December 19, 2022

Dear Colleagues,

As Colorado State University settles into this holiday week and the start of winter break, I simply want to say that I am humbled and honored to take on the responsibility of serving as the 16^th president of CSU. I also want to thank all of the faculty, staff, and students who engaged in the search process and Faculty Council Survey. I appreciate the support I have received and also understand and respect all of the concerns brought forward through the survey process. While I don’t enter this role with the idea that I deserve your trust and confidence, I want you to know I intend to earn them – and to continually demonstrate my belief in the primacy of our academic mission and the access and support we offer our students.

To that end, I have asked Interim President Rick Miranda to stay on in the interim role of executive vice president and Interim Provost Jan Nerger to stay on in that role while we launch a national search for a permanent provost, who will also become the executive vice president. They have agreed, and I am deeply grateful for their continued leadership. Both Drs. Nerger and Miranda bring exceptional experience and depth of knowledge to these interim roles that will help ensure a smooth transition as we fill the permanent position.

When I officially come on board February 1, I will be visiting all of the academic colleges and meeting with our various councils, and one of my goals will be to hear your expectations and hopes for this position, to inform the search process for our chief academic officer.

And although I won’t officially start until February, I do plan to participate in the MLK March in Fort Collins January 16 and in CSU Day at the National Western Stock Show. I hope to see many from our campus community at both of these events.

For now, though, I simply want to again offer my thanks and warm wishes to all of you. I hope you all enjoy a restful, restorative break, and I look forward to returning to the campus community early this spring.

Best wishes,
Amy

Amy Parsons
President-Elect
Colorado State University