Leader in sustainable development new director of real estate program

Susan Watts, a nationally recognized leader in sustainable development, has been named executive director of the University of Colorado Real Estate Center, an academic real estate program for graduate and undergraduate students attending the Leeds School of Business.

Watts spent 25 years in senior management for development industry leaders in California, Arizona and Florida. She also taught at the University of Arizona's School of Renewable Natural Resources.

"Susan's background in academia, her thorough knowledge of the real estate industry and commitment to sustainability make her the ideal candidate to lead the CU Real Estate Center into its exciting next chapter," said Byron Koste, founding director of the 12-year-old center.

In her new position, Watts will continue to enhance the graduate and undergraduate real estate curriculum; maintain and expand relationships with local, state, and national professional associations to foster best practices in real estate development and management; and provide opportunities to apply best practices and research related to public and private land use and environmental groups.

"I look forward to working with the dedicated members of the CU Real Estate Council, led by incoming Chairman Sherman Miller, the CU Real Estate Foundation and the top-notch faculty to provide the skill sets necessary for the next generation of students entering an industry that is focused on sustainable development," Watts said.

She also will develop student internships and recruit and provide guidance to the center's director of the Initiative for Sustainable Development. The search process for the new director for sustainable development is under way; Watts is participating on the search committee and is currently interviewing candidates.