Presidential Search

Colorado Mesa University is embarking on a national search for its next president following President Tim Foster’s announcement to retire from the University effective June 30, 2021. A leadership prospectus that provides an overview of the position is posted below. A search committee (also below) has been appointed and is committed to  recommending an exceptional candidate to the Trustees who shares the institution’s values; will build on CMU’s strengths as a regional, comprehensive, public university with its many constituents; and advance the University in meeting its role and mission, particularly in support of the Western Colorado region. 

I am confident that Colorado Mesa University is in an excellent position to attract an individual as its tenth president with the experience, leadership qualities, and vision to ably carry the institution into the future. As the process evolves over the upcoming months, the committee encourages you to check back here periodically for committee updates and/or to share your thoughts via the contact box below.  

Cordially,
Ray Anilionis, Chair, CMU Board of Trustees and Search Committee Chair

Search Committee

Members of the Board of Trustees and the CMU community have been selected to lead the search for CMU's new president. The nine-person committee has many strengths and represents a cross-section of University stakeholders. In addition to representatives from the faculty, staff, and students, two Trustees are from Western Colorado, more specifically Grand Junction and Montrose. In addition to their responsibilities as Board members, one trustee is an alumna, another brings expertise in community colleges and workforce development, one is a first-generation university graduate and advocate for many diversity and equality initiatives, and one chairs a Foundation Board at a university outside of Colorado.

Anticipated Dates for Presidential Search

Advertising of position/invitation for applications and nominations begins — February 1, 2021

Application deadline for full consideration — March 1, 2021

Candidate screening by Search Committee — February 22–March 22, 2021

Meetings via Zoom between Search Committee and highest scoring candidates — Week of March 29, 2021

Campus visits by finalists including sessions with various university stakeholder groups (TBA)

Search Committee recommendation to Board of Trustees (TBA)

Appointment announced — Mid-May 2021