Filter by: Tony Frank | Board of Governors | CSU Spur | The First Amendment | Colorado Futures Center
Terra blossoms
The science of food is sprouting in Terra – the second of three buildings to open at the new CSU Spur campus in Denver – and the public can get a taste of new programming at the unique, urban setting starting in early June.
Don’t force colleges to hike tuition, cut programs
Over the past year, colleges, universities and local governments in Colorado have been watching with interest as unions and legislative proponents have promoted a plan to unionize public employees in all corners of our state.
Tony Frank: On investing in Pueblo
Last week, I proudly joined President Timothy Mottet at Colorado State University Pueblo to kick off a new phase of the campus’s comprehensive campaign.
ColoradoCast forecasts that economic growth will slow slightly in coming months
The ColoradoCast, the state’s only short-term economic forecast, shows that the economy will be growing at an annual rate of 4.47% through June 2022.
Tony Frank: On the lives they lived
I want to use our newsletter this month to tell the story of two people from different backgrounds whose lives became an inextricable part of the fabric of Colorado State University, and in doing so made our world a better place.
Kawanabe, Markey, and Martin join CSU System Board of Governors
The Colorado General Assembly confirmed the appointment of three new members to the CSU System Board of Governors. Denver attorney Kenzo Kawanabe, cattle industry executive Louis Martin, and former Congressional Representative Betsy Markey were nominated by Governor Jared Polis for the governing board seats.
Remembering Mary Ontiveros
Mary Ontiveros was the long-time head of Admissions and the first vice president for Diversity at CSU in Fort Collins.
Chancellor Frank’s remarks to the Boyer 2030 Commission
CSU System Chancellor Tony Frank was invited to speak about “Campus Freedom of Speech and Expression” to the Boyer 2030 Commission, charged with designing a 2030 Blueprint for Excellence & Equity in Undergraduate Education at U.S. research universities.
Honoring the life of Chancellor Emeritus Joe Blake
Joe Blake, chancellor emeritus of the CSU System and long-time advocate for higher education in Colorado, passed away Tuesday at the age of 86.
Remembering Joe Blake
The Colorado State University System joins in honoring the life and legacy of our dear friend, Joe Blake, who passed away earlier today.
Tony Frank: On Spur 2022
Since 2008, we’ve had a big dream at the Colorado State University System. We’ve dreamed of creating a one-of-a-kind public campus that doesn’t grant degrees but instead throws open its doors and invites the community to come inside and explore learning about food, water, and human and animal health.
CSU opens initial building on first-of-its-kind free, public campus
On Jan. 7, the Colorado State University System will open CSU Spur, a year-round and first-of-its-kind public destination in Denver, located at the National Western Center.
Tony Frank: On prosperity
A couple of weeks ago, the Colorado Futures Center at the CSU System released the first of what will become a new, short-term economic forecast for Colorado. This new ColoradoCast found that economic activity in our state has rebounded to where it was pre-pandemic and will continue to expand in 2022.
New short-term Colorado forecast finds growth will continue through April 2022
Economic activity in Colorado rebounded to its pre-pandemic high in September 2021 and the economy is projected to continue to expand, according to a new quarterly report release by the reestablished Colorado Futures Center at Colorado State University System.
City and CSU to move forward with Hughes Stadium property acquisition
The City of Fort Collins and Colorado State University are moving forward to finalize agreements for the City’s purchase of the former Hughes stadium property for an agreed-upon price of $12.5 million, as provided in their Memorandum of Understanding.
Tony Frank: On collateral damage
There have been no shortage of comparisons made between the recent images of Afghan civilians clinging to airplanes and the iconic image of Vietnamese citizens filling the stairs to the lone Huey helicopter sitting atop the U.S. Embassy in Saigon.
Tony Frank: On hunger
On the same day in 1863, the U.S. government created both its own Department of Agriculture and a new model of higher-education education institution – land-grant universities – that also focused on preparing people to feed a growing nation.
Top North American agriculture leaders will help guide new international advisory network on extension
The highest-ranking agricultural officials for Mexico, Canada, and the United States have joined the steering committee for a new North American network focused on the needs of agriculture and rural communities.
Feeding People Matters
Chancellor Tony Frank’s keynote address to the North American Agricultural Advisory Network in conjunction with the World Food Prize.
CSU’s “non-degree” Denver campus will be used to attract the 37% of kids who don’t go to college
Colorado State University Chancellor Tony Frank is fixated on the 56,505 babies born around the state in 1997. One-third of them graduated by age 25 from college, data analyzed by CSU administrators shows, and 37% never enrolled.
Tony Frank: On talent
Jim Sheeler graduated from Colorado State University in 1990. Our paths didn’t cross. I arrived on campus as an assistant professor in 1993, and I was on the faculty in Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, while he was a graduate in journalism.
Sandy Baum presents on student debt to CSU System Board of Governors [VIDEO]
Sandy Baum, one of the nation’s leading experts on the state of student debt, presented at the Colorado State University System Board of Governors meeting via Zoom on Tuesday Sept. 28.
Enrollment holds steady at Colorado State University as students persist despite Covid-era challenges
New student enrollment increased this fall at Colorado State University’s Fort Collins and Pueblo campuses, reflecting student desire to return to on-campus learning despite the ongoing challenges of attending college during a pandemic. At the same time, the CSU System also saw jumps in the number of students attending online through CSU Global, CSU Fort Collins, and CSU Pueblo.
CSU launches $11M “student success” effort to boost 70% graduation rate
Colorado State University leaders say they’ll invest $11 million in an effort to close “equity gaps” and increase student success. Overall, 47% of CSU students graduate within four years and 70% graduate in six years — on par with similar public universities nationwide.
The final building, the final beam: CSU Spur campus hits major construction milestone
The final steel beam will be laid on the Hydro building at the new CSU Spur campus on Sept. 16, marking a milestone for the largest and final building at CSU Spur.
Tony Frank: On investing in rural Colorado
I grew up on a small farm in Illinois. I spent mornings doing chores and after-school time in 4-H, and my plan was to farm. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else or wanting to live anywhere else. College seemed foreign to me, and quite a stretch.
Takeda-Tinker transitions to consulting role
Chancellor Tony Frank announced today that Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker will be stepping down from her full-time role as Chief Educational Innovation Officer for the Colorado State University System, effective August 15.
CSU System welcomes ACE Fellow Bronwyn Fees; part of program for emerging higher education leaders
CSU System welcomes Bronwyn Fees as an ACE Fellow this Fall; Fees is one of 52 emerging college and university leaders for the 2021-22 class of the ACE Fellows Program, the longest-running leadership development program in the United States.
CSU System Board of Governors commits to support rural communities
In June, the CSU System Board of Governors voted to invest $8.58 million over the next three years in expanded support for rural Colorado students and communities.
CSU to invest millions in rural Colorado, funding 4-H for seniors, mental health resources for farmers and 5G
The CSU System Board of Governors recently voted to devote $8.58 million over the next three years to better support rural Coloradans.
CSU goes vertical on final building at new Denver campus
Vertical steel construction is underway at Hydro – the final of three buildings at the CSU Spur campus in Denver to hit this major construction milestone.
CSU System Board of Governors states opposition to proposed state Initiative 16
During its meeting on June 11, the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System stated its position in opposition to proposed state Initiative 16. As authorized by state
CSU System Board of Governors approves FY22 budget
The Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System today adopted a budget for the next fiscal year that reflects a return to normal operations across the entire system
Tony Frank: On commencement
There are thousands of wonderful stories about this year’s roughly 11,000 students graduating from CSU, CSU Pueblo, and CSU Global.
When Vida opens at CSU Spur in January, get ready to see it all
One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive at CSU Spur is all the glass. The new CSU System campus at the National Western Center in Denver will be home to research collaborations, student engagement opportunities, and industry partnerships. but more than anything, it’s being built for the public.
CSU Spur hires general manager for Denver campus
Michelle Kelley started Monday as the general manager of CSU Spur, bringing more than 20 years of property manager experience in managing multi-use campuses and a commitment to creating excellent experiences for both visitors and staff.
Summary statement on Board resolution
The Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System is still considering its options regarding the future of the Hughes property, and has made no decision pending consideration of an anticipated offer from the City of Fort Collins.
John S. Fischer appointed to CSU System Board of Governors
Boulder business leader and entrepreneur John S. Fischer is the newest member of the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System. Fischer has long been an innovation leader in the mining, metals, pollution-control, and energy fields.
CSU System announces COVID vaccine requirement for Fall 2021
The Colorado State University Fort Collins and Pueblo campuses will require COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty, staff, and students for the Fall 2021 semester.
Update for the CSU Pueblo community
Today, the Colorado State University System joined our colleagues across Colorado in announcing that on-campus faculty, staff, and students will be required to be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
Update on CSU System COVID vaccine requirement for Fall 2021
This message was sent to the Colorado State University community by President Joyce McConnell and Provost Mary Pedersen on April 26.
Second building at CSU Spur hits major construction milestone
The final steel beam is scheduled to be placed on the second building at the CSU Spur campus at 11 a.m. on April 20, signaling a major construction milestone for the Colorado State University System project. The moment – called a “topping out” – will be captured via livestream.
Tony Frank: On equity
In discussions about public funding and policy, language often gets in the way of finding common ground. That’s particularly true in discussions around educational equity and equality – people with the same goals can wind up talking around each other and miss the common ground that serves as the best foundation for actual progress.
Tony Frank: On celebrating milestones
One reason the COVID pandemic has seemed to alter our sense of time is that all the normal events and traditions that typically fill our days are either cancelled or online.
Colorado State University System Turns 151
Today, the Colorado State University System celebrates 151 years of service to Colorado. The three different campuses each focus on access to education, and each has a different area of focus, allowing the CSU System to meet the needs of all types of learners across the state.
CSU System economic study shows impact on talent retention, jobs, revenue
The three Colorado State University System campuses – and the out-of-state students they attract – fuel nearly 23,000 Colorado jobs and more than $237.74 million in state income and sales tax revenue annually.
Expert in experiential education joins CSU Spur team
Kathryn Venzor has joined the CSU Spur team as the Director of Education, bringing more than 17 years of experience in curriculum and program development, environmental conservation, and community engagement.
CSU Spur campus hits major construction milestone
The final steel beam will be laid on the first building on the CSU Spur campus in Denver on Feb. 18, and all are invited to sign the beam and take a tour of the construction site.
Tony Frank: On economic impact
In the upcoming days, we’ll be releasing the findings of our first ever economic impact report for the entire Colorado State University System. Anyone who’s attempted to quantify a university’s “return on investment” knows how challenging it is.
A New Year’s wish from the Chancellor
Over the years, I’ve written many long email messages, but never, to my increasingly leaky memory, a New Year’s Eve message.
Tony Frank: On research
With the pandemic and elections taking so much of our focus this fall, it can be easy to lose track of the fundamentals that drive higher education and the CSU System: teaching, research, and outreach that supports our communities. But all this year, even while moving their courses online and working to connect with students in their new digital classrooms, our faculty have not only kept their focus – they have excelled.
Statement from the Board of Governors of the CSU System on CSU Athletics
Recently, there have been many allegations surrounding the culture within the Department of Athletics at Colorado State University. We respect the experiences of individual student-athletes, and our commitment to student safety is unambiguous.
Third annual CSU Spur water symposium goes virtual, emphasizes power of storytelling
This year’s program focused on the critical role storytelling plays in building and driving social and environmental movements — specifically, how stories and various media can lead to greater public awareness around water issues, and also inspire actions necessary to solve and address them.
Higher education finance impacts from the 2020 election
Having been trained as an economist, I was always envious of the famous economists who had theories or maxims named after them.
Tony Frank: On elections
This past week, I was struck by an odd realization that this year’s election reminded me of the end of most of my college semesters.
For members of a university community: take care of who you are
As the national election approached several weeks ago, we saw a surge in mental health, mindfulness, and self-care resources, along with calls across social and traditional media sites to “take care of yourself!”
Understanding must be the new winning
The people have voted. The election is over, but our country remains divided. We remain divided, because we view politics as sport – games with distinct winners and losers.
Moving forward together
This has been a tumultuous year, to say the least. People are stressed, overwhelmed, and simply exhausted.
Looking for wins in a losing campaign
In 1968, I started college at a small liberal arts college in upstate New York. That year, like this year, saw America bitterly divided and in the midst of a presidential race.
Tony Frank: On voting
A week from today, election night will be over. So whether you vote out of respect for past sacrifice, or on behalf of a hope for tomorrow, my message this month is simple: If you can vote, vote.
New CSU campus in Denver fully under-construction, will open in 2022
Today, the CSU System breaks ground on Hydro — the final of three buildings at its CSU Spur campus that is being constructed as part of the future National Western Center, just northeast of the intersection of I-25 and I-70 in Denver.
Water in the West Symposium looks to inspire action
True to its mission as an initial offering of the Denver-based CSU Spur campus opening in 2022, the Water in the West Symposium brings together diverse speakers to discuss water issues in the West and beyond — a topic of increasing importance as fires and droughts top headlines.
Strong returning student numbers help offset fall enrollment declines across the CSU System
While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted new student enrollment across the CSU System this fall, declines in the number of new freshmen were partially offset by strong returning student enrollment.
CSU Spur: Anchored in community
Even before construction on its CSU Spur campus is completed in 2022, the CSU System has been following an anchor institution model of engaging and working with the communities surrounding the future site.
Art students complete mural at CSU Spur campus during CRUSH Walls event
As part of a partnership with the CSU System, eight students in CSU’s Department of Art and Art History painted images of Colorado’s official state fish, bird and flower on a building that will be renovated and eventually attached to the water building at the CSU Spur campus, expected to be complete in 2022.
Parsons legacy at CSU is one of large projects, connections
As Amy Parsons steps away from a collective 16 years at Colorado State University and the CSU System, she leaves a legacy as a respected leader and colleague responsible for landmark projects and strong community connections forged.
Tony Frank: On how we talk to each other
Most Americans don’t like the way we talk to each other these days, but no one seems to know how to fix it. The Colorado State University System proposes that we start at the most obvious point: Let’s talk about it.
“Can I say that in class?”: The answer is complicated — and it should be
Like many public land-grant institutions, especially those in swing states, Colorado State University is a politically contested space. Nationwide, critiques of classroom speech come from both the left and the right, usually drawing on the importance of academic freedom and free speech.
A task not taken alone
As a woman of color, at an early age I learned that the world can be a difficult place, filled with discrimination, hate, racism, and violence. This environment teaches many lessons for survival and living.
We need real social change, not “purified discourse”
The right to speak out, to protest, to make your voice heard to hopefully affect change, without government retribution. This is what we know the First Amendment is supposed to be about.
Getting “straight to the heart”
We are navigating challenging times in this country. Our long history of racial injustices has, once again, brought speakers to the streets, to platforms, and to the airwaves and internet.
The First Amendment in practice in higher education
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution contains only 45 words. Although brief in length, it is mighty in force. The rights and freedoms that arise from these words — religious freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to peaceably assemble, and the right to petition the government — are pillars of our democracy.
Talking about how we talk to each other in the online space
Online education is a unique space for personal interactions among students and faculty. It is important that we keep the classroom a space that allows for academic freedom and opinions but also a space that maintains a professional atmosphere that is respectful and appropriate. The rules of engagement in a successful online classroom can actually provide key lessons for online communication in general.
Beyond free speech: Why engaged inclusive discourse matters
Free speech matters, but acknowledging an individual’s right to freedom of speech is not enough. In fact, I worry that that the way we discuss the First Amendment and free speech — by focusing primarily on people’s right to speak — does a disservice to universities like CSU, where we are poised to rigorously engage some of the most important questions confronting our nation.
Activism is who we are
Our students have never shied away from activism or issues, but activism looks and feels different at CSU Pueblo. When I interviewed for the Presidency in early 2017, members of our community mentioned to me that activism is not something CSU Pueblo does; activism is what this campus is.
CSU art students to paint mural at Spur campus during CRUSH Walls event Sept. 14-20
Eight CSU graduate students have been invited to paint a mural on a building that will become part of the future CSU Spur campus, as part of this month’s CRUSH Walls, a street art festival in Denver’s River North (RiNo) Art District.
In memory: Brian A. Snow
Brian A. Snow, General Counsel Emeritus of the Colorado State University System and former member of the CSU System’s Board of Governors, died peacefully after a long illness on August 29, 2020, in the arms of his beloved wife, Crissie. He was 79.
Amy Parsons to become CEO of Mozzafiato LLC
Amy Parsons, executive vice chancellor for the CSU System since 2015, will leave the System at the end of September to become CEO of Mozzafiato LLC.
David Axelrod joins 2020 CSU Spur Symposium
David Axelrod — former chief strategist and senior advisor to President Barack Obama — will join the lineup of speakers for the CSU Spur Water in the West Symposium, to be held virtually Nov. 18-19.
Tony Frank: On college costs and COVID-19
The State of Colorado produces a college graduate at a lower cost to taxpayers than any other state, and our tuition costs for public colleges and universities are solidly in the middle of the national pack. The total amount of student loan debt in Colorado has been on the decline for several years, and recent state studies indicate that higher education remains a wise investment for our students.
Becky Takeda-Tinker’s remarks to the August Board of Governors meeting
In the August Board of Governors meeting, Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker — CSU Global’s first president who is transitioning to the role of chief educational innovation officer for the CSU System — reflected on her time as president and the strides CSU Global and the CSU System have made in serving nontraditional learners.
What we get when we learn in person
Learning in person – interacting face-to-face with an instructor and other students – is not a new idea: for most of human history, it was the only educational idea.
CSU System Board of Governors names next president of CSU Global
The Board of Governors of the CSU System today announced that Pamela Toney, currently chief operating officer for CSU Global, will become the University’s next president.
Together We Grow convenes thought leaders to foster diversity and inclusion in higher ed, agriculture
On July 30, five higher education thought leaders convened virtually to share their stories and perspectives on the future of higher education, focusing primarily on the role colleges and universities can and should play in diversifying the U.S. agricultural workforce.
Tony Frank: On public art
In June, the CSU System completed its public art selection for the Spur campus at the National Western Center. This has been in the works for months, and part of our Spur planning for years – then we found ourselves making the final selection in the middle of a national conversation about monuments and statues and what art belongs in the public square.
CSU System and Latin American Educational Foundation: Partnering to support Latinx students
The CSU System’s partnership with the Latin American Educational Foundation has enabled more than 400 Latinx students to enroll at one of the System’s three campuses over the past decade.
CSU System selects artists for installations at the Spur campus in Denver
The CSU System selected eight artists, including four from Colorado, to activate the CSU System Spur campus in north Denver with one-of-a-kind, large- format art installations.
Chancellor Frank Statement on the Supreme Court DACA Decision
The CSU System, led by our Board of Governors, has had a long-standing position in support of DACA students who have the drive and commitment to pursue higher education.
Tony Frank: On the Board of Governors
I don’t often get the opportunity to talk publicly about the Board of Governors of the CSU System.
New System logo reflects strength of campus connectivity
The Colorado State University System unveiled a new logo that visually represents the distinct brand of each of its three campuses, and showcases the strength of the campuses being part of the same university system.
CSU Global president to lead educational innovation at Colorado State University System
The Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System today announced that Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker, Colorado State University Global’s first president, will transition to a new role as chief educational innovation officer for the System.
CSU System Board of Governors approves FY2021 budget
Even as it faces massive revenue shortfalls at its universities in Pueblo and Fort Collins, the Board of Governors of the Colorado State University System today mapped out a budget plan for next year that holds tuition steady and avoids deep job and pay cuts across the CSU campuses.
Tony Frank: On navigating a pandemic
Wrestling with the operational and budgetary challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged employers in nearly every industry.
CSU System breaks ground on Spur campus in Denver; to be complete 2022
Colorado State University System broke ground today on a new Denver campus — called Spur — which will invite the public to explore and interact with educational content around water, food, and health.
Tony Frank: Dear COVID-19
I’m writing to get some thoughts off my chest as I sit here late at night, unable to sleep.
Tony Frank: The employment sector that led the last recovery is at major risk
Elected officials in our nation’s capital are deeply engaged in discussions around stimulus packages to restart our economy.
Colorado higher education leadership letters to elected officials
Dear Senators Bennet and Gardner and Representatives DeGette, Neguse, Tipton, Buck, Lamborn, Crow and Perlmutter: we write to express our appreciation for your leadership and support of higher education during these troubling times.
Tony Frank: On COVID-19
I had been at Colorado State University for only a few years in the summer of 1997, when a late-July storm flooded the Fort Collins campus and surrounding community, leaving devastation in its wake.
CSU System selects CDR Associates to lead strategic planning for water policy institute at Spur campus
Colorado State University System has selected CDR Associates as the lead consultant to conduct strategic planning for a water policy institute at the future Spur campus at the National Western Center in north Denver.
Colorado State University classes moving online March 25
In response to the global coronavirus pandemic, Colorado State University is extending its Spring Break by two days, and when classes resume on March 25, they will be delivered online, CSU President Joyce McConnell announced Wednesday, March 11.
