President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., and other University leaders discussed staying focused on student success amid state funding challenges, budget priorities and new infrastructure projects during the most recent President’s Cabinet meeting at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Navigating a challenging budget landscape
With Colorado facing a projected $1.2 billion budget shortfall, MSU Denver leaders are carefully evaluating financial strategies. “We’re not giving up on state funding,” Davidson said, noting that recent adjustments to the state’s funding formula could benefit the University. The administration is also focusing on retention and completion rates, which could help secure a larger share of state higher-education funds.
Budget Director Andrew Rauch reinforced the reality of long-term financial planning and expects that the state will face budget challenges over the next few years. The University is using Gov. Jared Polis’ budget recommendation as a guide while developing sustainable, long-term financial plans, Rauch said.
A strong advocacy effort
Government and External Affairs Vice President Kaycee Gerhart stressed that MSU Denver is actively engaged in legislative advocacy. “We are not passive bystanders in the legislative session,” she said. “We have many people — our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students — advocating for the value of higher education and the impact MSU Denver drives.”
Davidson echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the University’s unwavering commitment to students despite financial and political challenges. “Above everything else, our role as a university is to serve students,” she said. “We’re here to help them navigate as history is made all around us.”
Policy and infrastructure updates
Several policy proposals were introduced at the meeting, including a first reading of a workplace bullying policy, which would apply to all employees and even members of the public in workplace settings. Additionally, discussions are underway about formalizing a supplemental pay policy for faculty and staff members, ensuring consistency across campus.
On the infrastructure front, plans for the new Health Institute building are advancing. The five-story facility — expected to break ground in fall 2025 — will house academic departments, advising spaces, classrooms and the Bookhardt Family Speech-Language Clinic. “We’re aiming for a spring/summer 2027 completion,” said Martha Nelson, director of Planning, Design and Construction. She noted that $50 million in state funds and $15 million in MSU Denver Foundation funding are supporting the $65 million project.
Recognizing Excellence
The cabinet meeting also featured the Roadrunner Shoutout Awards, recognizing students, faculty and staff members for their outstanding contributions to the University. Additionally, Interim Provost Matt Makley, Ph.D., expressed appreciation for the resilience and dedication of the Academic Affairs team. “I am more impressed than I can really express by the work ethic of this team,” he said. “They just lean into their work despite circumstances.”
With the Roadrunners Rise campaign in full swing and major infrastructure projects on the horizon, MSU Denver remains focused on its mission of delivering an affordable, high-quality education — no matter the challenges ahead.
Roadrunner Shoutout Awards
Faculty Member – Nicole Vowles, Ph.D., Professor of Marketing
- Nominated by Sally Baalbaki-Yassine, Ph.D., department chair and professor of Marketing.
- “Nicole is an excellent professor who cares for her students and is thoughtful in creating and updating curriculum to engage and provide them with experiential learning in and out of the classroom,” Baalbaki-Yassine said. “Nicole not only led the department as chair for six years, but she also led the creation of the MBA program, the Digital Marketing program and now the new idea of the Student Run Agency.”
Staff Member – Catharine Ingram, associate director of Operations, Programs and Events for the C2 Hub
- Nominated by Adrienne Martinez, associate vice president for the C2 Hub.
- “Catharine thrives in complex, ever-evolving work environments, fostering collaboration among diverse teams,” Martinez said. “One of her key achievements was redesigning our on-campus Career Fair.”
Student – Kevin San Diego Manaysay, student financial reporting accountant, Office of the Controller
- Nominated by Kyle Hollenbaugh, financial reporting supervisor
- “Kevin consistently produces great work and makes significant contributions to the Financial Reporting team. He performs tasks above and beyond what would normally be expected of a student employee,” Hollenbaugh said. “As an outstanding team player, Kevin always completes his tasks on time and pitches in helping other team members when he has extra bandwidth. He is kind, respectful and represents everything great about our culture here at MSU Denver.”
