Strategic Plan & Priorities
Chancellor Marks’ mission to make education work for all
“CU Denver is redefining the model of tomorrow’s public urban research university to lead to a more equitable and innovative society.”
—Chancellor Michelle Marks, PhD
2030 Strategic Plan:
Make Education Work for All
CU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan: Make Education Work for All is a profound repositioning of CU Denver to be a public urban research university that works for all: learners of all kinds and at all stages of life, industries and employers that need talent ready to hit the ground running, and communities requiring new solutions and discoveries. Chancellor Marks galvanized thousands of internal and external community members to conceive of and build the plan. A comprehensive 100 Days of Listening Tour preceded the strategic planning process and marked the starting point for this collaborative process to guide the university’s future success.
Explore the CU Denver 2030 Strategic Plan
Honoring Auraria’s Past and Future
We study, teach, and work at a special place rooted in deep history. In this spirit, and in partnership with our communities, we continue to invest in intentional, impactful work that benefits the many people we serve. Recent projects include the initiative to preserve and renovate historic homes along Ninth Street on the Auraria Campus and the expansion of the Displaced Aurarian Scholarship.
Learn More About Our Community ImpactChancellor’s Faculty Fellowship
The Chancellor’s Faculty Fellowship was announced in July 2020. Nominated to one-year terms, the Faculty Fellow focuses on a different topic of strategic priority to CU Denver, including issues such as equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as the implementation of the 2030 Strategic Plan. The primary responsibilities of the Faculty Fellow are to advise the Chancellor and the CU Denver leadership team related to the designated topic, in addition to working on special projects.
Learn More About the Chancellor’s Faculty Fellows
Events & Engagements
Chancellor Marks is committed to keeping the entire University of Colorado Denver community informed about and engaged with the important issues happening at the university. From communications with students, parents, faculty, and staff to broader engagement opportunities with alumni, elected officials, community members, and supporters, Chancellor Marks passionately tells CU Denver’s story and elevates the exceptional work of our people.
Explore the Chancellor’s Events & EngagementsMilestones
2023
September
CU Denver is recognized as Colorado’s #1 university for social mobility for the third year in a row.
May
CU Denver becomes first Rocky Mountain region campus to gain Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) status, which reflects the university’s efforts to increase access and opportunity for those underserved by higher education.
April
New staff and faculty professional development initiatives finish their first year, as a new campus-focused HR team helps CU Denver progress as a people-centered Best Place to Work.
January
CU Denver celebrates its 50th Anniversary
2022
March
Two new initiatives honor those who have called Auraria home: a renovation of historic Ninth Street homes with input from residents displaced when campus was built, and a mural series featuring diverse, successful CU Denver alumni.
March
Digital Strategy Task Force delivers report to Chancellor Marks to lay foundation for tech-forward solutions to increase flexibility and support for learners on and off campus.
2021
September
Inaugural Future Fest event showcases big ideas from across CU Denver to align with the university’s goal to be widely known for its research and creative work.
June
Chancellor Marks launches CU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan: Make Education Work for All.
April
Chancellor Marks expresses full support for Equity Task Force report on improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice, and designates new funding to further its recommendations.
Early
Chancellor Marks engages full CU Denver community to develop strategic goals and priorities, which generates thousands of ideas over six months.
2020
July
Soon after her first day on July 1, Chancellor Marks begins 100 Days of Listening sessions, connecting with 1,000+ CU Denver faculty, students, staff, and friends to chart a strategic course ahead.