Faculty, staff and student employees came together Thursday for the annual President’s Welcome Back, kicking off Metropolitan State University of Denver’s academic year and 60th-anniversary celebration. Hosted by President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., the gathering celebrated MSU Denver’s enduring mission of providing accessible, career-focused education while laying out a bold vision for the University’s future.
Watch the 2025 President's Welcome Back
Honoring the past, embracing the moment
Davidson opened by reflecting on the historical moment in which MSU Denver was founded. Drawing parallels between today’s rapidly shifting social and political climate and the mid-1960s, she reminded attendees that the University was “made to meet moments like this.”
“For 60 years, we’ve risen to every challenge,” Davidson said. “We’ve weathered economic crises, policy changes and even attempts to shut us down — and yet we’ve never wavered from our mission of championing diversity, access and excellence.”
Davidson also acknowledged the trailblazers and leaders who laid the groundwork for MSU Denver’s success, referencing the shoulders that the University stands on today.
“We are strong, and we can do big things,” Davidson said. “As we reflect on how far we’ve come, we celebrate the visionaries who showed us the way.”
Investing in students, people and infrastructure
Despite national funding uncertainties, Davidson underscored that MSU Denver is moving forward with momentum. The University continues to modernize the student experience through:
- A new student-information system, powered by Workday and designed to streamline registration, transcripts and academic services.
- Ongoing enhancements to Workday to improve employee processes and transparency.
- New campus facilities, including the Day Health Institute Tower and student-housing buildings, funded through a combination of state resources, philanthropy and bonds — all separate from the operational budget to protect daily programs and services.
These long-term investments, Davidson emphasized, are critical to ensuring MSU Denver’s competitiveness and ability to deliver on its mission for future generations.
President’s Q&A with the provost
The program also included a conversational Q&A between Davidson and Provost Matt Makley, Ph.D., offering attendees a closer look at the University’s academic priorities and leadership vision for the year ahead.
Makley praised Davidson’s advocacy on behalf of the University, highlighting her work representing MSU Denver at the legislature and the governor’s office and throughout Colorado.
The provost also outlined key priorities in Academic Affairs, emphasizing MSU Denver’s continued focus on student success, faculty support and innovative program development. These priorities align closely with the University’s mission of delivering accessible, high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of Colorado’s workforce and communities.
In discussing the leadership team’s approach, Makley stressed the importance of collaboration, transparency and good intentions across all levels of the institution.
“We’re working shoulder to shoulder, with the best intentions, to support our students, faculty and staff,” he said. “Our strength comes from working together and staying focused on what matters most.”
The exchange underscored MSU Denver’s commitment to building momentum while maintaining a sense of balance and community well-being. Both leaders encouraged faculty and staff members to “breathe deeply” and approach the coming year with optimism and collective purpose.
New Foundation Service Awards honor exceptional leaders
The event also introduced the MSU Denver Foundation Service Awards, created to honor individuals whose dedication has shaped the University’s trajectory.
Christine Márquez-Hudson, vice president of University Advancement, and Ruth Rohs, chair of the MSU Denver Foundation Board, recognized four inaugural honorees:
- Sheila Kaplan, Ph.D., former MSU Denver president
- Larry Strutton, former Foundation Board chair
- Gay Cook, former vice president of executive operations and planning
- Carolyn Wollard, former vice president of Advancement
Strutton and Cook joined the stage to accept their awards and share reflections on their years of service.
“MSU Denver serves real Coloradans with real-life programs that prepare them for real-life jobs,” Rohs said. “Our impact is unmatched — and it’s because of leaders like these.”
Looking ahead
Davidson closed the program with a reminder that the 60th anniversary is both a celebration and a call to action.
“We’re not just reflecting on our past; we’re stepping boldly into our future,” she said. “Together, we’ll continue to transform lives and strengthen Colorado’s future.”
