Since 1965, Metropolitan State University of Denver has transformed the lives of students, served as a courageous leader in higher education and boldly advanced the well-being of metro Denver communities. Throughout its history, the University has been known as a gateway to opportunity through broad access, quality academics and education relevant to the Colorado economy.

Past MSU Denver Presidents

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Dr. Stephen M. Jordan

2005-17

Headshot of Sheila Kaplan

Dr. Sheila Kaplan

1993-2003

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Dr. Thomas B. Brewer

1988-93

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Dr. Paul Magelli

1985-87

Headshot of Richard M. Fontera

Dr. Richard M. Fontera

1982-84

Headshot of Donald J MacIntyre

Dr. Donald J. MacIntyre

1979-81

Headshot of James Palmer

Dr. James D. Palmer

1971-78

Headshot of Kenneth Phillips

Dr. Kenneth Phillips

1965-71

Our People

They are innovators, high achievers and agents of change. They have transformed MSU Denver, the state of Colorado and beyond. Around here, we call these incredible individuals Roadrunners.

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Stephen Leonard

Professor of history

"For 49 years, this professor has shown students the future by examining the past."

Read Stephen's Story
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Brian Elson

High roller

"Brian Elson's MSU Denver education prepared him for a successful career in government relations."

Read Brian's Story
Headshot of Todd Smitz and Olympic swimmer Missy Franklin

Todd Schmitz

Roadrunner makes a splash

"You've heard of Olympic swimmer Missy Franklin, but did you know her coach is an MSU Denver alum?"

Read Todd's Story
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Rowena Alegría

Writing her life

"As a senior advisor in the mayor's office, this alumna uses stories to bring communities together."

Read Rowena's Story
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Irv Bisnov

Where dreams are made

"Accounting alumnus Irv Bisnov says MSU Denver put him on the path to success."

Read Irv's Story
Photograph Bill Nooning

Bill Nooning

In good health

"As CEO of Provident Healthcare, alumnus Bill Nooning helms a network of care providers who put patients first."

Read Bill's Story
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Cheryl Haggstrom

Forge a path

"This nursing alumna didn't know how far her MSU Denver experience would take her."

Read Cheryl's Story
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Mike Dunlap

Architect of glory

"Coach Mike Dunlap's high-risk, high-reward approach brought two national championships to the Roadrunners."

Read Mike's Story
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Rita Cuddihy

Taking flight

"This alumna shattered the glass ceiling in her meteoric rise to success."

Read Rita's Story
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Patrick Yadauga

The science of business

"This alumnus thought he'd be a doctor, but he wound up quenching his professional thirst at Coke."

Read Patrick's Story
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Carlos Fresquez

Mr. Metro

"Carlos Fresquez's MSU Denver roots run deeper than most, and his love of MSU Denver shows that."

Read Carlos' Story
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Rachel B. Noel

With authenticity

"This civil rights pioneer and MSU Denver professor lived what she believed."

Read Rachel's Story
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Jon Robinson

Cherished champion

"Alumnus Jon Robinson knows a good investment when he sees one."

Read Jon's Story
Headshot of Broncos Football Player Tyrone Braxton

Tyrone Braxton

Gridiron to graduation

"He was a Super Bowl champion with the Broncos. Now, this alum is a champion for others."

Read Tyrone's Story
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Hugo Teufel III

Protect and Serve

"This alumnus protects your privacy in today's global information society."

Read Hugo's Story
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Richard T. Castro

Viva Rich Castro!

"This legendary alum and Hispanic leader's legacy of transformation lives on."

Read Rich's Story
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Ken Phillips

Standard-bearer

"Longtime professor Ken Phillips is helping to transform advanced manufacturing education."

Read Ken's Story
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Brenda Lambert

Health care leader

"She may have the C-suite title, but this alumna's first love is still patient care."

Read Brenda's Story
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Robert Rizzuto

Great heights

"Alumnus Robert Rizzuto says his alma mater pushed him to a higher level."

Read Robert's Story
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Gerie Grimes

Be the change

"Alumna Gerie Grimes has spent her entire life giving back to the community."

Read Gerie's Story
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Sandra Maresh Doe

Going the distance

"She's taught writing at MSU Denver since its founding and her commitment to students has never waivered."

Read Sandra's Story
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Marc Herschberger

Game changer

"Star athlete Marc Herschberger got something out of his MSU Denver education he never expected."

Read Marc's Story
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Ron Miles

All that Jazz

"From legendary player and composer to University program director, he is creating something special."

Read Ron's Story
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Joe Rice

From MSU Denver to Baghdad

"Lessons learned at his alma mater helped this alumnus become a master in diplomacy."

Read Joe's Story
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Edna Mosley

Fugitive from injustice

"This alumna is remembered as a civil-rights leader who made her mark on Colorado."

Read Edna's Story
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Ricardo Baca

High achiever

"This alumnus broke new ground as the country's first full-time marijuana editor."

Read Richard's Story
Headshot of Jim Saccoman in Broncos Football Stadium

Jim Saccomano

Road to success

"Alumnus Jim Saccomano shares memories from his time with the Broncos and at MSU Denver."

Read Jim's Interview
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Paul DeHerrera

The sky's the limit

"Alumnus Paul DeHerrera worked his way from the ground up to the C-suite in avionics."

Read Paul's Story
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Katherine Archuleta

Service and leadership

"Alumna Katherine Archuleta reflects on her journey from MSU Denver to President Obama's leadership team."

Read Katherine's Interview
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AnnJanette Alejano-Steele

Moving in the right direction

"This MSU Denver professor is helping combat human trafficking across the state and the nation."

Read AnnJanette's Story
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Stephen M. Jordan

History maker

"As president, he transformed MSU Denver into what it is today. Learn the secret of his success."

Read Stephen's Story

University Fun Facts