Metropolitan State University of Denver has welcomed Leanne Bokinskie as its new chief operating officer, a restructured role designed to strengthen operational and financial leadership during a pivotal time for the University.
Bokinskie, who joined the University on May 30, brings decades of experience in finance, administration and higher education. Most recently at Virginia Tech, she led the development of financial operations for the university’s Innovation Campus and oversaw facility operations for the greater Washington, D.C., region. She also has held leadership roles at the University of Denver and Emory University.
Bokinskie will report to Jim Carpenter, vice president for Administration and Finance and chief financial officer. The Administrative Branch restructured its leadership roles this year to better align operations with the University’s strategic priorities, President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., said when announcing Carpenter’s promotion in January.
Formerly, the vice president of Administration and Finance also served in the COO role. The new leadership structure, with Carpenter retaining his CFO title, is designed to provide more focused and strategic oversight of University operations and finances, said Edward Brown, chief of staff in the Office of the President.
“At a time when the University faces a complex budget environment and is undertaking major capital projects, Jim will continue to work closely with President Davidson and provide his strong financial expertise and leadership when we need it most,” Brown said. “And with Leanne stepping into the COO role, we’ll be able to focus more intentionally on both strategic decisions and the day-to-day operations that make our campus run smoothly and create a better experience for our students.”
Bokinskie’s responsibilities will include facilities and infrastructure management, major capital projects, risk management and oversight of the University’s partnership with the Auraria Higher Education Center. Her financial background is an added asset, even as she shifts her focus to operations.
“This is probably the first budget cycle I haven’t been directly involved in,” she said. “But I bring that perspective with me. It’s incredibly helpful when navigating complex projects and aligning operational priorities with the University’s long-term goals.”
Those priorities include delivering on transformational campus projects such as the Health Institute Tower, student housing and a major renovation of the Auraria Event Center — all part of a nearly $200 million investment in MSU Denver’s future.
“These projects represent more than new buildings,” Bokinskie said. “They’re about creating a more cohesive, student-centered experience. We’re bringing student housing and dining to campus, expanding career services and improving our shared spaces in ways that support learning and community.”
She will also be tasked with launching an enterprise risk-management program — a first for the University — that will proactively and strategically address operational, compliance and safety risks across the institution.
Bokinskie, who has strong ties to Colorado and is passionate about MSU Denver’s mission, said the University’s student-focused culture and commitment to access drew her to the role.
“I’ve always admired how MSU Denver serves students who are working, supporting families or returning to school later in life,” she said. “It’s a values-driven institution, and I’m excited to help shape its next chapter.”
Carpenter echoed that sentiment, adding that Bokinskie’s blend of financial acumen, operational insight and collaborative leadership made her the clear choice.
“We’re really fortunate to have her,” he said. “Leanne’s leadership will be critical as we evolve to meet the needs of our students and deliver on some of the most ambitious projects in MSU Denver’s history.”
Meanwhile, Larry Sampler, the University’s former chief operating officer and vice president for Administration and Finance, continues to serve the University in a special-advisor role, reporting to the president. He’s focused on guiding several key University initiatives, including the transition to a new student-information system and various campus infrastructure projects.
