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Author: Ben Lasseter

Key takeaways:  Housing affordability is affecting a meaningful portion of MSU Denver’s workforce, according to MSU Denver’s 2026 Workforce Housing Demand Study. Additionally, workforce housing planned on campus meets some of the goals of employees, and the University will strive to provide early access to units and provide information as the project advances.  The study, […]

Author: Ben Lasseter

Roberta Hanson, Ph.D., described as a lifelong learner and generous colleague, died July 28, 2026.  Hanson began at Metropolitan State College of Denver in 1990 and was a professor of Management for 15 years before retiring in 2005.  Raj Khandekar, Ph.D., professor of Management since 1994, remembered Hanson as a kind and thoughtful educator who […]

Author: Ben Lasseter

Over the past week, Metropolitan State University of Denver employees volunteered with community organizations across the Denver metro area during Roadrunners Give Back.  Organized by the Office of University Strategy and External Affairs, this year’s initiative connected Roadrunners with 13 organizations from Sept. 7 through today, leading into Homecoming week.  Participating organizations included new community […]

Author: Ben Lasseter

Key takeaways: One of the leading offices in supporting student success has launched a search for its next assistant vice president of Equity and Student Engagement.  Cynthia Baron, Ph.D., who previously held this role, is moving to a new position as assistant vice president of Educational Opportunity Programs in the Kemper Classroom to Career Hub.  […]

Author: Ben Lasseter

A little preparation can go a long way. That’s part of why the Auraria Campus is offering four in-person trainings focused on “practical, potentially lifesaving skills” this fall.  “Ultimately, preparedness is about having the knowledge and confidence to act when it matters,” said Nancy Barjenbruch, AHEC emergency manager. “We want to provide skills that are […]

Author: Ben Lasseter

Key takeaways: For Exercise and Sport Sciences students, working with someone they don’t already know provides an important opportunity to translate classroom learning into practical experience.  All Exercise Science students have the opportunity to serve as student trainers during their senior year, said Jason Casey, Ph.D., associate professor of Exercise Science.   “We greatly value these […]

Author: Ben Lasseter

Key takeaways: A 10-year effort to maintain Metropolitan State University’s status as an accredited university culminates with a site visit later this month, and the opportunities for employees to get involved begin today.  The Higher Learning Commission Comprehensive Evaluation Visit is Sept. 28-29, and there are several opportunities through those days to prepare and participate.  […]

Author: Ben Lasseter

Key takeaways:  MSU Denver kicked off the academic year Tuesday by celebrating the people behind the University’s progress and challenging employees to build on that momentum this fall.  At the annual Welcome Back event, President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., recognized 26 faculty members for earning tenure and promotion, along with 70 staff members for promotions, during […]

Author: Ben Lasseter

Eileen Starr, Ph.D., a beloved MSU Denver professor known for her humor, honesty and fierce care for students, died Aug. 21 at home surrounded by family and friends.  Starr was a professor in MSU Denver’s Department of Social Work and a deeply valued teacher, mentor and colleague whose influence extended well beyond the classroom, said […]

Author: Ben Lasseter

Key takeaways: At MSU Denver, 57% of undergraduates are first-generation college students, meaning their parents or legal guardians did not earn a bachelor’s degree in the United States.  That makes understanding the first-generation student experience essential to the University’s work.  “Our first-generation students bring so much of their own experience and knowledge with them,” said […]