Faculty Fellowships

MSU Denver offers several fellowships for faculty with the goals of giving our faculty experience with University administrative functions and decision-making as well as creating an opportunity for faculty to add perspective to “big picture” University planning.

Below is information about the three faculty fellowships currently offered at MSU Denver.

The Presidential Faculty Fellowship is a 12-month program that provides one faculty member the opportunity to gain a “behind the scenes” view of the administration of the University at the highest levels. 

During the course of a full calendar year (January 1-December 31), the Presidential Faculty Fellow will work full-time in collaboration with President Davidson and her Senior Leadership team, providing a unique professional development opportunity to learn first-hand about presidential-level operations, leadership, and decision making.

The program was created to promote shared governance by enhancing faculty understanding of presidential responsibilities. In addition, the Presidential Faculty Fellow is expected to report back to their home department to share the experience, knowledge, and insights they have gained during their year of work in the Office of the President. 

Each fellow received 15 hours of reassigned time for each of the spring and fall semesters.

A call for applications is sent early during the fall semester with applications typically due in October. 

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Faculty Fellowship Program provides fellows with the opportunity to work closely with the director for faculty diversity research and development under the direction of the vice president for Diversity and Inclusion. Fellows will administer programs and initiatives developed by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to advance the University’s Strategic Plan and the Diversity Strategic Plan with attention to faculty recruitment/retention, and resources and support for faculty development. 

Fellows collaborate with the ODI team to develop, maintain and assess a high level of centralized, comprehensive initiatives to promote and foster a diverse and inclusive climate within MSU Denver’s academic units and across the University. The program places emphasis on underrepresented and minoritized faculty representation, among other vulnerable populations. 

Call for applications typically post near the end of the spring semester and the three faculty fellows selected are provided a one–unit release time (three credit hours) per semester.

The Advancement Faculty Fellowship was created as a professional–development opportunity through which educators gain experience advancing and cultivating a culture of philanthropy across campus. Fellows work closely with University Advancement leaders to further Metropolitan State University of Denver’s mission, strategic plan and capital campaign while developing their leadership and expertise in philanthropy. 

Advancement Faculty Fellows gain a comprehensive understanding of multiple areas that will serve their academic careers and MSU Denver, including: University Advancement, the donor cultivation process, leadership, financial management, and investment strategies. Fellows also serve as liaisons to academic colleges, schools and departments and will help grow relationships with internal and external partners. 

Over the course of one academic year (fall and spring semesters), fellows commit 10-12 hours a week during which they work closely with University Advancement’s leadership team.

Calls for applications typically come at the end of each spring semester with the vetting process taking place in May and June.