The President’s Cabinet at Metropolitan State University of Denver ushered in a new leadership era Thursday, when President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., introduced longtime faculty leader Matt Makley, Ph.D., as the University’s new provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
Makley, a former History Department chair and Faculty Senate president, had been serving as interim provost since January and will assume the permanent role this week.
In announcing his appointment, Davidson praised Makley’s leadership approach, his deep commitment to shared governance and his steady guidance amid evolving federal and state education policies.
“Thank you for the passion you bring to this University, the expertise, the humility and your willingness to just dig into everything that needs to be done moving forward,” Davidson told Makley, who joined the meeting remotely from a conference of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. “I look forward to partnering with you.”
Accreditation efforts underway
In other Cabinet business, University leaders discussed the institution’s early preparations for Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation, scheduled for September 2026. Reaccreditation is not only a federal funding requirement — enabling students to receive financial aid — but also a vital opportunity for institutional improvement, said Shaun Schafer, associate vice president of Curriculum, Academic Effectiveness and Policy Development.
While the University doesn’t anticipate major changes to HLC standards, leadership is closely monitoring a shifting accreditation landscape nationally.
A recent executive order calling for higher-education accreditation reform may prompt the emergence of new accrediting bodies over time, said Kaycee Gerhart, vice president of Government and External Affairs. Notably, accreditors are not regulated by the Department of Education, which adds complexity to the evolving national setting.
Navigating federal policy changes
Acknowledging the strain of recent federal policy shifts across higher education, Davidson addressed the Cabinet on ongoing national developments. In particular, the University is monitoring new executive orders impacting grants and accreditation procedures.
In response to new Department of Homeland Security requirements — including a rule mandating that non-U.S. citizens residing in the country for more than 30 days carry proof of registration — MSU Denver’s Student Affairs and Human Resources teams are expanding support for international and immigrant students and employees. Initiatives include:
- Updating I-9 employment records.
- Providing employment-verification letters.
- Offering expanded “Know Your Rights” workshops and legal resources.
Streamlining strategic implementation
Meredith Jeffers, Ph.D., director of University Strategy, provided an update on the restructuring of the Strategic Plan implementation process. Based on lessons learned from previous planning cycles, the reorganization aims to better align efforts around key performance indicators, including recruitment, retention, degree completion and postgraduate success, as well as overall organizational health. Work groups to advance these initiatives are being developed.
Budget-planning progress for FY26
The University Planning and Budget Advisory Committee, known as UPBAC, is in the final stages of crafting a proposed University budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
After hearing presentations from University branches and identifying opportunities for cost savings and strategic investment, UPBAC is preparing a recommendation for Davidson’s review next month. A final proposal will be presented to the Board of Trustees in June.
University policies advance
Cabinet members advanced an umbrella of brand policies, including guidelines on paid advertising, visual identity and websites. These will move forward for presidential review, while the group deferred a professional-development policy for further vetting and discussion.
Roadrunner Shoutouts: celebrating excellence
The Cabinet meeting concluded with Roadrunner Shoutouts, recognizing exceptional contributions from faculty and staff members and students:
Faculty: Roland K. Schendel, chair, Secondary Education Department
Nominated by Makley, Schendel was praised for his creativity and warmth in leadership, as well as his endearing practice of bringing home-cooked meals to share with colleagues.
“On a number of occasions, Rolly has showed up at my office door with a warm bowl of incredible homemade soup or stew and home-baked bread. Rolly is a sweet man, brilliant teacher, excellent chair, incredible chef and all-around wonderful human being.”
Staff: Wendy Walker, advising coordinator, College of Business
Nominated by Pam Packer, assistant dean in the College of Business, Walker was honored for establishing a centralized Academic Advising Center, implementing data-informed strategies and enhancing services for students through initiatives such as Rowdy’s Corner and expanded drop-in hours.
“Through Wendy’s leadership, there is a Rowdy’s Corner satellite location, academic advising drop-in hours to better serve students and a First Year Experience Specialist to focus on first-year academic success.”
Student: Sameer Pradhan, Student Systems accountant, Office of the Controller
Nominated by Executive Assistant Elisabeth Link, Pradhan was commended for his adaptability, proactive support of colleagues and commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming work environment.
“Whether handling incoming inquiries, training new hires or learning processes, he routinely approaches these with an open mind and works diligently to ensure that others feel welcome and valued.”
