On the Move

Katherine Eggert named interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Greg B Swenson — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:30:43 +0000

Katherine Eggert named interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Greg B Swenson Mon, 06/22/2026 - 07:30

Katherine Eggert

Provost Ann Stevens has named Katherine Eggert, vice chancellor and senior vice provost for academic planning and assessment and professor of English, as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, effective July 3.

Eggert’s appointment follows the announcement that Daryl Maeda, current dean of the college, will become dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington.

In early fall, the provost will announce the executive search firm that will assist in the national search for the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and host input sessions with the college. The provost will also name the chair of the search advisory committee and invite nominations and self-nominations for committee members, with the anticipation of having a dean of the college named in early to mid-spring 2027.

Eggert will serve in the interim role until a permanent dean is appointed. She will not be a candidate for the permanent dean position, ensuring her full focus is dedicated to supporting the college’s momentum and continued progress during this important transition, working closely with the strong team of divisional, associate and assistant deans who form an experienced leadership team for the college.

A highly respected Renaissance scholar, educator and academic leader, Eggert earned a doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree from Rice University. Her latest book, Disknowledge: Literature, Alchemy, and the End of Humanism in Renaissance England, argues that English writers invented literary strategies for knowing something isn’t true but believing it anyway, using alchemy to signal how to avoid discomfiting topics in an age of rapid intellectual change.

Eggert brings deep experience and a strong record of service to the role of interim dean. She has been a faculty member in CU ��ý��’s Department of English for 35 years, including serving as department chair from 2004 to 2010. She also served as director of the Center for British and Irish Studies from 2013 to 2016 and was recognized with the ��ý�� Faculty Assembly’s Excellence in Leadership and Service Award in 2016.

In addition to her longstanding faculty leadership, Eggert has played critical roles in the Division of Academic Affairs. Since 2018, she has served as a senior academic affairs leader, co-chairing the Academic Review and Planning Advisory Committee (ARPAC) program review process, shaping academic policy and student success priorities, overseeing the development of the Common Curriculum, serving as a key conduit to the ��ý�� Faculty Assembly and leading the university’s accreditation efforts. ARPAC’s cohorted seven-year review cycle individually addresses the departments and programs in all three divisions of arts and sciences, most recently those in arts and humanities and the physical sciences and mathematics, providing Eggert with a strong foundation for understanding the strengths and opportunities of the breadth of the college’s units.

“Katherine is an exceptional leader and a highly valued member of both the provost’s cabinet and the chancellor’s cabinet,” Stevens said. “She brings a thoughtful, independent perspective and a deep understanding of the university, having worked closely with two provosts, two chancellors and numerous campus partners to advance our academic mission.

“In establishing the college’s structure earlier this year, I emphasized a team-based approach with a clear college leader who works collaboratively with division leadership to support their visions for outstanding scholarship and teaching while bringing those efforts together into a stronger whole,” continued Stevens. “Katherine is deeply committed to that approach, and her experience, judgment and collaborative leadership, combined with the strength of the existing A&S leadership team, will ensure this interim period is one of continued progress for the college.”

With a number of time-sensitive and critical projects already underway, Stevens has asked Eggert to focus on several priorities, including strengthening research support and advancing research and creative work excellence in hiring; improving faculty salary competitiveness and equity; and building on Maeda’s efforts to expand career support for Arts and Sciences students.

Eggert shared her enthusiasm for the role and the opportunity to serve the college she has called home for decades.

“It is an honor to serve as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences,” Eggert said. “A&S has been my collegial home for more than three decades, and I look forward to working closely with our faculty, staff and students and our deans of division to support their work, listen carefully and lead in a way that is collaborative, transparent and grounded in our commitment to academic excellence and shared success.”

“With Katherine’s leadership, the College of Arts and Sciences will continue to move forward with focus and confidence, supporting its community, advancing CU ��ý��’s institutional priorities, and continuing to re-envision and revitalize itself in an exciting time,” Stevens added.

Stevens will share information soon about filling Eggert’s current leadership position and will formally launch the national search this fall for the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

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Provost names Bohyun Kim dean of University Libraries

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:37:37 +0000

Provost names Bohyun Kim dean of University Libraries Megan M Rogers Thu, 06/11/2026 - 11:37

Provost Ann Stevens today announced the appointment of Bohyun Kim (pronounced "bo-hyun"—with "yun" sounding like "yearn" without the R) as dean of University Libraries, following a national search. Kim will begin her appointment on Aug. 24.

Bohyun Kim

“Bohyun is a strategic and collaborative leader with deep expertise in guiding large research libraries through periods of technological and organizational change,” Stevens said. “Her record of inclusive leadership, financial stewardship and ongoing innovation in digital scholarship, research infrastructure and collections positions her well to lead CU ��ý��’s University Libraries.”

Kim currently serves as associate university librarian for library information technology and interim associate university librarian for collections at the University of Michigan Library. She oversees two divisions—Library Information Technology and Collections—covering more than 100 faculty and staff and an annual budget of over $44 million. Previously, she has held leadership positions at the University of Rhode Island and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Throughout her career, Kim has led major initiatives to advance open access, robust and sustainable digital infrastructure and preservation, more effective campuswide stewardship of research data, a user-centered approach to library search and discovery, and inclusive and interdisciplinary education and scholarship practices through technology-enhanced learning spaces such as an AI lab and makerspaces.

She has guided many campuswide, consortial and other external partnerships with organizations such as the Big Ten Academic Alliance, HathiTrust, Google Books and Academic Preservation Trust, and has worked closely with university research, information technology and legal partners to strengthen library services at scale to better support students, faculty and staff.

“I am honored to join the ��ý�� as dean of University Libraries,” Kim said. “Research libraries play an indispensable role in advancing teaching, learning and discovery and are vibrant centers of constantly renewed scholarly practices and research activities. I look forward to working with CU ��ý��’s faculty, staff and students to strengthen library services, infrastructure and partnerships in support of the university’s mission.”

Kim holds three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in library and information science from Simmons College, a Master of Arts in classical philosophy from Harvard University, and a Master of Arts in Western philosophy, as well as a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Seoul National University.

Stevens thanked Sarah Jackson, chair of the search advisory committee, and the committee’s members for their thoughtful engagement and commitment throughout the search. She also expressed appreciation to Tamara Sumner for her exceptional leadership as interim dean, as well as her guidance and dedication in supporting University Libraries and advancing key priorities during this transition.

Provost Ann Stevens today announced the appointment of Bohyun Kim as dean of University Libraries, following a national search. Kim will begin her appointment on Aug. 24.

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CU ��ý�� announces Roqua Montez as new vice chancellor

Elizabeth Lock — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:50:20 +0000

CU ��ý�� announces Roqua Montez as new vice chancellor Elizabeth Lock Tue, 06/02/2026 - 09:50

Chancellor Justin Schwartz has announced the appointment of Roqua Montez IV (pronounced row-KAY mahn-TEZ) as vice chancellor for communications, marketing and social media, following a national search. His appointment begins July 20.

Roqua Montez IV

Roqua is a visionary communications leader who translates complex ideas and institutional priorities into compelling stories that connect with people.”

–Chancellor Justin Schwartz

With nearly two decades of experience in strategic communications and public affairs, Montez has helped leading institutions navigate complex challenges, strengthen stakeholder trust and elevate their public profile across higher education, government and the private sector.

“Roqua is a visionary communications leader who translates complex ideas and institutional priorities into compelling stories that connect with people,” said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “He brings a rare combination of strategic judgment, creativity and operational leadership. His experience guiding globally recognized organizations through periods of transformation will help CU ��ý�� strengthen its voice, deepen engagement and further elevate its standing as one of the nation's leading public research universities.”

In his most recent role as interim associate vice chancellor for communications and public affairs at the University of California, Berkeley, Montez was responsible for the entire strategic communications portfolio. There, he built and led a diverse communications team, transforming Berkeley's enterprise communications operation into a more integrated model while helping advance the university's reputation and visibility through strategic storytelling and engagement.

He also held senior roles at the University of California Office of the President, where he led national media strategy and served as a communications advisor to the UC president, and Hewlett-Packard, where he shepherded global internal communications during a period of significant organizational change.

At CU ��ý��, Montez will collaborate closely with campus leaders, faculty, staff, students and communicators to architect a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the university’s institutional priorities and global reputation.

“This is not a university content to watch the future unfold from the sidelines. CU ��ý�� is helping build it—through research, innovation and a relentless commitment to public good,” Montez said. “At a time when the role of higher education is under intense scrutiny, there has never been a more important moment to communicate clearly who we are, what we stand for and why this work matters.

“Few institutions combine research excellence, innovation and public purpose at the scale of CU ��ý��, and that is what makes this opportunity so compelling. This moment calls for more than promotion. It calls for intellectual seriousness, public conviction and a willingness to assert the indispensable role public universities play in shaping the future.”

Schwartz thanked search committee co-chairs Janel Forde, senior vice chancellor of operations, and Lori Bergen, founding dean for the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information, as well as the search committee members for their leadership and commitment to the search process. He also expressed gratitude to Jon Leslie for his service as vice chancellor for strategic communications.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz announced the appointment of Roqua Montez IV as the new vice chancellor for communications, marketing and social media. Montez will join CU ��ý�� in July, coming from the University of California, Berkeley.

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Arts and Sciences Dean Daryl Maeda to join University of Washington

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:02:50 +0000

Arts and Sciences Dean Daryl Maeda to join University of Washington Megan M Rogers Thu, 05/28/2026 - 10:02

Provost Ann Stevens today announced that Daryl Maeda, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has been selected to serve as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington. Maeda’s last day at CU ��ý�� will be July 2.

Stevens also announced that she will appoint an interim dean in the coming weeks, effective upon Maeda’s departure, to ensure continuity of leadership across the college. A national search for CU ��ý��’s next Arts and Sciences dean will launch this fall, with a search advisory committee appointed in the coming months that includes faculty, staff and student representation.

“Daryl has been an exceptional leader, scholar and a deeply valued member of our campus community,” Stevens said. “His longtime service to CU ��ý�� spans multiple leadership roles, including as interim dean and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and as dean and vice provost for undergraduate education. Across each of these roles, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence, shared governance and student success, leaving a lasting impact on our campus.”

Maeda is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary cultural historian who joined CU ��ý�� in 2005 as a professor of ethnic studies. His scholarship has made significant contributions to Asian American studies, comparative ethnic studies and the study of social movements.

His work examines the formation of Asian American identity, transnational solidarities and the cultural politics of the 1960s and 1970s, with notable books like “Chains of Babylon: The Rise of Asian America” and “Rethinking the Asian American Movement.” His most recent book, “Like Water: A Cultural History of Bruce Lee,” combines biography and cultural history to examine Lee’s global rise within transpacific exchanges shaped by colonialism, migration and cultural flows.

For more than two decades, Maeda has served the university in a number of key leadership roles. He was appointed dean and vice provost for undergraduate education, where he led campuswide efforts to strengthen the undergraduate experience and advance student success initiatives. In his service as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Maeda has guided the college through a period of growth and change, strengthening academic programs and supporting faculty, staff and students.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve CU ��ý��,” Maeda said. “I am deeply grateful to the faculty, staff and students who make the College of Arts and Sciences such a vibrant and inspiring community. The relationships I have developed and the work we have accomplished together will stay with me always.”

Stevens thanked Maeda for his leadership and service, wishing him continued success in his next role.

Provost Ann Stevens has announced Daryl Maeda, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has been selected as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington. His last day is July 2.

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CU ��ý�� appoints Jill Blondin as vice chancellor for global affairs

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 07 May 2026 15:22:41 +0000

CU ��ý�� appoints Jill Blondin as vice chancellor for global affairs Megan M Rogers Thu, 05/07/2026 - 09:22

Chancellor Justin Schwartz has appointed Dr. Jill Blondin as CU ��ý��’s inaugural vice chancellor for global affairs, a leadership role charged with advancing the university’s global engagement, partnerships and impact. Blondin will begin her appointment on July 15.

Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs Jill Blondin

The appointment marks a major milestone in CU ��ý��’s vision to integrate and elevate its global presence by bringing together international partnerships, global programs, international student and scholar services, and campuswide globalization initiatives under a new Office of Global Affairs, a vision Schwartz announced in November 2025 and a move that has been long called for by multiple CU ��ý�� committees and task forces.

In her new role, Blondin will serve as CU ��ý��’s senior international officer and lead the Office of Global Affairs. She will work closely with campus partners to develop and carry out a cohesive global strategy, foster a culture of global engagement, and strengthen CU ��ý��’s standing as a globally connected research university.

“Dr. Jill Blondin is an accomplished, visionary leader in global education whose experience and values align strongly with our aspirations for CU ��ý��’s global future,” Schwartz said. “She brings an extraordinary record of strategic leadership, partnership building and student-centered innovation, and I am excited to welcome her as we expand global opportunities for our students, faculty and researchers.”

Blondin currently serves as vice provost for global initiatives at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), a public R1 institution with campuses in Richmond, Virginia, and in Doha, Qatar. There, she leads a centralized Global Education Office overseeing education abroad, international student support and recruitment, global partnerships, immigration services and an English Language Program. She manages a multimillion-dollar budget and a team of more than 30 faculty and staff members.

At VCU, Blondin spearheaded the university’s five-year global strategic plan, DARE to be Global, aligning international initiatives with institutional priorities while expanding partnerships, recruitment and cross-cultural learning opportunities. Her leadership drove significant gains in international enrollment and global learning, including growth in faculty-led and short-term study abroad programs, a $2.5 million philanthropic gift to support study abroad, and the launch of a Peace Corps Prep Program that became the largest in the nation. She also led two organizational restructurings to strengthen global operations and improve long-term sustainability.

Blondin has been widely recognized for her leadership in international education. In 2023, she was named Senior International Officer of the Year by the Institute of International Education. Currently she serves as president-elect of the Association of International Education Administrators and on the Executive Committee of APLU’s Commission on International Initiatives.

“Dr. Blondin’s inclusive leadership, strategic mindset and ability to build trust with constituents across the university were evident throughout this search,” said Ann Schmiesing, senior vice chancellor for strategic initiatives. “I’m deeply grateful to the search advisory committee, and to chair Seth Marder in particular, for their thoughtful and rigorous work.”

As vice chancellor for global affairs, Blondin will play a central role in advancing CU ��ý��’s global vision, reinforcing international partnerships, supporting internationally mobile students and scholars, and integrating global engagement across the university’s academic, research and service missions.

“I’m honored to join CU ��ý�� at a moment when global engagement is central to the university’s mission,” Blondin said. “CU ��ý�� has a strong foundation in global research, partnerships and learning, and I look forward to working with campus partners to expand access to global opportunities and deepen the university’s impact around the world.”

Blondin earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her academic background is in art history, and her professional expertise includes strategic budgeting, internationalization, global learning, risk management and global partnerships.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz has appointed Jill Blondin as CU ��ý��'s inaugural vice chancellor for global affairs, a leadership role charged with advancing the university's global engagement, partnerships and impact.

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Vice Chancellor for Public Safety Marlon Lynch announces retirement

Elizabeth Lock — Tue, 05 May 2026 18:31:05 +0000

Vice Chancellor for Public Safety Marlon Lynch announces retirement Elizabeth Lock Tue, 05/05/2026 - 12:31

Vice Chancellor for Public Safety Marlon Lynch today announced his plan to retire after leading CU ��ý��’s Division of Public Safety (DPS) since its inception in early 2024.

Lynch’s retirement is effective May 31, though he will continue to serve CU ��ý�� in a part-time capacity over the next nine to 12 months to help maintain the positive momentum DPS has established in enhancing safety and preparing for large-scale initiatives like the Sundance Film Festival.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve CU ��ý�� and partner with so many people on our campus and across ��ý�� to create a public safety model that supports and uplifts the campus community,” Lynch said. “Throughout my career, I’ve viewed public safety not as a job but a calling, one in which we get to help create and maintain safe communities where all can feel belonging and thrive. I am deeply thankful for all in our community who welcomed me and collaborated in our efforts.”

Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations Janel Forde has appointed Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety Operations Jack Briggs to lead DPS in an interim capacity while a national search is conducted for Lynch’s successor.

“Marlon has made a substantial positive impact on our campus in just a short amount of time,” Forde said. “His leadership has been integral in reshaping and implementing a holistic public safety model on our campus. Our DPS team plays an integral role in supporting the success of our students, faculty and staff, and the division is built on a solid foundation thanks to Marlon and his leadership team. We are grateful for his service, and I am excited that he has agreed to continue serving the campus over the coming months as we work through the transition.”

Lynch spent more than 30 years working in law enforcement and public safety. He joined CU ��ý�� in March 2024 as the associate vice chancellor for public safety before later being promoted to vice chancellor.

The Division of Public Safety includes the CU Police Department, Events and Emergency Management, Flight Operations, Security Operations, Communications Centers, Security Services, and Threat Assessment.

Lynch was instrumental in shaping the public safety model at CU ��ý��, updating senior leadership role structure for critical incident response, establishing the new threat assessment team, standing up a new K9 explosive detection unit, expanding the co-responder model between CUPD and mental health clinicians, and unifying campus security systems.

Lynch joined CU ��ý�� from Michigan State University, where he served as the vice president and chief safety officer after first being hired as vice president for public safety and chief of police. Prior to that he served as chief safety officer at the University of Utah, senior vice president for campus services and safety at New York University, and associate vice president for safety and security and civic affairs at the University of Chicago. He holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University and a bachelor of arts in criminal justice from Michigan State. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

“I am excited for this next stage of life and excited for the chance to continue to serve CU ��ý�� in the coming months,” Lynch said. “Our DPS team comprises an exceptional group of professionals, and I could not be more proud to serve with them. I know they will continue to build upon our momentum.”

Marlon Lynch, who has led the Division of Public Safety since early 2024, will continue to serve the campus in a part-time capacity while the campus prepares major initiatives like the Sundance Film Festival.

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University Libraries names first Indigenous knowledges librarian

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:46:16 +0000

University Libraries names first Indigenous knowledges librarian Megan M Rogers Tue, 04/14/2026 - 06:46

As part of this new tenure-track faculty position, Katie Randall will build reciprocal relationships with campus and local Indigenous communities. The role reflects a shift in how Indigenous materials are treated, moving from subjects within collections to engaging with Indigenous knowledge systems as living frameworks.

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Carlos Jiménez joins CU ��ý�� as assistant vice chancellor of admissions and precollege

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:50:30 +0000

Carlos Jiménez joins CU ��ý�� as assistant vice chancellor of admissions and precollege Megan M Rogers Wed, 04/01/2026 - 07:50

CU ��ý�� is pleased to welcome Carlos Jiménez as the university’s new assistant vice chancellor of admissions and precollege. The position is a key leadership role within Enrollment Management focused on strengthening student access by ensuring all students—particularly those historically underrepresented in higher education—have the support and pathways needed to reach, enter and succeed at CU ��ý��, while shaping strategic enrollment efforts and advancing the university’s commitment to student success.

Jiménez brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in admissions, enrollment management and college access. His background includes senior roles at Colorado State University and Colorado College, as well as serving as CEO of Peak Education, a Colorado Springs-based organization dedicated to supporting first-generation and students with historically marginalized identities on their path to and through college.

His career has focused on expanding opportunities, fostering innovation and building strong, student-centered teams. He has significant experience with transfer and international recruitment practices. Across his career, Jiménez has focused on removing practical, financial and informational barriers, strengthening practices that help all students benefit from university pathways and supports, and leading with collaborative, solutions‑oriented problem‑solving.

"I am excited to bring my experience in enrollment management, student success, and organizational leadership to the ��ý��. CU ��ý��’s distinctive culture—combining world-class research, innovation, athletic excellence and a strong commitment to public impact—creates a powerful environment to lead admissions and precollege initiatives," said Jiménez.

"At a time when higher education must be increasingly forward-thinking about access, value and student well-being, this work is more important than ever. I look forward to partnering across campus and beyond to strengthen pathways, remove barriers, and ensure talented students from all backgrounds see CU ��ý�� as a place where they belong and can thrive."

Experience and impact

Across his career, Jiménez has led and transformed admissions and precollege initiatives, including:

Strengthening access while meeting enrollment goals: Led admissions strategies that increased applications and broadened the student pipeline by reducing barriers to applying, expanding outreach in underserved communities and strengthening support for students and families throughout the college‑going process—all while ensuring enrollment goals and revenue targets were met.
Scaling precollege programs with strong outcomes: Oversaw programs serving thousands of first-generation and students with historically marginalized identities, achieving a 90% college enrollment rate and nearly 80% college completion rate.
Innovating through technology and systems: Directed multimillion-dollar budgets and advanced the use of CRM platforms and technology to improve student engagement, streamline operations and enhance student outcomes.
Providing leadership within the profession and the community: Served as president of the Rocky Mountain Association for College Admission Counseling (RMACAC), helping advance best practices in the field and strengthen regional collaboration. Jiménez also brings a long record of service as a community leader through board and volunteer roles with education‑focused and public media organizations, reinforcing his commitment to expanding opportunity and supporting students and families.

Jiménez is known for cultivating organizational cultures grounded in collaboration, trust and care—qualities he plans to bring to CU ��ý�� as he partners with teams across campus.

Looking ahead

As assistant vice chancellor, Jiménez will lead the Office of Admissions and the Office of Precollege Outreach & Engagement, supporting efforts to attract, enroll and prepare talented students from across Colorado, the nation and the world. His leadership will help advance CU ��ý��’s strategic priorities related to student success and community impact.

Enrollment Management leaders shared their enthusiasm for Jiménez’s arrival, noting that his depth of experience and his commitment to creating environments where all students feel welcome and valued will be invaluable as CU ��ý�� continues to strengthen its admissions and precollege efforts.

Please join in welcoming Jiménez to the CU ��ý�� community.

CU ��ý�� welcomes Carlos Jiménez as the new assistant vice chancellor for admissions and precollege, bringing 20-plus years of experience expanding access by improving pathways and reducing barriers for students across Colorado and beyond.

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Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Marin Stanek announces retirement

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:32:17 +0000

Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Marin Stanek announces retirement Megan M Rogers Wed, 03/18/2026 - 08:32

Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Marin Stanek today announced her plan to retire after more than 25 years serving CU ��ý��.

Stanek will work closely with Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations Janel Forde to launch a national search for her successor this spring, with an aim of Forde naming a new vice chancellor prior to the fall semester. A search committee and process will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Without a doubt, the highlight of my career has been serving as vice chancellor for IT and getting to work with all of the incredibly talented people in OIT, CU ��ý�� and at CU system over the past five years,” Stanek said. “For me, this role has never been about technology alone—it’s been about stewardship, trust, partnership and people. I am deeply thankful for every staff member, leader, student and campus partner who has shared this important work with me, and I cannot imagine a better role to serve as the capstone to my career.”

Stanek’s last day at the university will be May 8. Associate Vice Chancellor for IT Orrie Gartner will then serve as interim vice chancellor during the search for Stanek’s successor.

“We are grateful for Marin’s leadership and service to CU ��ý�� during a 25-year period that has seen enormous technological shifts in how teaching, learning, research and administrative pursuits are performed on our campus,” said Forde, who oversees the Office of Information Technology (OIT) along with Employee Health and Well-Being; Human Resources; Public Safety; and Compliance, Ethics and Policy.

“Our campus and OIT team are continually working to enhance the employee experience and uplift student, faculty and staff success by providing access to technological tools and safeguards that improve people’s ability to conduct their research, scholarship and work. Marin’s leadership and steady, visionary approach has been invaluable to me in my first nine months at CU ��ý�� and in setting OIT up for a bright future.”

Stanek joined CU ��ý�� in 2001, serving in a number of leadership roles along the way. She was appointed to lead OIT in 2021. Since that time, OIT, under Stanek’s leadership, has spearheaded numerous IT projects critical to the success of the campus.

This has included making major investments in research computing capabilities, enhancing student experiences within Buff Portal; quickly pivoting the campus to a hybrid environment during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing access to critical software and technologies; launching the IT community of practice; providing laptops to the students, faculty, and staff affected by the Marshall Fire; significantly enhancing IT security standards; and creating a campuswide IT governance structure that improved transparency, shared governance and IT prioritization investments aligned with institutional goals.

Earlier this year, Stanek guided the implementation of the new CU Secure Wi-Fi network, creating a faster and safer online experience for students, faculty and staff.

Prior to CU ��ý��, Stanek worked at the University of Wisconsin Extension at Learning Innovations as well as Colorado State University in the Continuing Education Division. A Colorado native, Stanek earned master’s and doctoral degrees in educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor’s degree in international political economics from Colorado College.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Stanek and her husband, Matt, plan to spend time in the Colorado mountains hiking and skiing. Commencement this year on May 2 is particularly meaningful for her, as her son, Eric, will be receiving his Master of Studies in Law in Ethics and Compliance. She noted: “Being on Folsom Field together for graduation and seeing faculty and students in their regalia with the stands filled with families is an incredible moment. And, a week later we will be traveling to Texas Tech to celebrate the graduation of my younger son, Jake. The month of May will be filled with celebration.”

As her career winds down, Stanek is reflective of her time spent on campus.

“CU ��ý�� is exceptionally well positioned for the future,” she said. “OIT is supported by dedicated leaders, extraordinarily talented staff, and a clear, forward‑looking IT strategic plan. I am immensely proud of what our teams have accomplished together—solving complex challenges through collaboration, creativity and a shared commitment to the campus mission—and I look forward to watching even greater accomplishments on the horizon.”

Marin Stanek, who has served at CU ��ý�� for 25 years, will work closely with university leadership to launch a national search for her successor this spring.

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Vice Chancellor Jon Leslie announces transition from leadership role

Elizabeth Lock — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:56:11 +0000

Vice Chancellor Jon Leslie announces transition from leadership role Elizabeth Lock Mon, 02/16/2026 - 20:56

Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications Jon Leslie today announced his decision to transition from leading CU ��ý��’s Strategic Relations and Communications (SRC) team.

Jon Leslie

The Office of the Chancellor will be launching a national search for his successor in the coming days, with Senior Vice Chancellor Janel Forde and Dean Lori Bergen co-chairing a committee seeking a vice chancellor for communications, marketing and social media to lead the next phase of bringing CU ��ý��’s story to life.

“CU ��ý�� has changed my life. It has been the privilege of my lifetime to serve this institution, and I am thankful to my SRC and campuswide colleagues for all we have accomplished together,” Leslie said. “I am truly grateful to Chancellor Justin Schwartz, Ann Schmiesing, Phil DiStefano, Patrick O’Rourke, Russ Moore, Sonia DeLuca Fernández and everyone at this university who has helped shape my development. In my heart, I will always be a Buff.”

Schwartz also expressed gratitude, reflecting on Leslie’s lengthy and impactful tenure.

“I am deeply grateful for Jon’s contributions to our university during his many years of service, and I’m particularly grateful for his leadership during my first 18 months as chancellor,” said Schwartz. “I’m pleased to report that Jon will continue to lead the SRC team during the transition and will also play a highly visible role in our 150th anniversary celebration this year, supporting and transitioning a number of high-impact strategic projects in the months ahead.”

During his time on campus, Leslie has generated a long list of accomplishments. Since joining CU ��ý�� in the early 2000s, he has played a central role in shaping the university’s brand and digital communications ecosystem.

He was instrumental in the launch and rollout of the University of Colorado visual identity, the “I am a ______ Buff.” campaign, the CU ��ý�� Web Express content management system and the campus’s signature “Be ��ý��” platform—one of the most durable university brand campaigns of the past 15 years.

Leslie’s leadership has also driven significant advancements in digital engagement and strategic storytelling, transforming how CU ��ý�� connects with a broad range of local, state, national and global constituencies.

An avid Buff with a deep belief in public higher education, Leslie has contributed to several major campus and systemwide initiatives over the years, supporting strategic planning, accreditation, student success, inclusion, innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainability, brand governance and the modernization of digital infrastructure across the university.

On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, Leslie and his team led CU ��ý��’s role as co-host of the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit, a pivotal point in CU ��ý��’s commitment to global sustainability leadership.

He and his team have also played a central role in the reinvigoration of the Conference on World Affairs, one of CU ��ý��’s longest and most recognized public engagement traditions. Their work has included high‑profile programs with Deion Sanders (2024), Cynthia Erivo (2025) and Malala Yousafzai (2026), drawing increased student engagement in the conference and casting a positive spotlight on CU ��ý��.

Before joining the university, Leslie built a strong foundation in communications, branding and marketing through a decade of private‑sector experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English (Writing) from Towson University and pursued graduate studies at The Johns Hopkins University and the University of Colorado Denver. He is also a University of Colorado Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP) Fellow.

After supporting the transition to a new vice chancellor, Leslie will serve as senior director of special projects and vice chancellor emeritus on Senior Vice Chancellor Ann Schmiesing’s team, continuing to play lead roles in the university’s 150th anniversary celebration, the Conference on World Affairs, campus shared values development, the learner lifecycle constituent relationship management (CRM) implementation, campus leadership objectives and key results (OKR) development and other strategic projects.

After the culmination of CU ��ý��’s 150th anniversary celebration, Leslie will retire from the university in February 2027.

Jon Leslie, vice chancellor for strategic communications, will assist with onboarding a successor, supporting CU ��ý��’s yearlong 150th anniversary celebration and strategic projects during 2026.

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