As state population evolves, CU Denver college ready to develop next generation of engineers

President’s Inclusive Excellence Award Winner

The CU Denver College of Engineering, Design and Computing (CEDC) has built durable systems and partnerships that position it as a statewide engine for engineering and computing workforce development. CEDC believes that to serve Colorado and the nation, it must educate more engineers — and educate them to meet the rapidly changing needs of the modern workforce. The approach acknowledges that Colorado’s engineering talent pipeline will increasingly come from its disproportionately young and U.S.-born Hispanic population.

CEDC’s diversity, nationally recognized faculty, inclusive pedagogical practices and strong experiential-learning and innovation ecosystems align directly with the state’s demographic and economic future. CEDC is ready to lead Colorado into the next decade of workforce and innovation development, demonstrating that inclusion-centered transformation strengthens excellence, innovation and community prosperity.

Under the leadership of Dean Martin Dunn, CEDC has created a curricular and co-curricular ecosystem where all students are thriving at increasingly equitable levels in highly technical majors that fuel Colorado’s tech economy.

CEDC centers access, opportunity, excellence and success for all students in its work. It is the most diverse engineering college in Colorado: Since 2018, enrollment of Hispanic students has increased 202%; enrollment of women up 82%; and overall enrollment growth of 40%.

CEDC is building an inclusion-centered ecosystem by integrating belonging-focused advising, peer mentoring, evidence-based first-year experiences, and increased financial support for students. CEDC has redesigned search processes to strengthen pools in terms of both quality and diversity.

The CU Denver College of Engineering, Design and Computing is one of five 2026 President’s Inclusive Excellence Award Winners.