Early Bird

Inside the President’s Cabinet

Hiring-search updates, big awards and changes to Board of Trustees policies highlight Wednesday’s meeting.

By Dan Vaccaro

January 10, 2019

Couldn’t make it to the President’s Cabinet meeting Wednesday? The Early Bird has you covered. Here are the highlights.

President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., called to session the first Cabinet meeting of 2019 by welcoming new members. They include Shawn Worthy, Ph.D., human-services professor and interim associate to the president for diversity; Shaun Schafer, Ph.D., journalism chair and president of the Council of Chairs; and Christine Márquez-Hudson, vice president of University Advancement.

Davidson also introduced other notable new hires Christian Hardigree, founding dean of the School of Hospitality, Events and Tourism, and Summer Valdez, executive assistant to the president.

“I am absolutely thrilled to lead this organization with so many amazing leaders at every level,” Davidson said. “The faces change, but the mission remains the same.”

Changes to BOT policy    

Nick Stancil, deputy general counsel, and Sheila Rucki, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Political Science, shared recommended changes to Board of Trustees’ policies. The co-leads of the University Policy Advisory Committee described the changes as “nonsubstantive” and focused predominantly on clarifying outdated language. The Cabinet approved the recommendations, which will be presented to the Board of Trustees. 

Hiring-search updates

The search for the director of the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs entered its next phase. Campus interviews for finalists will take place this month. Stay tuned to the Early Bird for more details.

The search committee for the vice president of Administration and Finance/chief operating officer intends to identify its top candidates in early February.

Davidson at the Capitol this week

Davidson will continue to make the case for additional state funding for Metropolitan State University of Denver at the Joint Budget Committee on Friday. You can listen to her testimony at 4 p.m.

And other updates

• Ron Miles, director of Jazz Studies, was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category for “Still Dreaming,” a collaboration with critically acclaimed musicians Joshua Redman, Scott Coley and Brian Blade. Miles will also be the musical keynote at next week’s MLK Peace Breakfast. Tickets are still available.
• Davidson was named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in 2019 by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and will receive this award on Jan. 30.
• The 2020 Strategic Plan process kicks off this month. Stay tuned to the Early Bird next week for a detailed look at the 18-month endeavor and more information on how you can get involved.
• Advancement will offer training on “how to be a good fundraising partner” for senior leadership, chairs and other faculty members throughout February. More info to come in the Early Bird.
• Career Services moved from the Tivoli Student Union to the Administration Building. All are invited to check out the team’s new digs. The Military and Veteran Student Services office moved into the vacated space in the Tivoli.

For those who can’t attend Cabinet meetings, you can always listen online. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 13 from 9-10:30 a.m. in JSSB 400.