Updates

CHS Interim Chair and Department Chair Appointment Review Update

January 16, 2024

Dear Chicana & Chicano Studies Students, Faculty, and Staff:

It is my privilege to announce that Dr. Chalane Lechuga, Professor of Chicana & Chicano Studies and Director of Faculty Diversity Research & Development, has agreed to serve as the interim chair for the Department of Chicana & Chicano Studies, effective January 16, 2024, pending final details.  Dr. Lechuga was nominated by the department faculty and staff to serve in this capacity.  I greatly appreciate the department’s initiative and dedication to bring forward their nomination as well as being part of significant and candid discussions.  Please join me in welcoming Dr. Lechuga to this important interim position.

I also want to take this opportunity to provide an update of the review of the policies and processes related to the appointments of all department chairs, including the removal of Chicana/o Studies Department Chair, Dr. Adriana Nieto, from her administrative position last month.  In consultation with the Office of Faculty Affairs, I started this review in December as previously announced; I anticipate concluding it with a report of my findings and recommendations submitted to President Davidson by January 31, 2024.  The review involves two parts:  one that focuses on how MSU policies and processes compare to other public universities in Colorado and the other examines the case of Dr. Nieto in particular.

In addition to continuing to meet with the department faculty and staff, I will be reaching out to the students to have a follow-up meeting in the next several days.  Moreover, I will communicate these updates to community members.  We appreciate all of the input, concerns, and insights shared by students, faculty, staff, and members of the broader community over the past several weeks.

Thank you for your leadership and dedication to Chicana & Chicano Studies.

Sincerely,

Marie T. Mora, Ph.D.
Provost Ad Interim & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Office of the Provost/Academic Affairs
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO 80204