Chicano Studies chair reinstated following personnel process review

Feb. 15, 2024 | President’s Correspondence

Following a thorough review of the situation and processes related to the appointment and removal of MSU Denver department chairs, I have reinstated Chicana/o Studies Department Chair Dr. Adriana Nieto. Read more.

Our state’s future depends on higher education

Jan. 10, 2024 | Davidson’s Desk

Leaving the military and Department of Defense to work at MSU Denver was more than a career change – it is a calling. I made this move because I firmly believe in the transformational power of higher education for individuals and for our nation as a whole. Read more.

MSU Denver celebrates gains in enrollment and retention

Jan. 17, 2024 | President’s Correspondence

We’ve recovered 
Enrollment for spring semester is UP about 3.5%.

We’ve stabilized 
Retention is up about 1%. d Kindn

Now, it’s time to launch! 

Read more.

MSU Denver welcomes three new Board of Trustees members

Jan. 12, 2024 

The Metropolitan State University of Denver Board of Trustees welcomes three new members this semester. Also, three existing board members have been reappointed to serve second terms, including Kristin Hultquist, who was elected by the board to replace Russell Noles as chair. Read more.

Reflecting on kindness and compassion

Nov. 8, 2023 | President’s Correspondence

Monday is World Kindness Day, an international observance that encourages people to bridge differences and focus on the common threads that bind us. It’s an opportune moment to pause and reflect on something that is all too often overlooked: our shared humanity and our innate capacity for kindness and compassion. Read more.

Announcing MSU Denver’s new provost

Oct. 30, 2023 | President’s Correspondence

President Davidson announces the selection of Laura Niesen de Abruña, Ph.D., as the University’s new provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, beginning Jan. 25.  Read more.

President’s priorities kick-off budget planning cycle

Oct. 24, 2023 | President’s Correspondence

President Davidson shares priorities to kick-off the fiscal year 2025 budget planning cycle.  Read more.

Launching Student Success together this fall

Aug. 29, 2023 | President’s Correspondence

President Davidson welcomes faculty and staff back to campus by reinvigorating our founding purpose, to prepare our students to meet Colorado’s workforce needs.   Read more.

Davidson's Desk: Affirming education access

June 29, 2023 | Davidson’s Desk

The Supreme Court handed down its highly anticipated decision on affirmative action in higher education admissions today, striking down the policy in a monumental moment for education. Fortunately, because MSU Denver is an open-access institution, the decision will have no impact on who we will admit and won’t alter our efforts to prepare Colorado’s workforce. Read more.

Trustees approve Fiscal Year 2024 budget

June 7, 2023 | President’s Correspondence

The Board of Trustees has approved an exciting new budget for Metropolitan State University of Denver, highlighted by employee compensation increases and strategic investments that will catalyze our enrollment momentum as we launch the University forward. Read more.

Launching Student Success

May 11, 2023 | President’s Correspondence

Two years ago, we introduced our “Recover, Stabilize, LAUNCH!” framework as we were finalizing our 2030 Strategic Plan. The biggest key to our launch is student retention, the one thing in our flywheel from which everything else turns. Read more.

Davidson's Desk: Colorado is desperate for workers. Higher ed is the answer.

March 16, 2023 | Davidson’s Desk

Colorado’s 2022 Talent Pipeline Report said there were two job openings for every available worker last year, an immediate challenge that also brings into question the long-term sustainability of the state economy. We have an urgent need to invest in our education system – our state’s future. Read more.

Davidson on Colorado Business Roundtable podcast

March 3, 2023

Listen below to this episode of “A Seat at the Table,” as President Davidson shares how she works with businesses to ensure her students get real world experience and connections in a job market hungry for workers. She also expands on the evolving role of higher education in American culture, why higher education is still great value (despite commentary claiming it isn’t), and her remarkable background as a pilot for the Air Force and a civilian working in the Pentagon.

Hosted by Colorado Business Roundtable President Debbie Brown.

Workload task force, goals and timeline

Feb. 16, 2023 | President’s Correspondence

The purpose of this note is to provide an update on the process and timeline for the way forward on faculty workload. Read more.

Reaction and resources following Feb. 13 school shootings

Feb. 14, 2023 | President’s Correspondence

I am at a loss to describe how I’m feeling after a spate of shootings and lockdowns at schools near and far yesterday. Colorado School of Mines was on lockdown for five hours early Monday while police searched for an armed fugitive who killed a police K-9; a Denver East High School student was shot near the school in the afternoon and remains hospitalized; and at least three Michigan State University students were killed and several more injured during a mass shooting last night. Read more.

Preparing an inclusive and swift path forward on faculty workload

Feb. 13, 2023 | President’s Correspondence

President Davidson provides an update on MSU Denver’s plans to address faculty workload. Read more.

Welcome to the spring 2023 semester

Jan. 31, 2023

President Davidson welcomes students with a video inspired by MSU Denver’s national champion aerobatics team.

Higher ed leadership letter to Joint Budget Committee

Jan. 9, 2023 | Letter to the Joint Budget Committee

Colorado’s college and university leaders sent a joint request to the state’s Joint Budget Committee asking for an increase of $144.7 million in state operating funding for higher education and 4% in tuition authority as part of the annual budget cycle. Read more.

2022

New Stories from 2022

Return to the Office of the President

Dec. 19, 2022 | President’s Correspondence

It is the final week of the fall semester here at Metropolitan State University of Denver — classes are finished, faculty members are finalizing grades, and staff members are finishing their last tasks of the year before the University closes for winter break. Read more.

Supporting our LGBTQ community

Nov. 22, 2022 | President’s Correspondence

On the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance, this tragedy unfolded at an LBGTQ club in our own state following last week’s senseless student killings at the universities of Virginia and Idaho. As a proud ally committed to the robust and resilient LGBTQ community, my heart simply breaks. Read more.

Mourning victims in Idaho and Virginia

Nov. 14, 2022 | President’s Correspondence

I am devastated by the loss of seven college students killed at the universities of Idaho and Virginia on Sunday. Two campus communities 2,500 miles apart are in mourning today, reeling from tragic acts of violence and shelter-in-place directives that have become far too frequent in American schools. Read more.

Living with honor this Veterans Day

Nov. 10, 2022 | President’s Correspondence

The theme for Veterans Day 2022 is “Honor.” This theme was chosen by the Department of Veteran Affairs to “reflect the military value and tradition of answering the call to duty.”… Read more.

Going beyond land acknowledgements for Native Heritage Month

Nov. 1, 2022 | President’s Correspondence

While it is important that we acknowledge the original inhabitants of the land where our campus sits, universities can go beyond acknowledgements and actively serve modern-day Native Americans who are underrepresented on campuses across the country… Read more.

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Cybersecurity students Aaron Hondrick, Edgar Rodriguez, Michael Barnes and Ricardo Ibarra work in the 7th Street Classroom lab on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021.

MSU Denver aims to improve diversity in cybersecurity field

Oct. 21, 2022

President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., and Cybersecurity Center Director Richard MacNamee discuss ways the University is diversifying Colorado’s cybersecurity pipeline.

President Davidson and Cabinet members

President's Cabinet meeting covers DACA, Homecoming

Oct. 20, 2022

Members celebrate successful events, share important updates and vote on the Animals on University Property Policy.

Colorado higher ed leaders call for legal status for Dreamers

Oct. 19, 2022 | Letter to Colorado’s Congressional delegation

There is an urgent need to pass legislation providing permanent legal status for Dreamers following the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that deemed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy unlawful… Read more.

Davidson’s Desk: Hispanic Servingness

Oct. 4, 2022 | Davidson’s Desk

National Hispanic Heritage Month is an important time for Hispanic-Serving Institutions like Metropolitan State University of Denver to pause and reflect on what it really means to serve our valued Latino community… Read more.

President Davidson and Rep. Brianna Titone at Women Transforming Government event

Women Transforming Government

Sept. 26, 2022

President Davidson joins state Rep. Brianna Titone and Adams County Commissioner Lynn Baca to discuss how they broke barriers in their careers in Deloitte’s annual Women Transforming Government panel.

Free speech forum

Experts discuss free speech

Sept. 15, 2022

President Davidson joins a bipartisan forum on freedom of speech and democracy.

BackToCampus_210712_AM-47

At MSU Denver, the president won’t protect you from what you don’t want to hear

Sept. 15, 2022

President Davidson and General Counsel David Fine talk to the Denver Post about freedom of speech on college campuses.

President Davidson Welcome Back speech fall 2022

President's Welcome Back

Sept. 13, 2022

In her fall 2022 Welcome Back address, President Davidson looks back at her first five years at MSU Denver and looks forward as the University progresses in its Recover, Stabilize, LAUNCH! plan.

President's Budget Priorities

Aug. 26, 2022 | President’s Correspondence

I am excited to announce details about the 202223 Phase II budget approved by the board, including increased compensation for employees…
Read more.

Free Expression and Inquiry

Aug. 8, 2022 | President’s Correspondence

I strongly believe that free expression and inquiry, which should flourish at universities, are key to maintaining a healthy civic society, and indeed our diverse democratic republic. It was in this spirit that I convened a task force with broad representation across our University community to create a Free Expression Statement…
Read more.

National Conference of State Legislatures panel

Women execs share secrets of success

Aug. 3, 2022

President Davidson and other panelists at a National Conference of State Legislatures event share stories and advice on how they got to leadership positions that are not common for most women.

Davidson's Desk: Investing in public service

July 8, 2022 | Davidson’s Desk

As a political scientist and career public servant, I believe deeply in the value of our participatory democracy. But in times like these, I realize we cannot take the strength of our democratic system for granted. We must be active stewards of the processes that make our society work. This is why I am so passionate about our growing programs for public service at MSU Denver…
Read more.

Davidson’s Desk: New insights from MSU Denver’s president

April 5, 2022 | Davidson’s Desk

Get new insights from President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., in Davidson’s Desk, launched this week to provide the broader Denver and Colorado community with important MSU Denver news and thought leadership. The quarterly e-newsletter will share her thoughts on topics important to Coloradans….
Read more.

Breaking down bias on International Women’s Day

March 8, 2022 | President’s Correspondence

Happy International Women’s Day! For over 100 years, March 8 has been marked around the world as a day of solidarity among women. Higher education has played a key role in improving the lives of women and will continue to be essential as we confront the post-pandemic world. Read more.

Davidson's campus message on Ukraine

March 2, 2022 | President’s Correspondence

I know many of you are closely following the violence in Ukraine, as am I. Many Americans are scared or confused, wondering whether the U.S. could directly engage militarily or if the conflict could spread to additional countries in Europe. The Russian invasion has been jarring to us all, even military experts such as myself who have been following the buildup to this moment for decades. Read more.

Davidson testifies at U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor

March 2, 2022

MSU Denver President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., shares outlines the importance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and provides five ways the federal government can better support HSIs.

"Moment of truth" for Ukraine

March 1, 2022

President Davidson joins The Donlon Report to break down a pivotal moment for Ukraine’s resistance of the Russian invasion.

9NEWS logo

Conflict continues in Ukraine

Feb. 27, 2022

There is a lot of history and political moves that have led up to the war in Ukraine. MSU Denver President Janine Davidson talks with 9NEWS about the conflict.

Davidson weighs in on the Ukraine crisis on KOA Radio

Feb. 25, 2022

Davidson joins Newsy to discuss Russian invasion of Ukraine

Feb. 24, 2022

capitol building dome looking up

Capitol Dome Building

President Davidson briefs the state's Joint Technology Committee

Feb. 10, 2022

President Davidson and MSU Denver’s Information Technology Services leaders brief the JTC about collaborative technology infrastructure projects with the Colorado School of Mines.

9NEWS Leader of the Year logo

Davidson named a 9NEWS Leader of the Year finalist

Davidson was one of three Leader of the Year finalists selected by 9NEWS and the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation. A public vote will decide the winner, which will be announced April 6.

Students walking on Auraria Campus | Photo by Eli Imadali, Chalkbeat

Colorado higher education leaders say they need more funding this year

Jan. 25, 2022

President Davidson and other Colorado higher education leaders make the case for investment in higher ed, which provides the state long-term benefits such as job creation, higher earnings and broader societal benefits.

Welcome to the spring 2022 semester

Jan. 25, 2022 | President’s Correspondence

Welcome to a new year and a new semester at Metropolitan State University of Denver! I am thrilled to see so many faculty members, staff members and students back on campus, especially in light of the challenges of this past year and some of the ongoing stresses of Covid-19. Read more.

capitol building dome looking up

Capitol Dome Building

President Davidson briefs the state's Joint Budget Committee

Jan. 19, 2022

MSU Denver President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., discussed increased investment in higher education and the University budget in her annual briefing at the JBC.

Honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Jan. 17, 2022 | President’s Correspondence

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of history’s most inspiring and influential civil rights leaders. Dr. King’s example of sacrifice, service, and conviction in the face of great injustice reminds us that positive change is possible when we join together, in solidarity. Read more.

Higher Ed Leadership Letter to Joint Budget Committee

Jan. 7, 2022 | Letter to the state’s Joint Budget Committee

Thank you for your investments in higher education last year, along with your work to increase higher education funding above inflation at every opportunity over the past five years. You deserve credit and our gratitude for prioritizing higher education in light of the many other demands you face each session. Your investments allowed us to address equity gaps and deferred investments, hold tuition flat in many cases, and to provide the high-quality services our students deserve. Read more.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance

Jan. 5, 2022 | President’s Correspondence

Metropolitan State University of Denver will be closed Jan. 17 so that Roadrunners can observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. MSU Denver has historically observed MLK Day in December as part of an alternate holiday schedule to provide employees an extended winter break; this closure will be in addition to the December observance. Read more.

2021

News Stories from 2021

Return to the Office of the President

Support for Roadrunners impacted by Marshall and Middlefork Fires

Dec. 31, 2021 | President’s Correspondence

Once again, our community has been inflicted with disaster and tragedy, leaving us heartbroken as we embark upon a New Year. Hundreds of homes, businesses and community pillars have been lost and thousands of Coloradans impacted by the Marshall and Middlefork Fires including many MSU Denver students, faculty and staff. 

For Roadrunners who have been directly impacted, we are here for you. Read more.

Happy holidays from President Davidson

Dec. 10, 2021 | President’s Correspondence

We have much to celebrate at Metropolitan State University of Denver this holiday season. Reflecting with Rowdy on our journey through 2021, I’m beyond grateful for the amazing students, faculty, staff and community members who supported our mission in the face of continued pandemic-related challenges. Read more.

Davidson Defense Policy Board swearing in

Davidson appointed to Defense Policy Board

Dec. 6, 2021

MSU Denver president joins Department of Defense advisory group.

Kelly Brough joins MSU Denver as CSO

Dec. 1, 2021 | President’s Correspondence

MSU Denver is pleased to announce that Kelly Brough, former Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, has accepted the position of chief strategy officer. She will officially join the University community today. Read more.

Take time to reflect and rejuvenate

Nov. 23, 2021 | President’s Correspondence

In recognition of the hard work and dedication of our nearly 3,000 faculty and staff members, all MSU Denver offices will close Wednesday at 1 p.m. so that Roadrunners can spend a little extra time with their loved ones. Read more.

DBJ Most Admired CEO Janine Davidson_Photo by Seth McConnell | Denver Business Journal

MSU Denver President Janine Davidson was named a 2021 Most Admired CEO by the Denver Business Journal. Photo by Seth McConnell.

Davidson named a Most Admired CEO

Nov. 12, 2021

MSU Denver President Janine Davidson was named a 2021 Most Admired CEO by the Denver Business Journal.

Serving each other this Veterans Day

Nov. 11, 2021 | President’s Correspondence

In addition to thanking our veterans for their service today, it is my hope that we take this moment to pause and consider how deciding to serve others and living for a cause greater than oneself – values that are embedded in the fabric or our military and our nation – might fuel our efforts to overcome our differences and face today’s great challenges together. Read more.

President Davidson on the Colorado Concern podcast

Nov. 4, 2021

President Davidson joins MSU Denver Trustee Mike Kopp on the Colorado Concern podcast to discuss workforce pipelines, free speech on campus and more.

MSU Denver extends Displaced Aurarian Scholarship

Nov. 4, 2021 | President’s Correspondence

I am pleased to affirm MSU Denver’s commitment to providing free education for all Aurarians and their direct descendants displaced by forcible removal from the Auraria neighborhood. Read more.

MSU Denver supports DACA rule change proposal

Nov. 1, 2021 | Federal government comment submission

MSU Denver formally submitted a public comment in support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s proposed rule that would reinforce work authorization for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. Read more.

One-time budget priorities announced

Nov. 1, 2021 | President’s Correspondence

The economic challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic have opened the door for some unique budget opportunities, thanks to an infusion of one-time federal funding meant to help institutions of higher education recover from the pandemic and continue to meet students’ needs. Read more.

President Davidson on the CampExperience Boost Power podcast

Oct. 28, 2021

President Davidson joins Betsy Wiersma of the Colorado women’s group CampExperience to discuss “Leadership Lessons in Possible.”

Reflection on the anniversary of 9/11

Sept. 10, 2021 | President’s Correspondence

Tomorrow marks 20 years since the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, which took so many lives and changed our worlds forever. Read more.

University budget update

Sept. 3, 2021 | President’s Correspondence

Strategic investments in our people, our infrastructure, and our administrative and student-support systems will help us recover from a challenging year and position us to thrive in the post-pandemic environment. Read more.

Colorado Higher Ed leaders call for doubling of Pell Grant

Aug. 25, 2021 | Letter to Colorado Congressional Delegation

Executives from Colorado institutions of higher education urge our congressional delegates to work with their colleagues to double the maximum Pell Grant. We also urge them to support policies that automatically adjust the award to inflation – so that its buying power is preserved – and expand grant eligibility, including for undocumented students who study on our campuses. Read more.

 

Aug. 11, 2021
President’s Correspondence:

COVID-19 Vaccine Verification and Testing Requirements

Aug. 6, 2021
President’s Correspondence:

Campus mask requirement starting Aug. 9

July 26, 2021
Letter to Colorado Congressional Delegation:

Colorado Higher Ed leaders call for support of Dreamers

July 22, 2021
President’s Correspondence:

Support for DACA students

April 29, 2021
President’s Correspondence:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion update

April 28, 2021
President’s Correspondence:

MSU Denver to require Covid-19 vaccinations for fall

March 30, 2021
President’s Correspondence:

Return to campus for fall 2021

March 23, 2021
President’s Correspondence:

Reflecting on the Boulder Shooting

March 18, 2021
President’s Correspondence:

Support for Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American Community

Early Bird: WorldDenver's International Women's Day

March 1, 2021

President Davidson accepts an award at WorldDenver International Women’s Day 2021: Women in National Security

Thumbnail: WorldDenver International Women's Day 2021

Thumbnail: WorldDenver International Women's Day 2021

Feb. 26, 2021
President’s Correspondence:
Higher education professionals moved to vaccine Phase 1B.4

Feb. 25, 2021
President’s Correspondence:
Auraria Campus Envisions Full Operations For Fall 2021

Leadership Panel 2021

Feb. 18, 2021

Dr. Janine Davidson and MSU Denver leaders discuss inclusive, transformational and servant leadership during extraordinary times.

Thumbnail: Leadership Panel 2021

Thumbnail: Leadership Panel 2021

Feb. 4, 2021
President’s Correspondence:
Advocacy for increased state funding

Jan. 27, 2021
President’s Correspondence:
Welcome to the spring 2021 semester

Colorado legislation looks to make standardized tests optional for college admissions

January 21, 2021

Colorado lawmakers plan to introduce a bill that would make standardized tests optional in admissions at Colorado public colleges and universities like MSU Denver.

Student Taking Standardized Test

Meet Our Fellows: Janine Davidson

January 20, 2021

President Davidson chats with the National Academy of Public Administration.

2019 Portraits for President Janine Davidson

2019 Portraits for President Janine Davidson

Open access, exponential ROI

Jan. 12, 2021

New data shows how investment in MSU Denver powers Colorado’s long-term economic success and boosts the vibrancy of its diverse communities.

Economic Impact Logo

Jan. 6, 2021
President’s Correspondence:
U.S. Capitol rioting response

2020

News Stories from 2020

Return to Office of the President Home
President Janine Davidson

How to Survive and Thrive During a Time of Crisis: 5 lessons I learned from my military experience

May 24, 2020

Reflecting on her military service, President Davidson lends her expertise on dealing with crisis, as well as how to adapt and overcome in an interview with Authority Magazine.

2019

News Stories from 2019

Return to the Office of the President
Janine Davidson and Meranda Vieyra

Two Roadrunners named to Top 25 Most Powerful Women list

January 16, 2019

President Janine Davidson, Ph.D. and alumna Meranda Vieyra will be honors by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce on January 30.

2018

News Stories from 2018

Return to the Office of the President
Local Girl Scouts office

Early Bird: Girl Scouts of Colorado Salutes President Davidson

October 2, 2018

MSU Denver President Davidson will be honored as a Woman of Distinction for her personal and professional contributions to the community.

President Janine Davidson

Photograph Courtesy of Kathleen Lavine, Denver Business Journal

MSU Denver poised to answer call for more Colorado degrees

January 19, 2018

President Davidson pens a column in the Denver Post, saying the University should be the model for achieving degree-seeking goals.

DACA protestors

To Protect Dreamers, Congress Must Pass the Dream Act

December 19, 2017

President Davidson and Mayor Hancock encourage legislators to act on behalf of DACA students so hundreds of thousands of Americans are not displaced from their country.