October

Christine Márquez-Hudson named vice president of University Advancement

New VP to start Nov. 12, aims to create culture of philanthropy to support MSU Denver’s top priorities.

By Dan Vaccaro

October 22, 2018

Christine Márquez-Hudson will be the next vice president of University Advancement at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She will start in the role Nov. 12.

“With state funding at an all-time low, this position is crucial to ensuring that the dream of higher education remains in reach for all students,” said Janine Davison, Ph.D., president of MSU Denver. “I believe that Christine is the right person to take our fundraising and donor-engagement efforts to the next level.”

Davidson has tasked Márquez-Hudson with creating a strategic and sustainable fundraising plan that builds on and expands the recent successes of the University’s Advancement team.

“My vision for the first year will be laser-focused on supporting priorities identified by President Davidson and the Board of Trustees,” Márquez-Hudson said. “I will work with the Advancement team and Foundation Board to prioritize our time and effort to advance those priorities.  

“Overall, my goal is to create a ‘culture of philanthropy’ in the first year and beyond.”  

Márquez-Hudson’s appointment concludes a six-month search process. School of Education Dean Elizabeth Hinde, Ph.D., chaired the search committee. The University also contracted with Storbeck Pimentel and Associates, a third-party recruiting agency that has placed senior leaders at colleges and universities in 46 states.

Hinde noted the strength of the candidate pool and, in particular, the high caliber and qualifications of the finalists. “Christine, however, rose to the top because of her candor, experience and charisma,” Hinde said. “All who met her were impressed with her background and experience and resonated with the vision she outlined.”

For the past two-plus years, Márquez-Hudson has served as president and CEO of the Denver Foundation. Prior to that, she spent eight years with Mi Casa Resource Center as CEO and executive director.

All told, she has 20 years of experience as a nonprofit executive and community leader. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from UCLA and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Regis University.

Márquez-Hudson said she was drawn to MSU Denver in part because of her “tremendously high regard for President Davidson’s leadership and vision,” but also because of the mission of the University and the students it serves.  

“I feel personally connected to helping people with high potential achieve their educational goals,” she said. “And, in doing so, enabling them to contribute to the thriving Colorado economy. MSU Denver is playing a critical and relevant role in this effort.”