CU leaders stress importance of state support at Capitol hearing

On Jan. 9, one day before the start of the Colorado General Assembly’s 2024 legislative session, CU President Todd Saliman, CU Board of Regents Chair Callie Rennison and CU’s shared governance leaders testified before the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) at the annual higher education hearing at the Capitol.

The CU contingent – which included Faculty Council Chair Alastair Norcross, Staff Council Co-chair Alan Slinkard and Intercampus Student Forum Chair Nicholas Dawson – joined a panel of Colorado higher education leaders in testifying about the importance of state support and the value of higher education to Colorado and the entire nation.

Chair Rennison and each of the shared governance leaders expressed gratitude to the JBC for last year’s increase in state funding for higher education. They emphasized the importance of the legislature’s continued support in attracting and retaining students, faculty and staff who reflect Colorado’s diversity.

President Saliman joined University of Northern Colorado President Andy Feinstein, Colorado State University Chancellor Tony Frank and Colorado School of Mines President Paul Johnson in highlighting the critical role the state’s public research universities play in research, workforce development and national security.

In addition to answering questions from committee members, the leaders noted their shared priorities and efforts to keep tuition in check and break down barriers to higher education for all Coloradans.

The 2024 state legislative session is scheduled to adjourn May 8.