CSU System Chancellor Search Background

Why did the Colorado State University System Board of Governors decide to split the conjoined position of CSU Fort Collins President and CSU System Chancellor?

  • Over the last several years, the Board of Governors has been evaluating the system structure in light of the increasing demands of CSU’s three campuses (Fort Collins, Pueblo and Global Campus). During that time, the Board worked with President Penley to measure effectiveness of the current model. Following Penley’s resignation, the Board consulted with Dr. Stephen Portch, a highly regarded expert in higher education reform and a former chancellor of the University System of Georgia.
  • The Board asked Dr. Portch to present various university system models for the Board to analyze which model would be in the best interest for the three campuses and their students, faculty and staff.
  • The Board was aware of the increasing challenges and demands the Fort Collins campus president had to manage, while also holding the dual title of Chancellor and handling the needs of the system.
  • The Board felt that it was not in the best interest of the university to pull the president away from campus responsibilities. A president has an incredible range of responsibilities that require focus on the day-to-day operations and management of a major university.
  • The Fort Collins campus is a dynamic, growing, productive and outstanding research university; it deserves a full-time president to manage fiscal and other challenges while monitoring and ensuring academic excellence.
  • After considering the pros and cons of various system models around the country and weighing those factors against the CSU System mission and future direction of CSU campuses, the Board agreed it was in the best interest of the three campuses to have two separate positions. Student and faculty board representatives from Pueblo and Fort Collins were also involved in the discussions leading to the decision.

When did the Board make the decision to split the positions and seek out a new Chancellor?

  • At the Board of Governors’ public meeting in December 2008, the Board reached a unanimous consensus to move forward with separating the position of CSU System Chancellor from the President of Fort Collins campus.

Why hold stakeholder open forums?

  • A new CSU system Chancellor is a critical public position for the university and the state. It has tremendous responsibility and accountability.
  • The Board agreed that before a search begins, it was incumbent on them to hear from CSU stakeholders about what they would like to see in a chancellor.
  • The objective is to solicit input from stakeholders regarding desired attributes of a CSU System Chancellor, such as qualities, characteristics, and experience.

Why hold stakeholder open forums? (continued)

  • The board plans several open and inclusive stakeholder meetings: CSU-Pueblo, Jan. 28; Sterling, Jan 30; Denver, Feb. 9 (plus video conferencing with San Luis Valley and La Plata communities); and CSU Fort Collins, Feb. 10 (plus video conferencing with Grand Junction community).
  • While the forums will have time slots targeted to certain stakeholders, all members of the community are welcome at any time, with the exception of certain lunch events.

What if people cannot make it to a stakeholder forum?

  • In addition to the forums, this web site features a stakeholder input form for individuals to submit comments online regarding the characteristics and qualities they deem important for a new CSU System chancellor.

What is the Board’s perceived role of the Chancellor?

  • When a search committee is formed, one of its initial tasks will be to develop a position description and statement of qualifications based on input received from stakeholder comments.
  • The role of the Chancellor has significantly grown over the last two years. With the increasing demands of the campuses, a Chancellor will equally represent the campuses with the Colorado Legislature, Colorado Congressional Delegation, the Department of Higher Education, and business and civic leaders. The chancellor is also the chief lobbyist and chief spokesperson for the CSU System.
  • The Board would like to see the Chancellor act as the chief marketing officer, making appearances and giving presentations around the state and nation about the universities’ contributions to society.
  • As the state pulls away from its ability to fund higher education, the Board wants to have someone work diligently on raising funds, build state and federal legislative relationships, build donor relationships and establish partnerships with the private sector to help backfill the loss of state support and to attract investments in CSU’s quality initiatives for students.
  • The Chancellor is accountable for supporting the campuses to help them achieve their goals.
  • The campus presidents report to the Chancellor, while having access to the Board of Governors.
  • The Chancellor works with the campus presidents to develop operating budgets to be approved by the Board.
  • The Chancellor reports directly to the Board of Governors.

Is there a salary range the Board is seeking for a new Chancellor?

  • The qualities and characteristics identified will have a factor in the caliber of candidates.
  • A salary range will be determined by the search committee and consultant with Board counsel.  

What is the CSU System?

  • It is comprised of three campuses (Fort Collins, Pueblo and Global) totaling nearly 27,000 students, 150,000 alumni, almost 6,900 employees, and 6,500 annual graduates. It has an annual budget of $914.1 M.

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