Dear Roadrunners,
I want to share a few important updates regarding our campus operations, including the hiring of a new Facilities director, an important reminder about work orders and a new initiative designed to strengthen our University’s resilience in the years ahead.
But first, I’d like to point out that this is my first column published since the launch of the new Early Bird website, MSU Denver’s official source of employee news and information. I hope you’ll take time to explore the site, which offers a much-improved search function and the ability to more easily access the content — including articles, photos and video — that is most important and helpful to you.
I urge supervisors to encourage team members to check in on the new site regularly for important University news and information. And remember, the Early Bird newsletter, which highlights recently published stories on the site, will continue to land in inboxes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Election information and resources
If you’re like me, you may find the dozen or so ballot measures that Coloradans will decide in the upcoming election a little confusing. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available to help you understand what’s at stake. Several media outlets, such as Colorado Public Radio, have produced nonpartisan ballot guides. Colorado’s Ballot Information Booklet also offers a comprehensive summary of what you’ll see on the ballot. Wherever you go for information and whatever your political persuasion, please do vote! As the philosopher Plato once said: “The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.”
Enterprise Risk Management Initiative
In our ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term success and stability of MSU Denver, we have partnered with accounting-and-advisory firm Baker Tilly to develop an Enterprise Risk Management framework. This collaboration will help us identify and address risks that could affect the University, while enhancing decision-making and leadership practices.
The ERM framework development will involve several phases:
- A kickoff meeting with key University leaders will take place this month.
- Risk-assessment interviews will be conducted in November.
- A risk-prioritization workshop will follow later this semester or early in the spring semester.
- Finally, a formal presentation to the Board of Trustees will occur in March.
We value your input and will keep you informed as the process unfolds. For questions about this initiative, please feel free to reach out to Leone Dick, deputy COO and chief of staff to the vice president of Administration.
Facilities leadership update
I am pleased to announce that Martha Nelson has accepted the position of director of Planning, Design and Construction. Martha has been an integral part of our team for the past five years, serving as senior project manager and successfully managing several large infrastructure projects across campus. Her leadership has been instrumental in completing key projects, including the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute Simulation and Skills Lab, along with many building and department renovations, campus-signage updates and other major initiatives.
In her new role, Martha will oversee a series of exciting initiatives and capital projects that will further enhance our campus. She’ll work alongside Sharon Lorince, director of Operations and Maintenance, in leading MSU Denver’s Facilities Department. Please join me in congratulating Martha on this well-deserved promotion.
Work-order system reminder
As we work together to maintain our campus, I want to remind everyone of the importance of reporting maintenance issues through the Auraria Higher Education Center work-order system. Whether it’s a minor repair or a larger concern, the system allows us to respond quickly and efficiently to nonemergency issues across the Auraria Campus.
You can access the AHEC work-order request form via the MSU Denver Facilities homepage or the AHEC website. This process enables our teams to deploy resources where they’re needed and keeps our campus safe, clean and functional for everyone. I encourage you to take part in this effort, whether by submitting a work order or simply lending a hand by keeping our shared spaces clean.
Thank you for your continued dedication to MSU Denver. Together, we are ensuring that our campus remains a vibrant, safe and supportive environment.
Sincerely,
Larry Sampler
Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Administration
Metropolitan State University of Denver
