From the Chancellor
April 2009
Dear Friends,
 Philip P. DiStefano |
This week, I was honored to be named the sole finalist for the position of chancellor of the University of Colorado at Boulder. For the next several weeks, I will be introducing and re-introducing myself to the CU-Boulder community and discussing my vision for the university, the implementation of our Flagship 2030 strategic plan, and the immediate economic and budget challenges that face CU.
I also would like to take this opportunity to re-introduce myself to you. While I have served as Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for eight years, I have been at CU-Boulder since 1974, beginning as an assistant professor in the School of Education, and also serving as a professor, dean and vice chancellor. I previously served as interim chancellor from January 2005 to July 2006, stepping in as the university was facing a number of challenges.
In more than three decades at CU-Boulder I have seen the university rise to be a preeminent national comprehensive research university known for innovative teaching, civically engaged students and research prowess dedicated to the betterment of society. One thing that has not changed is that CU-Boulder has always been Colorado's flagship university, and right now, I see momentum like never before.
We are coming off consecutive record-breaking years for freshman class and diversity enrollments, fundraising, and federally sponsored research. Our key research initiatives in aerospace engineering, biotechnology, geosciences, and sustainable and renewable energy are in high gear. CU's first Nobel laureate, Tom Cech, is returning to our faculty to teach freshman chemistry and lead our Colorado Initiative in Molecular Biotechnology.
 The Takács Quartet was nominated for a Grammy Award. Read more>> |
In the performing arts, humanities and social sciences, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival is preparing for its 51st year, our resident Takács Quartet was nominated for a Grammy Award, and the CU Art Museum and Department of Art and Art History are preparing to move into their new home early next year. CU President Emeritus Hank Brown's political science class on "The Politics of Health Care Reform" continues to bring in high-profile lecturers with a range of viewpoints on an issue that looms large on the national agenda.
Even with our state's budget challenges currently being dealt with by the governor and the legislature, CU-Boulder is poised to move forward.
Campus updates
I also would like to take this time to update you on issues critical to the university. By now, most are aware of a jury's decision regarding Ward Churchill. While I am disappointed by the jury's decision, I am confident that the process we used to review allegations of research misconduct was appropriately applied. The university's attorneys will evaluate the next steps in the legal process. It is too early to say how the judge's final decision might impact the campus, as that decision has not been rendered. I think it is important, however, to begin to put this case behind us and to focus on meeting some very pressing challenges: implementing our Flagship 2030 strategic plan, managing significant fiscal and resource challenges and effectively preparing our students for a rapidly changing world.
Economic challenges
One of those pressing challenges is the recession and the impact it will have on CU-Boulder. CU, along with the rest of higher education, faces challenging economic times. As with past downturns, we will work to meet our economic challenges with minimal disruption to the high quality of education our students expect, and we will continue to refine the efficiency of our operations to ensure the greatest return on the investment made in higher education.
I firmly believe that state investment in higher education is an investment in Colorado's future. CU-Boulder contributes to the economy in a myriad of ways. It creates an educated workforce for Colorado, it drives new technology to the marketplace resulting in new companies and job creation, and it is one of the largest employers in Boulder County.
 Students reach for free Buff gear tossed by CU cheerleaders at the Coors Events Center during Admitted Students Day this month. |
CU-Boulder in demand
Even in these economic times, the demand for an education at CU-Boulder remains high from both Colorado and out-of-state students. While our 2009 freshman class enrollment may not equal our record-breaking Fall 2008 class, it could certainly approach our Fall 2007 class, which was a record at the time.
Earlier this month, more than 2,000 admitted high school seniors and their parents joined us on campus to affirm their selection of CU-Boulder as their choice for higher education. Out-of-state students and their parents have shown up by the hundreds at CU-hosted receptions this month in their home states. Interest in attending CU for a premier education remains high across the nation.
 CU senior thinks peanut butter is key to solving hunger crisis. TaRhonda Rhomas reports. 9NEWS at 6 p.m. 3/17/09. |
Flagship 2030 embodied by our students
I would like to reaffirm our commitment to our Flagship 2030 strategic plan that was built in partnership with the residents of Colorado as their vision for their flagship university. It was approved by the CU Board of Regents in late 2007 and continues to flourish. Today, we are in the exciting implementation phase of Flagship 2030. I am happy to note that in these austere budget times some of the most important initiatives require only "sweat equity" and our students are leading the way.
Two of our Flagship 2030 initiatives include serving Colorado and our community and providing students with increased opportunities for experiential learning. I would like to share three wonderful examples of our students taking the lead in this area.
Boulder Daily Camera, March 17: "University's goal is for all students to be civically engaged"
9NEWS, March 17: "CU senior thinks peanut butter is key to solving hunger crisis"
 Graduates are silhouetted during the commencement procession. |
Value of a CU degree appreciates in tough times
As I write this, more than 5,000 CU-Boulder students are preparing to graduate on May 8. While they will embark on their new lives of career and contribution during a challenging economic period, this is exactly when their CU degree is at its greatest value. We encourage graduates to be flexible in their job searches, rely on the full battery of skills that they learned at CU and know they are armed with up-to-date workforce skills that employers so highly value. As CU graduates, our students are positioned to be competitive in this market. CU-Boulder ranked seventh in the nation among state universities with a starting median salary of $47,100 for students graduating with bachelor's degrees in 2008, and a mid-career median salary of more than $97,000, according to PayScale.com.
 Children, 8th grade and younger, participate in Healthy Kids Day before the 2008 CU Spring Football Game. |
Spring (football) is in the air
Please join us for a full slate of family activities at our free annual spring football game at beautiful Folsom Field on Saturday, April 25.
The spring game was played before a record 17,800 fans and alumni last year and we hope to top that record turnout this year.
Go Buffs!
Sincerely,
Philip P. DiStefano, Interim Chancellor
University of Colorado at Boulder