New Endowed Professorship in Space Policy and Law to Expand Global Collaboration

Through a generous investment in the future of space governance, CU Boulder donors Dale and Patricia Hatfield have given $2.5 million to establish the Hatfield Endowed Professorship in Space Policy & Law. 

Underscoring the university’s commitment to leadership in this fast-evolving field, the professorship will drive teaching and research on space policy and law, with broad implications for national security, global communications, navigation, weather forecasting and international collaboration.

This interdisciplinary position will rotate every two years between Silicon Flatirons at Colorado Law, College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Leeds Schools of Business, supporting faculty whose teaching and research advance this work.

Professor Marcus J. Holzinger of aerospace engineering sciences is the inaugural Hatfield Endowed Professor, bringing expertise in space policy, domain awareness, development and strategy.

“As humanity ventures beyond our planet, space law and policy have emerged as a new frontier, offering vast opportunities to shape the future of space exploration and utilization,” Dale Hatfield said. “The realm of space beckons a new generation to establish the legal and policy frame that will govern our cosmic endeavors.”

Dale Hatfield, a pioneer in telecommunications policy, is known for his leadership in both government and academia.

He began his career as chief of the Office of Plans and Policy at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington, D.C., before moving to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. He then founded a Boulder-based consulting firm before rejoining the FCC as chief technologist, eventually serving as chief of the Office of Engineering and Technology. He now serves as a distinguished advisor at Silicon Flatirons and an adjunct professor at CU Boulder.

Dale and his wife, Patricia, have supported the university for years, including an endowed professorship and scholarship fund for the ATLAS Institute, scholarships for the Lattice Scholars program and support for Colorado Law. Their latest investment exemplifies how private philanthropy can catalyze new areas of research, teaching, and discovery.

“The Hatfield Professorship reflects Dale’s uncanny ability to see the big challenges and opportunities that are around the next corner in technology policy,” said Brad Bernthal '01, executive director of Silicon Flatirons and associate professor of law.

“Space policy involves so many issues that need attention. Dale and Pat’s generous gift ensures that CU Boulder will play a role in helping solve problems in the coming years.”

Learn more and donate at cubuffs.org/hatfield.