Metropolitan State University of Denver faculty, staff and community leaders continue to earn recognition for their contributions to research, teaching, communications and community leadership.
Here’s a look at their recent accomplishments.
University Communications and Marketing, University Advancement and Office of University Events
MSU Denver received five 2026 Best of CASE District IV Awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), a global nonprofit association recognizing excellence in higher education communications, marketing, alumni relations and advancement.
The University was recognized in five categories:
- Video (student audience): Explore Your Future
- Writing (research/science/medicine): Maya Monuments Speak in Signs
- Writing (profile): All Roads Lead Home
- Student Engagement: Canvas Course for Commencement Communications
- Podcasts: BirdTalk — MSU Denver’s Alumni Podcast
Madina Amiri, College of Business
Madina Amiri, a Finance major with minors in Political Science and Accounting, was selected as a 2026-28 recipient of the prestigious Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service.
Originally from Kabul, Afghanistan, Amiri is passionate about expanding educational and economic opportunities for immigrant and refugee communities. She has served as a U.S. Senate intern and volunteered with the Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau, using storytelling to elevate refugee voices and raise awareness of their experiences.
Eric Blomfelt, J.D., Department of Management
Eric Blomfelt, J.D., professor of Management, had his paper, “AI Avatars: A Framework for Scaling Authentic Instructor Presence in Asynchronous Online Courses,” accepted for presentation at the Applied Business and Entrepreneurship Association International conference, Nov. 14-18 in Kauai, Hawaii.
Tim Carroll and University Communications and Marketing
Tim Carroll was named PR Person of the Year at the Public Relations Society of America’s Colorado Chapter awards celebration Aug. 27. The University Communications and Marketing team also earned three awards:
- Gold Pick award for videos: Crime scene science gets real in the classroom
- Silver Pick award for feature stories: Mayan monuments speak in signs
- Silver Pick award for feature stories: Cancer-screening breakthrough
Barbara Grogan, MSU Denver Foundation Board
Barbara Grogan, a MSU Denver Foundation Board member and former University trustee, was named a 2026 Top 25 Legacy Award winner by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. The recognition celebrates her leadership, mentorship and lasting contributions.
Catherine Kleier, Ph.D., Faculty Affairs and Department of Biology
Catherine Kleier, Ph.D., associate vice president for Faculty Affairs and professor of Biology, was selected as a National Geographic Visiting Scientist aboard a Lindblad Expeditions voyage this summer.
Kleier also received a National Geographic Society grant supporting her research project, “To Facilitate or Not to Facilitate: Whether Nutrient Levels Determine Facilitation Strength.”
Lisa McVicker, Ph.D., Department of Management
Lisa McVicker, Ph.D., had her paper, “Interstate Water Compact: A Digital Special Master,” accepted for presentation at the Rocky Mountain Academy of Legal Studies in Business conference, held Oct. 9-11 in Vail, Colorado.
Vincent Piturro, Ph.D., Department of English
Vincent “Vinnie” Piturro, Ph.D., professor of English, won first place for Best Arts & Entertainment Column Writing in the Colorado Press Association’s annual Better News Contest.
The award recognizes his film review column, “The Indie Prof,” published in Front Porch.
Becky Prater, Department of Management
Becky Prater, senior lecturer of Management, had her teaching proposal accepted for the inaugural Faculty of Business Administration International Teaching Week at Prague University of Economics and Business, Nov. 2-4.
Prater also presented two workshops with Jaime Foster at Colorado Startup Week on Sept. 14: “Mindful Money: Financial Strategies for Wellness Entrepreneurs” and “What AI Can’t Replace: Sovereignty, Intuition, and Discernment.”
Rae Richards, Ruth Álvarez Luna and Eun Mi Lam, Department of Art and Department of Industrial Design
Three MSU Denver students and alumni were selected for all three of PlatteForum’s 2026-27 artist residencies, a competitive program that attracts more than 50 applicants from around the world annually.
Industrial Design alumna Rae Richards (2024) is the fall 2026 resident artist, followed by Art alumna Ruth Álvarez Luna in spring 2027 and current Art student Eun Mi Lam in summer 2027.
The residencies provide studio space, financial support and opportunities to create and exhibit new work. The artists also lead weekly workshops with young ArtLab interns, culminating in collaborative exhibitions or performances.
Richards’ exhibition opens Nov. 6, followed by Álvarez Luna’s on May 14 and Lam’s on Aug. 6.
Christopher Stewart, Ph.D., Department of Management
Christopher Stewart, Ph.D., assistant professor of Management, had his paper, “Intermediation and Innovation in the Creation of a Pathway to Careers in HR,” accepted for publication in an Academic and Business Research Institute journal.
