Transition in CU Leadership - 5-10-21

Dear students, faculty and staff,

Today, University of Colorado President Mark Kennedy announced that he has entered into discussions with the Board of Regents about transitioning the CU presidency. My fellow chancellors and I issued a shared message, thanking President Kennedy for his service and leadership over the past two years, particularly throughout the historic COVID-19 pandemic. 

At CU Anschutz, we have been proud to count President Kennedy, and President Bruce Benson before him, as stalwart supporters of our mission. I have every confidence that the next leader will share that dedication to our academic medical campus, and anticipate that the impact of this leadership transition will be minimal. Our campus leadership stands ready to offer our assistance and partnership as this transition begins.

We are on a solid foundation as a university and as a community. Indeed, we are coming out of more than a year of tremendous challenges strong, united in common purpose, and ready to rapidly advance progress in each of our mission areas. Our academic programs are in high demand, our research portfolio is robust and growing in volume, and clinical revenues are running ahead of pre-pandemic levels and on a continued upward trajectory. 

We will remain focused on a steady return to campus over the months ahead, as well as on defining our strategic priorities and boosting vital diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. More information will be available regarding the future of CU’s leadership in the coming weeks. 

Thank you for helping to make our campus a strong and vibrant place of learning, discovery and care. Together, we have much to look forward to and a bright future ahead.

Sincerely,