Early Bird

From Davidson’s Desk

Updates on Strategic Plan 2025 and the Faculty/Staff Appreciation BBQ, plus a visit from four groundbreaking political strategists.

April 30, 2019

Dear Roadrunners,

As we rush toward the end of another semester, I want you to know how much I appreciate all the work you’ve done this academic year. We’ll be celebrating that work at the  Faculty and Staff Appreciation BBQ on May 9. Please take a few minutes away from your desk to enjoy some good food and honor the winners of the 2019 Distinguished Service Awards.

While the semester is winding down, our Strategic Plan 2025 initiative is ramping up. I can’t emphasize enough how important this planning process will be for the future of Metropolitan State University of Denver. I know it sounds trite, but it’s true: Failure to plan means planning to fail. And failure is not an option for the students who depend on MSU Denver.

At the last Strategic Plan Launch and Learn event, State Demographer Elizabeth Garner shared a stat that stuck with me. She said only one-third of the people born in Colorado have a post-high-school credential. Think about what that means: Two-thirds of the people who were born in this state don’t have a college degree. As people with higher-ed degrees continue to flock into the state from other places, Coloradans are in danger of being left behind. MSU Denver is the school that can make sure that doesn’t happen. And that essential work starts with a strong Strategic Plan! 

Hopefully, you’ve already participated in a roundtable session with one of our Strategic Planning Team members. If not, there are many ways to let your voice be heard. We have two Town Halls planned for May 13 and 14, respectively. The May 13 event runs from 3 to 4 p.m. in JSSB 400. The May 14 session is from 2 to 3 p.m. in the same place. These are open forums for anyone in the community who wants to share their best ideas for the future of our University. You can always leave a comment with your feedback or ideas on the Strategic Planning website.

The SPT will continue its work this summer and over the next 18 months. We will keep you in the loop every step of the way and often ask for your suggestions and feedback. Please stay tuned for the latest information. Together, we will put together a Strategic Plan that helps us meet students where they are, so that they can advance their own lives and the state of Colorado.     

Finally, I’d like to bring three events to your attention. On Thursday, we’ll host the co-authors of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics” as part of the President’s Speaker Series. Renowned political strategist and media personality Donna Brazile, as well as Yolanda Caraway, Leah Daughtry and Minyon Moore will share insights gleaned from more than 30 years as four of the most powerful African American women in politics. The event will be held in St. Cajetan’s and start with a book discussion at 10 a.m., followed by a book signing. The event is free, but an RSVP is required. Faculty, staff and community members should sign up here, and students can register at this link. 

I also hope you received an email from me inviting you to celebrate MSU Denver’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution on May 9. From 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Ninth Street Park, we will honor the many people who made this incredible achievement possible and reaffirm the University’s commitment to provide a welcoming place for the state’s growing Latino community and all students.

Finally, I want to invite you to Spring 2019 Commencement on May 17. The morning ceremony for the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the School of Education starts at 9 a.m. The afternoon ceremony for the College of Business and the College of Professional Studies begins at 3 p.m. These ceremonies are the culmination of all your hard work on behalf of students. I hope to see you at one or both.

Thanks for reading and for another great semester.

Sincerely,

Janine Davidson, Ph.D.

President