Metropolitan State University of Denver has named Christine Márquez-Hudson president and CEO of the MSU Denver Foundation. The appointment, announced by President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., on Nov. 10, is effective immediately.
“Christine has consistently demonstrated exceptional vision, dedication and leadership across her roles at MSU Denver,” Davidson said. “Her commitment to advancing the University’s mission is unwavering.”
Márquez-Hudson has served at the University for seven years as the vice president of University Advancement. Prior to her promotion to president and CEO of the MSU Denver Foundation, she served that body as executive director. Her promotion comes halfway through the final year of MSU Denver’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign, Roadrunners Rise, which has reached its $100 million goal.
Throughout the campaign, Márquez-Hudson has offered steady guidance as the University navigated the uncertainties of launching a major initiative. Her exceptional vision and leadership are anchored by an unwavering devotion to advancing the University’s mission, Davidson said.
“The MSU Denver Foundation is the engine that drives critical investment in our students, faculty and programs, enabling us to sustain and grow our commitment to accessibility and innovation,” Davidson said. “She possesses a deep understanding of the needs of our students, the strategic goals of MSU Denver and the vital importance of philanthropic support.”
Foundation Board Chair Ruth Rohs echoed Davidson’s sentiments. The board is ecstatic that Márquez-Hudson is being recognized for her accomplishments and dedication to the University and its students, she said.
“Under Christine’s leadership, the MSU Denver Foundation has seen unprecedented growth, exceeded the comprehensive campaign goal and now has annual fundraising targets that would have never been imagined, much less achieved, before she joined the team,” Rohs said.
Priorities for the future
Márquez-Hudson is focused on finishing the Roadrunners Rise campaign strong. “I would love to blow past the $100 million goal,” she said.
With the campaign ending June 30, Márquez-Hudson is also planning for the period between the end of the campaign and the conclusion of MSU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan.
“I am working with the Foundation Board, campus leaders and University Advancement to develop fundraising priorities so that we can maintain our momentum, deepen our relationships with donors and continue to have an impact on the University’s greatest needs,” she said.
Márquez-Hudson said she is committed to elevating the Foundation Board and the University Advancement team. “It’s our strong infrastructure, systems and people who will ensure that we strategically strengthen our financial base and prepare for the future,” she said.
A journey of purpose and progress
For Márquez-Hudson, it has been an enormous privilege to serve MSU Denver, its mission and students over the last seven years, and she’s loved every minute of it, even the most challenging times.
“One of my greatest joys has been showing the MSU Denver community that it is worthy of significant investment and connecting the great work of the University with our incredible community of donors,” she said. “I’ve also loved developing our team into a high-performing group that is having fun while achieving new heights. Their growth and breakthroughs have been the greatest rewards of all. I look forward to several more years of service.”
