The first week of classes marked the first President’s Cabinet meeting of the year, in which President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., introduced a new interim provost, previewed a tight state budget picture and recognized the highly polarized political environment.
Davidson introduced Matt Makley, Ph.D., chair and professor of Metropolitan State University of Denver’s History Department and a former Faculty Senate president, as he assumes the role of interim provost.
“Bringing in Dr. Makley is about stability, leadership and compassion,” Davidson said Thursday. “He is no stranger to MSU Denver, has a collaborative approach and understands our academic needs.”
The longtime faculty leader who helped develop the University’s 2030 Strategic Plan will spend the next few weeks listening to questions, concerns and feedback from faculty members before collaborating with Academic Affairs on a strategic path forward. The search for a permanent provost is expected to begin later this year.
Davidson’s remarks also highlighted the state’s tight budget picture and emphasized the need to find operational efficiencies and to prioritize proven student-success initiatives when allocating limited resources.
And she acknowledged uncertainty following Monday’s presidential inauguration, ing the University’s commitment to its core values as MSU Denver continues to foster an environment of learning, critical thinking and open dialogue.
“We live in a very politicized and diverse society. Not everyone shares the same worldview. Not everyone shares the same politics. And that is true here at MSU Denver as well,” Davidson said. “That said, we have our CADRE values … and we’re going to hold on to those values as we move forward. We are especially going to lean into those Roadrunners who feel vulnerable.”
More meeting highlights
Auraria Event Center planned improvements
Martha Nelson, director of Planning, Design and Construction, previewed planned upgrades to the Auraria Event Center, formerly known as the PE Building, that include optimizing academic spaces and creating flexible event spaces. A cross-functional group of building users, including faculty and staff members, is working to assess needs and recommend design and functional improvements.
“We are the largest user of this space, and we are taking a more active role in ensuring that it meets the needs of our students, faculty, staff and community,” said Nelson.
The University plans to issue bonds to finance the project, which will not impact operational budgets. Campus buildings are typically financed through private support (fundraising), student fees, state funding or revenue generated through projects such as housing, explained Chief Financial Officer Jim Carpenter.
Construction is tentatively slated to begin in spring 2026.
Fundraising-campaign public launch event set for Feb. 19
A celebratory campus event is scheduled for Feb. 19 at 4:30 p.m. in the Auraria Event Center to officially launch the public phase of MSU Denver’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, a concerted effort that supports broad, long-term strategic goals, builds relationships and strengthens donor engagement.
The original goal for the campaign was to raise $75 million, but Advancement exceeded that goal thanks to several major gifts that the University received during the current private phase of the campaign. As a result, Advancement is now pursuing a $100 million goal.
This milestone represents a pivotal moment in securing MSU Denver’s financial future in support of the University’s mission and strategic goals, said Christine Márquez Hudson, vice president of University Advancement.
Additional updates included:
- MSU Denver’s director of Strategy, Meredith Jeffers, Ph.D., recapped progress toward operationalizing the University’s 2030 Strategic Plan and previewed current feedback and next steps.
- Davidson welcomed Julie Clockston, DSW, as the 2025 Presidential Faculty Fellow. Clockston is joining the President’s Office from the Department of Social Work.
- The Roadrunner community can provide input on a new campus-safety building Thursday at a town hall led by the Auraria Higher Education Center.
- Employees are encouraged to vote to name the new spring faculty and staff celebration.
- The 2024-25 University Fact Sheet is available at msudenver.edu/about or at https://www.msudenver.edu/brand-central/#toolkits-and-resources.
- Van Jones,CNN host and Emmy Award-winning political commentator, will be the 2025 Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Visiting Professor. His keynote and related events will take place April 23.
- Staff Senate representatives voiced opposition to adding a public comment period to the President’s Cabinet, other than for students.
- Work on the Plaza Building plumbing continues. The building is open for classes, but water service remains shut off. There are alternate accommodations for those who use the building, and crews hope to have repairs completed by the end of the month.
- Check the University Events Calendar for a full list of MSU Denver events.
Roadrunner Shoutouts
President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., with Roadrunner Shoutout Award faculty winner Jeremiah Castle. Photo by Amanda Schwengel
Faculty winner: Jeremiah Castle, Ph.D., prelaw advisor and associate professor, Political Science Department
Nominated by students Jenna Kirk, Eliot O’Callaghan and Hailey Glass, chair of TSAC, who wrote:
“Dr. Castle is a spectacular professor who works collaboratively with students to make sure they are not just memorizing the material but truly understanding it. He ties his lessons in with current events to allow for a more educated student body in terms of the real world. Dr. Castle has made the path to law school more accessible for all students by finding opportunities such as discounted LSAT classes, law fairs, legal classes, guest speakers, networking opportunities and more.”
President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., with Roadrunner Shoutout Award staff winner Walter Ware III. Photo by Amanda Schwengel
Staff winner: Walter Ware III, Sculpture Studio manager, Department of Art
Nominated by Marin Abell, associate professor of Art, who said:
“Walter navigates the logistical complexity of working with CU Denver and MSU Denver in the shared studio space with much-appreciated diplomacy and enthusiasm. One of the main goals in the shared Sculpture Studio has been to develop the space and equipment to train students in digital fabrication. In support of this, Ware has adapted and equipped the studio with five 3D printers, a laser cutter, a 3D scanner and numerous computers with 3D modeling and printing software. It is the extra distance he goes to create a sense of play, inclusiveness and a joyful spirit in the studio that make helping people express themselves and coming to work a profound privilege.”
President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., with Roadrunner Shoutout Award student winner Alyssa Simpson. Photo by Amanda Schwengel
Student winner: Alyssa Simpson, student Accounts Payable technician, Accounting Services
Nominated by Terri McLaggan, Accounts Payable and Corporate Card manager, Office of the Controller, who said:
“Alyssa works independently and strives for perfection and excellence. If Alyssa does not have the information needed, she quickly reaches out to obtain the missing details and get her payments out the door on time. We will be losing her soon, but she will definitely move forward in her career with confidence and a full résumé.”
