Early Bird

Cathy Lucas caps 22 years at MSU Denver

Strategy and Communications chief helped raise the University’s profile, gaining national recognition for its work with undocumented students and an award-winning storytelling platform.

By Lindsey Coulter

May 11, 2021

Cathy Lucas, who helped transform Metropolitan State University of Denver from a regional college into a renowned urban university, announced last week that she is leaving the University after a 22-year career.

Lucas, vice president of Strategy and External Affairs, has served the school in multiple capacities since 1999, leading communication strategy and helping guide the University’s trajectory under Presidents Stephen Jordan and Janine Davidson, Ph.D. Her last day will be July 1.

“I started 2021 with two words: refresh and recalibrate,” Lucas told the Early Bird. “Emerging from a global pandemic, losing my mom and caring for my 89-year-old dad, I was in a way pushed to slow down. As a result, I took stock of the world around me, reflected on the many great experiences I’ve had here and what could be next for me.”

During her tenure, Lucas has led numerous policy and public-affairs initiatives, including the school’s changing its name from college to university, gaining legislative approval to add master’s degrees and securing additional funding for capital projects and other initiatives. She also guided the communication strategy when the University offered its now-nationally recognized special in-state-resident tuition rate for undocumented students.

“Cathy has made great contributions to MSU Denver over two full decades here,” said President Davidson, Ph.D. “She has been integral to the growth of our brand from ‘college’ to ‘university’ and, through her work on our strategic plan, has positioned us for the next level.”

Lucas has led the development of two Universitywide strategic plans and supported leadership in driving new initiatives such as achieving status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution in 2019.

“Cathy has been an indefatigable champion for MSU Denver,” said Matt Makley, Ph.D., professor of History and 2030 Strategic Plan co-lead. “In our years working together, she has been a consistently powerful voice for our University and students across many constituencies, especially the Denver business community and the legislature.” 

Leading the award-winning Strategy, Marketing and Communications team has been a source of pride for Lucas, as the team has been recognized for its innovative brand-journalism approach and internal and external communication programs. The team has won dozens of national, regional and local industry awards, including being named the 2019 Public Relations Team of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America Colorado Chapter.

“Ours is one of the most talented, productive and passionate teams I’ve ever been a part of, and I think that’s because of Cathy’s success as a leader,” said John Arnold, senior director of Communications and editor in chief. “It’s her ability to build great teams that are exceptionally suited and inspired to execute her innovative ideas and vision.”

Lucas was honored among the 2019 Denver Business Journal Outstanding Women in Business – Communications and Media and the 2018 Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Top 25 Most Powerful Women and received the 2017 PRSA Colorado Public Relations Person of the Year award. In 2012, she received MSU Denver’s Distinguished Service Award.

“Cathy established our public-affairs outreach at the state Capitol, leading us from a time when we were not even an afterthought for our policymakers to being recognized as THE institution that can deliver on the State’s higher-education master plan,” said Chief Financial Officer George Middlemist, Ph.D.

“She is an amazing leader that I am proud to call my colleague, but mostly she is an amazing person whom I am proud to call my friend.”

The Early Bird spoke with Lucas about her time as a Roadrunner and what’s on the horizon.

Early Bird: What makes you grateful for your time at MSU Denver?

Lucas: While I believe that I’m leaving MSU Denver in a better place than when I arrived, I’m also leaving as a better person than when I got here. I’ve developed relationships with industry professionals, community leaders and amazing colleagues – faculty, staff and my team. I’ve witnessed students arrive and blossom with new knowledge, and I’ve been part of the leadership team that has elevated the University to be a world-class institution. It’s been a privilege to play a part in changing people’s lives through education and seeing the positive impact on our economy as a result of the work we do here at the University.  

Early Bird: Why was this the right time to say farewell to MSU Denver?

Lucas: I’ll always be a Roadrunner at heart, but after 22 years here I feel like my work here is complete, and it’s time to see what other opportunities there might be for me. After recently completing the 2030 University Strategic Plan, I collaborated with President Davidson on how I might take some personal time and find my next adventure. MSU Denver is in a great place, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for it.

Early Bird: What’s next for you?

Lucas: I’m curious and exploring things with a new sense of possibility. I also want to take the time to decide which path my career will take. This summer, I’m going to travel with my family, spend time with my dad, continue my community work and enjoy connecting with friends and nature. 

More details on the transition of leadership will be available soon.