In his first meeting as Board of Trustees chair, Jerry Glick opened the Feb. 20 meeting by recognizing past board leadership and celebrating Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Women’s Volleyball Team as NCAA Division II National Champions.
The board additionally recognized Trustee Marissa Molina for her recent approval for U.S. citizenship.
“When my dad asked me at 9 years old (whether we should go to America), I already believed that this was the country where people came to follow their dreams,” Molina said. “So even in these really challenging times, I still believe in this country because of its people.”
Molina thanked those who stood by her, including President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., during the long process to obtain citizenship.
“I first met Marissa at an event where she was representing DACA students,” Davidson said. “She has bravely blossomed into a national activist. You are a role model.”
New programs aligned with workforce demand
During its February meeting, trustees advanced a 2026 workplan and recommended approval of new and discontinued academic programs.*
Vice Provost Shaun T. Schafer, Ph.D., presented 12 proposed new programs — including four new majors — alongside 13 proposed discontinuations. Only one of the new programs requires additional positions, and none requires new or updated facilities.
Additions span multiple colleges and respond to growing industry demand. Unanimously approved, the new programs are:
- Advanced Manufacturing Operations Major, B.S.
- Digital Marketing Concentration, Master of Business Administration
- Sport Nutrition Major, B.S.
- Sustainable Sport Management Certificate
- Strength and Conditioning Concentration, Exercise Science Major, B.S.
- Environmental Sustainability Major, B.S.
- Theatre Major, B.S. with K–12 Theatre Teacher Licensure
- K–12 Theatre Teacher Licensure: Post-Baccalaureate Program
- Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
- Bilingual Education Specialist Concentration, Elementary Education Major, B.A.
- Brewery Operations Concentration, Hospitality Leadership Major, B.S.
- Event and Meeting Management Concentration, Hospitality Leadership Major, B.S.
- Lodging Management Concentration, Hospitality Leadership Major, B.S.
A key proposal is a new Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, building on MSU Denver’s long-standing partnership with the Colorado Center for Medical Laboratory Sciences. By adding three courses to an existing certificate, the University would create a master’s degree pathway.
Demand for medical laboratory professionals continues to rise. Presentation materials noted an 81% increase in medical laboratories over the past decade and projected 18.51% job growth in Colorado over the next 10 years. The nearest comparable programs are more than 500 miles away.
Also unanimously approved, the programs being discontinued are:
- Electrical Engineering Technology Certificate
- Electrical Engineering Technology Minor
- Management Concentration and Computer Information Systems Concentration in the Construction Project Management Major, B.A.
- Addiction Studies Concentration, Human Services Major, B.S.
- Health Care Professional Services Major, B.S.
- High Risk Youth Studies Certificate
- Integrative Health Care Major, B.S.
- Lifestyle Medicine Major, B.S.
- English Education Concentration, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
- English Education Graduate Certificate
- Two Year General Education – ALP (noncredentialed)
- Sociology of Tourism Certificate
The 13 proposed discontinuations include five programs with zero enrolled students and others with low or declining enrollment, reflecting efforts to align offerings with student interest and workforce trends. Schafer emphasized that students enrolled in a discontinued program will have other programs into which their current credits carry.
Additional updates
Trustees received an update on retention and spring enrollment trends. From spring 2025 to spring 2026, undergraduate full-year FTE increased 0.24%, while graduate full-year FTE grew 4.22%.
Martha Nelson, director of planning design and construction, said all capital projects are on track and on budget with minimal risk.
Jay Lee, Ph.D., associate professor of Culinary and Event Management, was approved for tenure.
*While approved by the MSU Denver Board of Trustees, these new and ending programs still require additional external review and approval from the Colorado Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission before being considered fully approved.
