Regents discuss strategic plan, vision during annual summer retreat
The CU Board of Regents recently gathered for its annual summer retreat, held this year in Bailey. Regents were joined by President Todd Saliman, campus chancellors and other university leadership.
Board Chair Callie Rennison opened the July 10-12 meeting by sharing the board's retreat agenda, which included the university's strategic plan, vision, operational priorities, synergies, 2024 goals, and diversity and inclusion. Participants delved into deep conversations about these objectives and how, together, they could continue growing and improving the university so that everyone feels at home at CU.
In one presentation, Vice President and CFO Chad Marturano briefed the attendees on the Strategic Plan Update. The strategic plan includes four main pillars: Affordability & Student Success; Discovery & Impact; Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Access; and Fiscal Strength. While Marturano presented the CU system's hiring and retention data, conversation sparked between leadership about how everyone – including faculty and staff – can feel at home at CU.
Another conversation prioritized CU's Themes for the Future. President Saliman led this session and focused the discussion on the strategic direction and key priorities of CU as an entire system. This session's goal aimed to achieve agreement on the priorities for the future and update of the strategic plan if necessary.
There was also a session led by consultant Peg Portscheller, who facilitated a discussion supporting and enhancing the board's capacity to achieve its strategic objectives. This session served as an opportunity to ensure the board's norms and practices are fully aligned with its strategic vision – including its commitment to DEI.
While some DEI initiatives elsewhere are being curtailed, CU is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion – and doing the real work to ensure growth in this area.
With updated data, State Demographer Elizabeth Garner delivered a presentation on recruitment, retention and enrollment. After these learnings and discussions wrapped up, leadership engaged in a panel session on the importance of diversity and inclusion across sectors from a governance perspective. Panelists included:
- Jonathan McBride, Heidrick & Struggles (previous experience with Black Rock and the White House)
- Michelle Lucero, Children's Hospital Colorado (also Boettcher Foundation Board of Trustees, the Vectra Bank Advisory Board)
- Monica Novomisle, Kraft Heinz (previous experience with Tory Burch and Diageo)
- Neela Rajendra, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (previous experience with SODI)
After the panelists shared their insights into the DEI realm, they helped facilitate conversation around the board's role in setting the tone and expectations for DEI at the governance level. All members participated in these discussions.
Although most of the three-day retreat was focused on facilitating discussions and goal setting, attendees also participated in team-building activities that helped strengthen their bond: hikes, painting, cornhole, and of course, one of President Saliman's favorite desserts, s'mores.