Assistant Vice Chancellor and Controller Laura Ragin announces retirement

CU Boulder Associate Vice Chancellor and Deputy Chief Financial Officer Carla Ho-a has announced the retirement of Laura Ragin as assistant vice chancellor and controller, effective June 30, 2020. 

Ragin began her career at CU Boulder in 2005 as the director of Accounting and Business Support, moving into the controller role in February 2012 and ultimately promoted to assistant vice chancellor and controller in July 2015. During her time, Ragin has led CU Boulder's financial, research and student accounting functions, including financial reporting and compliance for more than $1.8 billion. She has overseen the re-branding and reorganization of Accounting and Business Support to the Campus Controller’s Office in January 2015, managing large budgets and helping to define appropriate policies and controls to ensure proper oversight of university funds, while also maintaining CU Boulder’s consistently low audit findings. 

She also led the campus through the Elevate project, and developed an all-funds approach to accounting, a model of innovation for the CU Boulder campus.    

"I am very grateful for the long notice that Laura has provided, and her commitment to ensuring a runway for the campus to plan for her departure,” said Ho-a.  “Laura has accomplished a lot in her time at the university, and will leave behind a legacy of innovation and leadership.” 

“It has been an honor to work at CU Boulder for the past fourteen years,” said Ragin. “Throughout my time, I’ve worked with and learned from many talented individuals and teams.” 

Ragin received her bachelor of science in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from CU Boulder and an MBA from Regis University. 

“This decision is bittersweet for me as this university has changed my life, first by providing me with an excellent education and then by providing wonderful career opportunities,” Ragin said. “I am thankful for my time here, but I am also excited for this next chapter and all it holds.” 

In addition to her work at CU Boulder, Ragin is a certified public accountant and serves as a continuing professional education instructor with the CU System Controller Office, most recently teaching the personal development section on "What Makes an Effective Leader?". After retirement, she looks forward to traveling, spending time with family and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.