Applied Business and Entrepreneurship Association International conference presentation
Apryl Brodersen, Ph.D., Gina Cook, Ph.D., and Lisa McVicker, Ph.D., had their paper, “Benefits of Integrative Negotiation: Environmental Disputes, Human Resources Conflicts and International Business Controversies Applications,” accepted for presentation at the 2026 Applied Business and Entrepreneurship Association International conference in November.
Colorado Latino Leadership Advocacy and Research Organization 2026 Polly Baca Social Justice Award
Community Cabinet member Jesse K. Ogas will be receiving the CLLARO Social Justice Award on Sept. 15. CLLARO is a nonprofit organization helping Latino communities to empower themselves through leadership development, advocacy and policy research.
Colorado Open Educational Resources Awards
MSU Denver faculty and academic programs were recognized for leadership in advancing open educational resources and zero-textbook-cost (ZTC) education during the 2026 Colorado OER Conference, held in May at Arapahoe Community College.
Emily Ragan, Ph.D., received the inaugural Open Education Legacy Award. A founding member of the Colorado OER Council, Ragan’s work has helped generate an estimated $10 million in student savings at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Additional honorees included:
- Jonathan Dyhr, Ph.D., who received the Outstanding ZTC Advocate Award.
- Carolyn McGary, who received the Outstanding ZTC Innovation Award.
- Brian Healy, who received the Outstanding ZTC Instructor Award.
- The School of Hospitality, which received the Outstanding ZTC Workforce Development Award.
- The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies program, which received the Outstanding ZTC Programs: Bachelor’s Degree Award.
Compliance, Policy and Risk Summit
Adrienne Randol, Delaney Thoma, Leanne Bokinskie, Jo Erven, Leone Dick and Toby Hatcher planned and hosted the third annual Compliance, Policy and Risk Summit at MSU Denver on July 23.
The summit welcomed a record number of attendees from 11 Colorado colleges and universities, along with community partners, including United Educators and the FBI. Participants explored emerging issues in higher education, including crisis communications, institutional policy, freedom of speech, protection of minors, threat assessment and artificial intelligence, highlighting the University’s leadership in convening higher education professionals to share best practices and strengthen collaboration across Colorado.
Faculty Practice and Impact Awards
Faculty members showcased innovative work supporting student success during MSU Denver’s FacultyTalks, an Academic Affairs TED-style event highlighting practices that can be replicated across the University, which was held in April.
The 2026 Faculty Practice and Impact Awards recognized projects that demonstrate excellence in program development, interdisciplinary collaboration and cocurricular engagement.
Award recipients included:
- Jeremiah Castle, Ph.D.
- Cindy Heiss, Ph.D.
- Megan Hughes, Ph.D.
The presentations highlighted initiatives that helped students earn full-ride law school scholarships, expanded interdisciplinary academic programs and transformed a grant into a culturally responsive learning community.
FirstGen Forward Thinkers
Nahum Kisner, assistant vice president of student success at MSU Denver’s C2 Hub, has been selected to join FirstGen Forward Thinkers for 2026-2028.
FirstGen Forward is a national nonprofit organization (formerly known as the Center for First-generation Student Success) that helps colleges and universities improve success, career readiness and graduation rates for first-generation college students whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree.
“Future of the Field,” Society of Research Administrators International
Kimberly Welp, post-award assistant director in the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs, received the Society of Research Administrators International’s “Future of the Field” recognition.
Selected by a committee of research administration professionals from nominations submitted around the world, Welp was recognized for exceptional professional growth, leadership and contributions advancing the profession.
Leadership & Legacy Unsung Hero Award
The University and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion received the 2026 Leadership & Legacy Unsung Hero Award from the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado.
The award recognizes organizations whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact through community engagement, equity, advocacy, education and public service. The foundation cited the University’s longstanding commitment to initiatives such as the Rachel B. Noel Distinguished Visiting Professorship, the Call Me MISTER program, the annual MLK Peace Breakfast and other partnerships that expand opportunity and belonging across Colorado.
Strategist Award from U.S. Cyber Command
Professor Jeffrey London, Ph.D., student Matthew Bopp and the MSU Denver Cyber RECon 2026 team earned the Strategist Award at U.S. Cyber Command’s fifth annual Cyber Research and Education Conference at Fort Meade, Maryland.
More than 200 students and faculty members from 19 universities participated in the event, tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges alongside U.S. Cyber Command experts. MSU Denver was recognized alongside institutions such as Ohio State University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Florida International University.
The achievement highlights the strength of MSU Denver’s cybersecurity programs, the impact of experiential learning opportunities and the dedication of faculty and students advancing solutions to national cyber challenges.
