheaded the university’s five-year global strategic plan, DARE to be Global, aligning international initiatives with institutional priorities while expanding partnerships, recruitment and cross-cultural learning opportunities. Her leadership drove significant gains in international enrollment and global learning, including growth in faculty-led and short-term study abroad programs, a $2.5 million philanthropic gift to support study abroad, and the launch of a Peace Corps Prep Program that became the largest in the nation. She also led two organizational restructurings to strengthen global operations and improve long-term sustainability.

Blondin has been widely recognized for her leadership in international education. In 2023, she was named Senior International Officer of the Year by the Institute of International Education. Currently she serves as president-elect of the Association of International Education Administrators and on the Executive Committee of APLU’s Commission on International Initiatives.

“Dr. Blondin’s inclusive leadership, strategic mindset and ability to build trust with constituents across the university were evident throughout this search,” said Ann Schmiesing, senior vice chancellor for strategic initiatives. “I’m deeply grateful to the search advisory committee, and to chair Seth Marder in particular, for their thoughtful and rigorous work.”

As vice chancellor for global affairs, Blondin will play a central role in advancing ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� global vision, reinforcing international partnerships, supporting internationally mobile students and scholars, and integrating global engagement across the university’s academic, research and service missions.

“I’m honored to join ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� at a moment when global engagement is central to the university’s mission,” Blondin said. “��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has a strong foundation in global research, partnerships and learning, and I look forward to working with campus partners to expand access to global opportunities and deepen the university’s impact around the world.”

Blondin earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her academic background is in art history, and her professional expertise includes strategic budgeting, internationalization, global learning, risk management and global partnerships.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz has appointed Jill Blondin as ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s inaugural vice chancellor for global affairs, a leadership role charged with advancing the university's global engagement, partnerships and impact.

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Vice Chancellor for Public Safety Marlon Lynch announces retirement

Elizabeth Lock — Tue, 05 May 2026 18:31:05 +0000

Vice Chancellor for Public Safety Marlon Lynch announces retirement Elizabeth Lock Tue, 05/05/2026 - 12:31

Vice Chancellor for Public Safety Marlon Lynch today announced his plan to retire after leading ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Division of Public Safety (DPS) since its inception in early 2024.

Lynch’s retirement is effective May 31, though he will continue to serve ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� in a part-time capacity over the next nine to 12 months to help maintain the positive momentum DPS has established in enhancing safety and preparing for large-scale initiatives like the Sundance Film Festival.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� and partner with so many people on our campus and across Boulder to create a public safety model that supports and uplifts the campus community,” Lynch said. “Throughout my career, I’ve viewed public safety not as a job but a calling, one in which we get to help create and maintain safe communities where all can feel belonging and thrive. I am deeply thankful for all in our community who welcomed me and collaborated in our efforts.”

Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations Janel Forde has appointed Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety Operations Jack Briggs to lead DPS in an interim capacity while a national search is conducted for Lynch’s successor.

“Marlon has made a substantial positive impact on our campus in just a short amount of time,” Forde said. “His leadership has been integral in reshaping and implementing a holistic public safety model on our campus. Our DPS team plays an integral role in supporting the success of our students, faculty and staff, and the division is built on a solid foundation thanks to Marlon and his leadership team. We are grateful for his service, and I am excited that he has agreed to continue serving the campus over the coming months as we work through the transition.”

Lynch spent more than 30 years working in law enforcement and public safety. He joined ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� in March 2024 as the associate vice chancellor for public safety before later being promoted to vice chancellor.

The Division of Public Safety includes the CU Police Department, Events and Emergency Management, Flight Operations, Security Operations, Communications Centers, Security Services, and Threat Assessment.

Lynch was instrumental in shaping the public safety model at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, updating senior leadership role structure for critical incident response, establishing the new threat assessment team, standing up a new K9 explosive detection unit, expanding the co-responder model between CUPD and mental health clinicians, and unifying campus security systems.

Lynch joined ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� from Michigan State University, where he served as the vice president and chief safety officer after first being hired as vice president for public safety and chief of police. Prior to that he served as chief safety officer at the University of Utah, senior vice president for campus services and safety at New York University, and associate vice president for safety and security and civic affairs at the University of Chicago. He holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University and a bachelor of arts in criminal justice from Michigan State. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

“I am excited for this next stage of life and excited for the chance to continue to serve ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� in the coming months,” Lynch said. “Our DPS team comprises an exceptional group of professionals, and I could not be more proud to serve with them. I know they will continue to build upon our momentum.”

Marlon Lynch, who has led the Division of Public Safety since early 2024, will continue to serve the campus in a part-time capacity while the campus prepares major initiatives like the Sundance Film Festival.

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University Libraries names first Indigenous knowledges librarian

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:46:16 +0000

University Libraries names first Indigenous knowledges librarian Megan M Rogers Tue, 04/14/2026 - 06:46

As part of this new tenure-track faculty position, Katie Randall will build reciprocal relationships with campus and local Indigenous communities. The role reflects a shift in how Indigenous materials are treated, moving from subjects within collections to engaging with Indigenous knowledge systems as living frameworks.

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