Last week, CSU interim president, Dr Rick Miranda shared an informal State of the University Address. Although the campus consists of buildings, staff, and students; much of its strength comes from its supporters – notably the Fort Collins community and organizations like RCFC. The long-term faculty also deserves kudos - Dr Miranda has been a member for 40.12 years!
Our last CSU presidential address was all about COVID. We can now reflect and know that CSU did well with the shutdown, remote learning, and the transition back to “normal”. The 2022 student enrollment set a record (more then 5500)!
The recent leadership retreat held at our Agricultural, Research, Development and Education Center (north of campus) concluded that the future looks bright in both research and teaching. Leadership is currently focused on better retention and graduation rates for all students. New curricula and collaboration will try to include and be valuable to the entire state of Colorado. The biggest needs heard from the CSU staff are increased compensation and affordable housing. There also needs to be a refocus on CSU as a land grant institution with rural roots.
We have previously heard from speakers about the university’s additions on the National Western Complex in Denver. Two buildings are open - one with a focus on health and veterinary science and the other on food science. A third with a focus on water will open soon. The NWC campus provides CSU with a significant Denver presence that will benefit CSU, the city, and the state.
All over campus, important and well-funded research can be found. Areas of strength are food, water, energy, and computer sciences. A noteworthy project ($177 million grant) will study (using satellites) the new and massive storms that are now forming over the equator and producing hurricanes and other weather phenomena. New efforts to make learning more experiential and to integrate the colleges when appropriate are underway.
The Clark building is undergoing a major renovation. Other needed renovations will follow.
A new president will likely be chosen by the end of this year.
Several questions were asked and answered.
What is the level of cooperation with CU (vs duplication)? Ans - cooperation is extensive – a good example is in Atmospheric Science.
Does CSU anticipate a significant fall in near future enrollment? Ans - Nationally, there will be fewer HS grads, but the West may be less affected than the rest of the country. There will be an effort to recapture international students lost during the Pandemic.
What is the current level of state financial support for resident students? Ans - 1/4 of the budget ($700 million) comes from the state. Historically the figure was 70-80%.
Given that CSU leads the nation with its focus on sustainability, what is being done to maintain that position? Ans - New solar panels are/will continue to be installed on campus (roofs of buildings) . The previously mentioned atmospheric/satellite project is expected to make major contributions in this area.
Is the declining male/female student ratio a concern? Ans - This is being looked at - how to attract more men but, most important, how to increase graduation rates for all students.
Anything to say about the Powerhouse 1 and 2 sites? Ans - This is a project/place that allows students to do their own projects but also functions as an incubator for startups.
We appreciate this visit from Dr Miranda who must be a very busy man these days.
Additional Resources
Presidential Search https://presidentialsearch.colostate.edu/
Solar Array Research https://source.colostate.edu/csu-new-solar-panels/
Satellite Research with NASA https://engr.source.colostate.edu/csu-hosts-science-team-meeting-for-nasa-satellite-mission-incus/
President’s Fall Address https://president.colostate.edu/speeches-and-writing/fall-address-2022/