President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., and other senior leaders on Monday fielded questions from faculty and staff members about key issues shaping the future of Metropolitan State University of Denver. Topics included the current political climate, the University’s status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and academic-leadership continuity.
Davidson’s Ask Anything forum provided an opportunity for transparent dialogue on institutional priorities. Last month, Davidson announced she would hold a series of forums and drop in on meetings across campus for informal, solution-oriented conversations with employees around their concerns, questions and ideas for the University.
Here are some top takeaways and employee questions that came up during Monday’s discussion:
1. Why has MSU Denver not been more vocal on political issues?
The primary role of the University is to educate, foster critical thinking and encourage dialogue. Unless there are direct impacts to MSU Denver’s mission, advocacy can have a chilling effect on speech and even intensify polarization, Davidson said. She acknowledged the challenge of balancing institutional neutrality with strategic advocacy for students and faculty.
University employees may speak out however they wish on their own time but without using MSU Denver resources. Best practice is to make clear the views and activities are those of the employee.
In Colorado, state employees are subject to certain restrictions regarding political activities while at work. These restrictions are intended to ensure that state resources are not used for political purposes and to maintain a nonpartisan public service.
Employees are encouraged to refer to the Civic Guide for more guidance on best practices for political action/speech.
2. What’s the future of Hispanic-Serving Institutions?
Since earning Hispanic-Serving Institution status in 2019, MSU Denver has received more than $15 million in HSI/Minority Serving Institution funding for initiatives such as:
- Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans in the Denver Nutrition Program
- Space Tech Scholars
- The University’s Transfer Pathway Fostering STEM Connections
The U.S. Department of Education notified MSU Denver on Monday that it was renewing the University’s HSI designation, maintaining the institution’s eligibility for grants under Titles III and V through the 2025-26 academic year, said Michael Benitez, Ph.D., vice president for Diversity and Inclusion. What might happen to those grants in the future is undetermined, but Davidson encouraged people to continue applying for grants, acting under the assumption that funds will be made available until we receive information to the contrary.
3. Leadership continuity
Faculty members expressed concerns about the rate of turnover in the Office of the Provost, noting that they have worked with several provosts in just a few years.
Davidson named longtime University faculty leader Matt Makley, Ph.D., interim provost in January, after Laura Niesen de Abruña, Ph.D., stepped away from the role and assumed a faculty position in the English Department.
One faculty member asked what might be different with the next search for a permanent replacement.
Davidson acknowledged the frustration and emphasized that stability in academic leadership is not only critical for advancing long-term initiatives but crucial in the extraordinary political and budgetary environment we are now facing.
She shared her disappointment with past national searches that relied on external firms. She noted that the “closed” process — in which finalists are not publicly revealed beyond the search committee — may have been necessary for outside finalists requesting anonymity but might have contributed to faculty and staff members questioning the process, the candidates and the level of transparency.
While national searches can attract a diverse pool of candidates, Davidson pointed out that open searches tend to foster greater trust and engagement from the campus community.
Acknowledging faculty sentiment, Davidson noted that many have expressed strong approval of Makley’s leadership and his deep institutional knowledge. She underscored the need to prioritize continuity and stability.
If you were unable to attend the Ask Anything open forum, you are encouraged to use the President’s Idea Catcher to share your questions or comments.
