Early Bird

MSU Denver invited to join prestigious AASCU national cohort

As a member of the Transformation Accelerator Cohort, the University will work to eliminate race, ethnicity and income as predictors of student success.

By Lindsey Coulter

November 23, 2021

Metropolitan State University of Denver was recently accepted into the national Transformation Accelerator Cohort. The American Association of State Colleges and Universities program is designed to eliminate race, ethnicity and income as predictors of student success. MSU Denver and its 14 cohort-partner institutions will work to improve educational and career outcomes and close equity gaps, especially for Black, Latinx, Indigenous and low-income students.

The multiyear program takes an integrated, student-centered, comprehensive approach to transformation. The cohort approach involves peer-to-peer learning via in-person and virtual Student Success Academies. Participants will have access to resources such as online modules and webinars, and they receive support from subject-matter experts in data analytics, equity, student success, advising, institutional transformation, and strategic and systems planning. The program will also challenge each institution to recognize its individual strengths and growth opportunities to build long-term transformation.

“We are honored to have been chosen by AASCU to participate in this national cohort of like-minded institutions,” said John Masserini, DMA, dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. “AASCU’s mission, vision and goals are closely aligned with MSU Denver’s in that they are driven by strategies and goals that expand student access, success and opportunity within equitable, inclusive and value-driven structures for all students. Participation in the Transformation Accelerator Cohort will enhance our current DEI efforts and provide collaborative opportunities for new initiatives.”

MSU Denver already maintains a cohort targeting the closing of equity gaps for Black, Latinx, Indigenous and low-income students, and this focus is an important part of the University’s 2030 Strategic Plan and legislative efforts. The University’s work to develop the Classroom to Career Hub, undergraduate research and badging and micro-credentialing opportunities also bolstered a strong application. These existing efforts coupled with the national platform provided by the TAC will help the University attract even more first-generation students and students of color as well as additional partners in industry, community partnerships and a broader donor base. 

MSU Denver’s cohort team members include:

• Masserini (team lead)
• President Janine Davidson, Ph.D.
• Provost Alfred Tatum, Ph.D.
• Sean Petranovich, Ph.D., director of Data and Analytics
• Will Simpkins, Ed.D., vice president of Student Affairs
• Kristy Duran, Ph.D., faculty director of Undergraduate Research
• Adrienne Martinez, associate vice president of Classroom to Career Initiatives

Fellow cohort institutions include:

• Albany State University (Georgia)
• California State University-Fresno
• Central Connecticut State University
• The College of Staten Island CUNY
• PASSHE/Bloomsburg University, Lockhaven University, Mansfield University (Pennsylvania)
• SUNY College at Oswego
• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
• Texas A&M Kingsville
• Prairie View A&M University (Texas)
• The Texas A&M University System
• Texas A&M University-San Antonio
• The University of Hawaii at Hilo
• The University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• William Paterson University (N.J.)

Together, cohort institutions serve 120,525 students (full-time equivalent), with an average Pell eligibility of 48%. They span the rural, urban and suburban spectrum and include seven Hispanic-Serving Institutions, three Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, and three Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions.

“AASCU is proud to be leading the nation in post-secondary student success for America’s New Majority at state colleges and universities,” AASCU President Mildred García said in a statement. “For over 50 years, AASCU has partnered with member institutions to deliver on the American promise of access, affordability and educational opportunity. The Transformation Accelerator Cohort articulates an equity imperative to help everyone see their role in ensuring success for Black, Latinx, Indigenous and low-income students.”