Three years ago this week, Colorado recorded its first known cases of COVID-19. A week later, on March 12, CU Boulder announced its first positive case and quickly shifted to fully remote classes. Meanwhile, researchers at CU and universities across the country jumped into action to learn everything they could about the virus, including how to test for and trace it; how to prevent its spread; and how to develop a vaccine to reduce its death toll.
When Elizabeth Pugliano, Ph.D., is teaching students, they’re not the only ones who are learning. She is, too. “I am constantly learning through teaching, both about what I teach and how it might be taught,” said Pugliano, a senior instructor of art history in the College of Arts & Media at CU Denver.
Wanda James in November became the first Black woman elected to the CU Board of Regents in over 44 years. The Denver Democrat represents Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. “I feel like I have been preparing for this role as a regent my entire life,” James said. “My work in politics has been a powerful example of what is possible when you decide to get involved.”
The Board of Regents has begun the work of determining the 2023-24 budget for the four-campus system with consideration of three potential budget scenarios for the fiscal year. Chad Marturano, vice president and chief financial officer for the CU system, presented details of the budget proposals on Feb. 9, the first of a two-day board meeting at CU Denver. The proposals differ based on potential variations in state funding, tuition, compensation and fees.
Ken Montera’s first run for a seat on the CU Board of Regents may have fallen short, but it wasn’t without useful lessons. His 2018 campaign for the at-large post led him into all 64 counties, where he met people who embodied the diversity and complexity of Colorado. The experience helped him understand what it would be like to govern, he said.
The University of Colorado has announced two new Distinguished Professors, Jean S. Kutner and Karolin Luger, bringing the 2022 cohort total to nine. CU Distinguished Professors are tenured faculty members who demonstrate exemplary performance in research or creative work; a record of excellence in promoting learning and student attainment of knowledge and skills; and outstanding service to the profession, the university and its affiliates.