As higher-education institutions across the country face increasing scrutiny and political pressure, the Metropolitan State University of Denver Board of Trustees made clear in its March meeting that the University remains committed to its mission, values and — above all — students.
In a meeting shaped by the current national climate, Board Chair Kristin Hultquist praised MSU Denver’s role in protecting free speech and fostering inclusion. Hultquist reiterated the University’s commitment to retaining a safe and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff, praising the University’s position and commitment to its mission and values.
“MSU Denver is staying true to our values and our students,” Student Trustee Michael Warner said.
President Janine Davidson acknowledged the challenges some students may be facing due to political uncertainty. Her message was one of empowerment, encouraging students to focus on what they can control.
She said students “can control (their) education because that’s human capital that no one can take away,” she said.
The University’s leaders agreed that staying mission-driven is not only a source of strength but MSU Denver’s “superpower,” as Faculty Trustee Ann Obermann put it. “We all want what’s best for our students,” she said. “We all want our students to succeed.”
Three academic concentrations discontinued
Trustees approved the discontinuation* of three concentrations within the Computer Information Systems major:
- Application Development
- Network Systems and Administration
- Web Development and Administration
The decision comes as part of an ongoing effort to streamline academic offerings to better align programs with student demand and workforce needs.
*Discontinued programs require additional external review and approval from the Colorado Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission.
Athletics accomplishments recognized
Davidson recognized the women’s soccer and volleyball teams for their successful seasons, presenting them with challenge coins during the meeting.
Members of the women's soccer team speak at the Board of Trustees meeting on March 21, 2025. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Athletics Director Todd Thurman also took time to congratulate Tanya Haave, longtime head women’s basketball coach, on her retirement.
MSU Denver’s recently retired women’s basketball coach Tanya Haave speaks at the Board of Trustees meeting on March 21, 2025. Photo by Alyson McClaran
“What I so appreciate is the mission and how all of us who work here invest in the students,” said Haave. “And then, those students invest in themselves. And then, they go out in the community and invest in the community. MSU Denver provides a great service not only to Denver but the state of Colorado.”
Haave said coaching at MSU Denver brought back her joy. With tears in her eyes, she spoke about the impact working at MSU Denver has had on her.
“I’ve gotten a lot of texts and everything about how I impacted a lot of lives, and I hope that’s true,” she said. “But MSU Denver changed my life.”
Additional updates
MSU Denver saw an uptick in spring enrollment with full-year, full-time-equivalent enrollment increasing by 6.28% from spring 2024 to spring 2025.
MSU Denver’s Day of Giving shattered its 1,400-donor goal, rallying over 1,900 supporters and raising a record $360,000. Athletics alone contributed $100,000 of the total raised.
Updates were also shared on previously approved capital projects, including the planned student-housing building. The project is expected to break ground this summer and open in spring 2027, pending a board vote in June to approve the issuance of debt.
Work is also progressing on a renovation of the Auraria Event Center, with construction anticipated to begin in early 2026.
