Alumni Spotlight: Chucky Moss ’88 & ’91

From Paper Ledgers to Global Impact: The MSU Denver Journey of Chucky Moss

When Chucky Moss ‘88 & ‘91 thinks back on his path to MSU Denver, he laughs about the long, winding route that brought him here — a journey that started in Texas, wove through Germany, CSU, Park Hill, and more than a few detours along the way. “I took the scenic route,” he jokes. “Eight years, two degrees… that averages to four each, right?”

Yet in that winding path is everything MSU Denver stands for: access, opportunity, hands-on learning, and the belief that education can change the trajectory of a student’s life — no matter where they start.

Finding His Way to Metro

A strong student in science, Chucky initially pursued pre-med at CSU. But after years in the lab, he realized his future was calling from a different direction. Growing up in Park Hill, he had watched an older neighborhood role model build a successful life in finance — nice suits, a downtown office, conversations around real estate and money. “That,” Chucky remembers thinking, “is what I want to do.”

After five years up north, he craved the energy of the city again. He transferred to Metropolitan State College of Denver — drawn by the access, the affordability, and the community that looked and felt like home. It was a decision he once feared might be a “last resort,” but quickly realized was the opportunity of a lifetime.

“Metro was just cool,” he says. “More diverse. More real. More connected to the city. It was the land of opportunity.”

The Power of People Who See Your Potential

Chucky often says his life changed because of a handful of people who chose to pour into him. One of them was Ron Lujan, the legendary leader of Career Services.

Ron coached him, pushed him, prepared him — not just to get a job, but to understand the game of professional life.

“Ron taught me how to interview, how to network, how to present myself,” Chucky says. “He knew the rules and he showed me how to play the game.”

With Ron’s guidance, and Metro’s emphasis on experience-based learning, Chucky secured internships, revived the Accounting Student Association, connected with employers, and built a professional foundation few students at the time had access to.

By the time recruiting season arrived, he had multiple offers — including Arthur Andersen — and the confidence to negotiate from a position of strength.

“I came back from a NABA conference with five job offers,” he says. “That never would have happened without Metro.”

A Career Built on Service — and Global Reach

Chucky began in public accounting but soon transitioned into the world of tax and business software with Wolters Kluwer — where he has now spent over 30 years serving as consultant, product expert, and national trainer. His roles have taken him around the world, including five years of regular travel to India.

Everywhere he went, the mission was the same: to serve people.

“I view myself as a server,” he says. “My job is to walk into a room, help solve a problem, and leave people better than I found them.”

That service-centered mindset — part of MSU Denver’s “education-to-experience” philosophy — helped him thrive in an industry transformed by technology. From paper ledgers to cloud systems to emerging AI tools, Chucky has stayed adaptable, curious, and committed to continuous learning.

“You are a student forever,” he says. “You have to keep learning — that’s what Metro taught me.”

Advocating for Diversity in Accounting

Chucky’s commitment to lifting others up is deeply rooted in his experience as a first-generation professional. Through the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), he has mentored students, created pathways into the profession, and championed early exposure to accounting careers.

“NABA changed my life,” he says. “Now it’s my responsibility to create that opportunity for others.”

He believes MSU Denver — with more than 350 Black students in the business school and 50+ in accounting — is uniquely positioned to develop the next generation of diverse business leaders.

“This is the place,” he says. “If we build the support systems, the organizations, the exposure — we can change the industry from right here.”

Coming Home to Metro

When Chucky returned to campus in 2025 — two degrees, decades of experience, and a global career behind him — he immediately felt the familiar spark of opportunity.

New buildings. New programs. New partnerships. A campus bustling with ambition, innovation, and industry engagement.

“It’s still the land of opportunity,” he says. “Just with more buildings and fewer parking spots.”

He met students, saw the transformation of the C2Hub, connected with faculty, and reunited with fellow alumni — all part of his renewed commitment to help MSU Denver students bridge the gap from classroom to career.

“I want students to know: it’s all here for you. You just have to take advantage of it.”

The Heart of the MSU Denver Mission

Chucky’s story is the MSU Denver mission in action:

Access.
He came seeking a second chance, found an institution built for students like him, and discovered belonging.

Excellence.
He received an education that prepared him to walk into any room with confidence — and to launch a career that has spanned the globe.

Workforce readiness.
Through internships, career coaching, and experiential learning, he graduated with skills that employers recognized immediately.

Diversity & transformation.
His experience as a Black accounting student shaped not only his life, but his commitment to mentoring future generations.

Community.
Now, decades later, he is giving back — closing the loop that defines the Roadrunner spirit.

His Advice to Today’s Students
If Chucky could put one message on a billboard on campus, it would be simple:

“Absolutely. You’re in the right place.
Now enjoy the ride.”

Because for him — and for thousands of Roadrunners just like him — MSU Denver wasn’t just the right place. It was the launchpad.