Chris Muldrow, Smead Program Director for Aerospace Engineering Sciences

Chris Muldrow is a true Colorado native with both bachelor's and master's degrees in aerospace engineering sciences and engineering management from CU Boulder. He was at Lockheed Martin for 14 years, working in engineering and business development leadership. Chris returned to CU as an employee and just celebrated five years of service in December. At CU Chris worked in the Research and Innovation Office, Advancement, and the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences. In his current role as Smead Program Director, Chris leads the Smead Program in a chief-of-staff type of role to the department chair. He is also proud to have served two years on the Boulder Campus Staff Council, one year as a co-chair.

What’s the best way for others to collaborate effectively with you?
I love in-person collaboration. I find it’s often much easier to work through even relatively simple things through quick in-person discussion. That also ties into my top two CliftonStrengths of "Woo" and "Communication".

What is a motto or quote that you hold dear and why?

If you’re formulating your answer, then you’re not really listening.

I am a big advocate of talking with others, not talking at or even to. I find many people say, “I want to talk to you”. To me, that largely means one-way communication. I really strive to say “I would love to talk with you”, which sets it up as two-way communication. I strive to show others I am effectively communicating with them to listen and then to think about and communicate my response.

What do you most like to do to unwind?
Play sports, skiing, and completing crosswords.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled to and why?
I’ve been very lucky to travel to several places throughout the US and the world. My favorite has been the Greek Isles, Santorini in particular. The amazing blue water, scenic ancient volcanic rim, and the white/blue towns scattered across the cliff sides was an amazing experience.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I have a very strong sock game. I feel like I was on the leading edge of the fun sock wave that has occurred the last several years. In fact, the gift from my team at Lockheed Martin before I left was a box that contained one pair of fun socks picked out by each teammate.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Playing Brawl Stars (a mobile game) with my younger daughter.

Which TV show do you never miss?
While I can’t say I catch every episode, Jeopardy! is my all-time favorite. I’m a HUGE trivia nut and one day you’ll see me on the show.

What was the first concert you attended?
First ever was Neil Diamond at McNichols Arena. First “real show with friends” was Third Eye Blind and Eve 6 at Mammoth Events Center (now the Fillmore Denver). That 3EB/E6 show was one month before I was on the MTV show Say What! Karaoke to introduce the music video for Eve 6’s “Inside Out”.