Metropolitan State University of Denver’s President’s Cabinet closed the academic year by reviewing Human Resource’s new Out-of-State Employment Policy, as well as progress on the University’s strategic plan, including gains in student advising, recruitment and retention efforts. The meeting also highlighted recent legislative wins for higher education and recognized faculty and staff achievements across campus.
President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., opened the last Cabinet meeting until August by thanking more than 300 faculty and staff members who volunteered at spring Commencement.
“[We] literally could not do it without you,” Davidson said, “and I’m sure that it’s as fulfilling for you as it is for all of us and all of our students. So, thank you, thank you.”
She also praised alumnus Stephen Lease, founder of the goodr eyewear brand and the University’s spring Commencement speaker.
Leaders then discussed a new Out-of-State Employment Policy that clarifies expectations for employees, emphasizing that employment outside Colorado is generally not permitted.
The policy supports the University’s Colorado-based mission and values, and it ensures strong on-site operations and student-facing services while protecting employees from tax, legal and compliance risks.
The HR policy is effective June 1 and is expected to move through the University’s broader policy process this fall, with review by the University Policy Advisory Council.
2026 state legislative outcomes
Davidson highlighted several legislative wins for higher education:
- Updates to Colorado’s funding formula incorporate part-time student retention and six-year graduation outcomes.
- The state’s Open Educational Resources program was extended for five more years.
- A new unified Department of Higher Education and Workforce will help position MSU Denver to play a leading statewide role.
Strategic Plan progress
An overview of the 2030 Strategic Plan focused on student recruitment, retention, completion and postgraduate outcomes. Leaders highlighted progress in out-of-state recruitment, a new readmission scholarship for those who pause education before completing degrees and revamped orientation processes that help students register earlier.
According to Meredith Jeffers, Ph.D., executive director of University Strategy, more than 95% of students met with an advisor this year as part of broadened student-success efforts.
Cabinet members also confirmed updated goals for enrollment, retention and graduation by 2030, aligning with state and national peers.
Other business
- Davidson shared a reminder from ITS to stay alert for phishing attempts following the recent Canvas outage and restoration, and announcements of new Faculty Senate, Staff Senate and TSAC officers.
- Leaders shared background about changes to federal financial aid programs, which may reduce borrowing limits for some students and families.
- They also reminded employees about next year’s curriculum pause ahead of Higher Learning Commission accreditation work and recognized Access Center Director Greg Sullivan, who will retire in June after more than 20 years of service.
Kudos to these outstanding Roadrunner Shoutout winners:
Roadrunner Shoutout Award: Brian Cesaroti. Photo by John Arnold
Brian Cesarotti, contracts administrator in the Office of the Controller, was recognized for stepping up during a critical staffing shortage and managing all University contract work for more than a month, ensuring key agreements supporting academic programs and student services continued without disruption.
Roadrunner Shoutout Award: Ivan Dodge. Photo by John Arnold
Ivan Dodge, student accounting lead in the Office of the Controller, was recognized for providing exceptional customer service, taking initiative across departmental projects and demonstrating professionalism and leadership as a student employee.
Roadrunner Shoutout awards: Lisa Hagan, Ph.D. (middle), and Sol Adams (right). Photo by Jon Arnold
Sol Adams, lecturer in the Department of Psychological Sciences, and Lisa Hagan, Ph.D., professor of Psychological Sciences, were recognized for piloting an innovative Introductory Psychology intervention that significantly reduced DFW rates for first-year students and strengthened student-success practices across campus.
Liz Goodnick, Ph.D., and President Janine Davidson. Photo by John Arnold
Liz Goodnick, Ph.D., associate professor of Philosophy, was also recognized as she concluded her four-year tenure as president of the Faculty Senate.
“It’s one of the hardest jobs and, of course, the most rewarding on campus, and we want to thank you for all your leadership,” Davidson said.
Brendan Kendall, Ph.D., associate chair of Communication Studies, was elected as the new Faculty Senate president. Katrina Little, Ph.D., assistant professor of Nursing, is the new vice president, and Daniel Pittman, Ph.D., associate professor of Computer Science, is the new secretary.
