Phillip DiStefano (second from left), Russell Moore (third from left) and other faculty attending a 2018 CU commencement ceremony.
You might know them by name or email, or maybe they’ve taught you in class. Our leaders at CU often do it all, from running programs and departments, inspiring students both in and out of the classroom and even finding time for some unexpected hobbies on the side. Here are 10 fun facts about some of CU’s faculty and staff leaders.
1. Mark Kennedy, CU President
Fun Fact: From 2001–07, Kennedy served in the U.S. House of Representatives, first for Minnesota’s Second Congressional District and then for its Sixth Congressional District.
2. Phillip P. DiStefano, CU Boulder Chancellor
Fun Fact: DiStefano was a first-generation college student, attending Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He then went on to earn a master’s degree from West Virginia University before returning to Ohio State University to earn his Doctorate.
3. Akirah Bradley, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Fun Fact: Bradley has sailed as a staff member on three voyages of Semester at Sea, a study abroad program based out of a traveling cruise ship.
4. Russell L. Moore, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Fun Fact: Moore is an adjunct professor in cardiology at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.
5. Sharon Matusik, Dean, Leeds School of Business
Fun Fact: Matusik was once a visiting professor at Universidad del Desarrollo (UDD) in Santiago, Chile.
6. John Davis, Dean, College of Music
Fun Fact: While serving as assistant director of jazz studies at the University of Northern Colorado, Davis was also the festival coordinator for the UNC/Greeley Jazz Festival for six years, the nation’s largest event of its kind.
7. Lori Bergen, Dean, College of Media, Communication and Information
Fun Fact: Bergen is a former Miss Kansas and semi-finalist in the Miss America Pageant. She won a preliminary talent award for the classic fiddle tune “Orange Blossom Special.”
8. Kathy Schultz, Dean, School of Education
Fun Fact: Before her deanship at Mills College, Shultz climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with her family.
9. Keith Molenaar, Interim Dean, College of Engineering and Applied Science
Fun Fact: Molenaar worked on the Panama Canal expansion project, which took place between 2009 and 2016.
10. Robert McDonald, Dean, University Libraries, Senior Vice Provost of Online Education
Fun Fact: While studying for a master’s in music at the University of Georgia, McDonald sang in the Men’s Glee Club and the Concert Choir.
(Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado)
