Mission and Goals

Role

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a comprehensive, baccalaureate-degree granting, urban university that offers arts and sciences, professional, and business courses and programs to a diverse student population in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Excellence in teaching and learning is MSU Denver’s primary objective.

Mission

The mission of MSU Denver is to provide a high-quality, accessible, enriching education that prepares students for successful careers, post-graduate education, and lifelong learning in a multicultural, global, and technological society. To fulfill its mission, MSU Denver’s diverse university community engages the community at large in scholarly inquiry, creative activity, and the application of knowledge.

Goals

The development of a new strategic plan for Academic Affairs was undertaken June – November 2024, led by then-Provost Laura Niesen de Abruña.  The effort was then carried forward in 2025 by Provost Matt Makley.

Essential to this work was the time, effort, perspectives, and feedback contributed by an ‘Academic Affairs Strategic Plan Core Team’, who regularly convened June 2024 – May 2025.  Consisting of 20+ members, the Core Team included representatives from: the Office of the Provost; the University’s Colleges & Schools; Academic Affairs Associate Vice Presidents; Faculty Senate; Council of Chairs and Directors; MSU Denver Faculty Federation; Student Affairs; Athletics; the Office of Online Learning; the Office of Innovative & Lifelong Learning; the Board of Trustees; and the Office of Strategic Initiatives & Analysis.

The inaugural Academic Affairs Strategic Plan, which has been crafted to align with MSU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan, is comprised of three Strategic Priorities:

• Student Success
• Academic Excellence
• Faculty and Staff Support

Updates pertaining to the Academic Affairs Strategic Plan and Priorities will be located on this webpage before January 2026.