Tony Frank: On research with impact
In February, CSU University Distinguished Professor Ed Barbier became the first economist ever to receive the Planet Earth Award from the Alliance of World Scientists – a coalition of 27,000 scientists worldwide who champion science as a basis for addressing global environmental challenges.
Dr. Janice Nerger named interim provost of Colorado State University Global
Dr. Nerger brings a wealth of experience within the Colorado State University System and a proven track record of excellence. Most recently, she served as an advisor to the Colorado State University System, working on critical strategic initiatives. She previously served as interim provost and vice president of academic affairs at CSU Fort Collins for two years, following a successful 12-year tenure as the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences where she led large and complex academic units.
CSU Global interim president and CEO recognized as 2026 Colorado Titan 100 recipient
Since joining CSU Global in 2012, Dr. Spicer has been a driving force behind the university’s mission to provide high-quality, career-aligned education for learners. Under her leadership as provost and chief academic officer and now as interim president and CEO, she has overseen the launch of over 30 new industry-relevant programs in high-demand fields. Joining Dr. Spicer in this recognition is Dr. Jones, who is celebrating her second consecutive year as a Colorado Titan 100 honoree.
Tony Frank: On bending toward hope
The word ‘hope’ takes its roots from Old English and Proto-Germanic languages and starts with a meaning of “to bend or incline toward.” In these roots lies a distinction between passive optimism and taking action toward the future one envisions. And envisioning a better future amid turbulent times may, in and of itself, be an important action. Few people embody this more completely, to my mind, than Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, whose birthday we celebrate this month.
Dr. Audra Spicer named interim president of CSU Global
Effective March 1, 2026, current Acting President Dr. Audra Spicer will formally step into the role of interim president of CSU Global. Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker, who was appointed the first president of CSU Global in 2010, served for 10 years, and returned as president and CEO in 2023, will transition into a new role as special assistant to the chancellor March 1.
CSU System Board of Governors appoints Rico Munn as next System chancellor
The Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System today confirmed the appointment of Rico Munn as the next chancellor of the CSU System. Munn will serve as executive vice chancellor until June 30, 2027, when current chancellor Tony Frank retires.
CSU launches first-of-its-kind joint nursing degree to tackle Colorado’s critical workforce shortage
This fall, CSU Fort Collins and CSU Pueblo will launch a joint B.S/M.S. degree in nursing, the first-ever collaborative academic program between two campuses in the CSU System. Pre-nursing students at the Fort Collins campus will be able to earn both their undergrad degree and a master’s in nursing in five years and join a field that is seeing a shortfall of thousands of registered nurses in Colorado.
Rico Munn named sole finalist for CSU System chancellor
The Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System today named Rico Munn as the sole finalist to be the next chancellor of the CSU System. A longtime Colorado education leader, Munn is currently CSU’s vice president for Metro Denver Engagement and Strategy, having recently concluded a nearly yearlong tenure as interim president of the CSU Pueblo campus.
Tony Frank: On 150/250
150 years ago…1876. Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone. The Transcontinental Express zoomed from New York City to San Francisco along the First Transcontinental Railroad in just under 84 hours. Custer had his “last stand” at the Little Bighorn. The Chicago Cubs won their first-ever National League game in a shutout against Louisville. And Colorado became the 38th state – an event we will be celebrating all year long as we honor our state’s sesquicentennial in 2026.
CSU Spur plans special activities during the National Western Stock Show
Spur is going big to welcome thousands of visitors who will walk through the doors of its three buildings during the stock show, which runs from Jan. 10-25. The campus will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all 16 days. Here’s a breakdown of some of the fun things you can see, do and learn at Spur during the stock show.