Phillip De Leon, Ph.D., oversees the University of Colorado Denver’s research and creative activities mission, which has been traveling an upward trajectory in recent years. CU Denver’s $31.3 million in externally sponsored projects for fiscal year 2024 was up 10% over the previous year. “The strategic plan’s goal for international recognition of CU Denver’s research and creative work, and the Grand Challenges initiative, really elevated the research mission of CU Denver over the last few years and catalyzed our faculty,” he said.
Faculty across the University of Colorado system this year attracted $1.7 billion in sponsored research funding and gifts supporting research, a new record total in CU history. In achieving the collective record, each of the four CU campuses also attained new records for sponsored research funding and gifts supporting research. The systemwide figure reached in the 2023-24 fiscal year is 7% higher than the previous year’s total. This marks the eighth consecutive year CU has topped the $1 billion mark.
University of Colorado leadership last week celebrated the career and contributions of Tanya Kelly-Bowry, CU’s longtime advocate at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C. The Board of Regents unanimously passed a resolution expressing deep gratitude for Kelly-Bowry’s dedicated service, leadership and contributions to the CU system. Regents also granted her the title of Vice President Emerita in recognition of her significant and distinctive service.
A new diversity report tells a story of progress and opportunity across the University of Colorado system, with indications of significant strides toward fostering a more inclusive and diverse academic environment. The 2023-24 Diversity Report’s data also shows the need for continued commitment to achieving goals for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA).