Dear Lynx community,

This semester, I have been able to meet with most of the schools and colleges on campus. The discussions have been honest and candid, thoughtful, and at times spirited—unmistakable signs of a university community that cares deeply about its mission and purpose.

One question has surfaced in nearly every gathering, especially as higher education faces accelerating change and rising public expectations: What should CU Denver be known for?

My response has been consistent. I believe CU Denver should be known as a university that prioritizes modern skill development and cultivates engaged and responsible citizens, investing in solutions that equip our learners with the competencies, resiliency, and adaptability needed to thrive in a world defined by constant change. Two realities shape my thinking.

First, knowledge is evolving at an extraordinary speed. In some disciplines, what students learn today may be outdated within just a few years, if not sooner. Entire industries are being reshaped in real time, and our graduates must prepare to not only keep pace, but lead and innovate. 

Second, universities no longer monopolize knowledge. There is little value in trying to gatekeep what can be accessed anywhere and at any time. Whether through online courses, tutorials, or emerging technologies, knowledge is available to all via a swipe on a phone.

Models bound to passive transfer are no longer enough. Our learners need experiences that prepare them to solve problems, build confidence, and apply what they learn in real-world settings. This is where I believe CU Denver can lead, creating opportunities for experiential and career-embedded learning in partnership with our city and region.

This shift also requires a broader vision for lifelong learning. Our responsibility is not merely to prepare students for their first job. We should aspire to be the institution our graduates return to when they need a new skill, a fresh credential, or a trusted partner during times of transition.

For generations, higher education was organized around a model built primarily for learners moving directly from high school to college. That model served its time, but it no longer reflects the realities of modern life or work, especially for the types of students we serve.

It’s estimated that nearly 60% of workers will need reskilling or upskilling by 2030 with approximately 40% of core skills either changing or becoming obsolete within this same period. In response, learning must become more dynamic and responsive—available when learners need it most.

I invite each of you to consider what this shift could mean within your school, college, or unit. How do we create a university where alumni and working professionals see returning to or partnering with CU Denver as valuable and worth their time? How do we become a lifelong partner for their growth?

Since our founding as an extension of the Boulder campus shortly after the turn of the twentieth century, CU Denver has existed for a simple but powerful purpose: to educate the people of the Denver metro area. That mission endures, but we must evolve in how we fulfill it.

It will require a model that empowers learners to apply knowledge, create opportunities, and return to us throughout the arc of their lives. Success in this regard is not only critical to our mission of serving our community, but it also extends the reach of our academic excellence while strengthening the long-term financial footing for CU Denver.

As we look ahead, I also want to share two brief updates. First, since we last gathered in February, the Strategic Plan Operations Team has continued its work, gathering feedback from campus subject matter experts to finalize outcome measures and refine the values that will guide our work. More information will be shared soon.

Second, following last month’s status update​, we submitted an application seeking approval from India’s University Grants Commission for authorization to explore establishing an on-ground educational entity, beginning the formal process that could lead to the establishment of select CU Denver degree programs being offered in India.

Finally, to those attending, graduating, participating in, or volunteering at commencement, thank you! This celebration is a university-wide effort, and it reflects the best of who we are. Being with our graduates, their families, and all of you at each of our commencement ceremonies is one of the great privileges this role provides.

Thank you to everyone who helps to create such a memorable day for our learners as we honor their incredible achievements. Their success is our purpose, and their next chapter is a reminder of why our work matters so deeply.