Dean Hope Szypulski at the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute Interprofessional Simulation and Skills Laboratory ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 4, 2024. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Dear College of Health and Human Sciences,
As 2024 comes to a close, I want to take some time in reflection of both where we’ve been and where we’re going. And though the past year has had its share of challenges, I am constantly reminded of what makes our fellow Roadrunners truly remarkable Changemakers.
Some memorable highlights include…
Our first year as a new College!
2024 marked our first full calendar year as the College of Health and Human Sciences, or CHHS – how exciting! While we certainly hold our College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering and Design colleagues in high regard and work together when collaboration affords it, this new structural alignment affords us the ability to maximize our operational and advocacy efforts based upon our interprofessional subject-matter expertise.
This included the launch of our Strategic Development Plan, the first of its kind for all iterations of our College; as well as our Inaugural CHHS Week to celebrate all of the amazing things we’re doing – not to mention the debut of our own Nurse Rowdy!
Relive more of the moments with photo galleries from September's CHHS Week
- Lunch on the Lawn
- Department/Office Open Houses
- Interprofessional Simulation and Skills Lab Ribbon Cutting
- Dean’s Address
- Outstanding Faculty + Staff Awards
All photos: Alyson McClaran
It’s the start of something new. And as we continue to implement it across the College, it will allow us to focus on our top priority: Delivering the best possible student learning experience.
I can’t wait to see what we all do together – because who we already are is pretty darn great!
Speaking of, there was so much…
Award-winning work
CHHS was well-represented at the 2024 Roadrunners Who Soar Awards!
Our amazing advisors were honored with a Team Award alongside their CACED colleagues, while Rachel Sinley, Ph.D., took home the Chair Excellence Golich award for her leadership at the helm of the Department of Nutrition. And we certainly can’t forget our own Amy Middleton, who earned an Administrator Golich Award as well!
This year’s Outstanding Student Awards were another highlight of accolades and achievements from our graduating students. And on May 8, we got to welcome 22 of CHHS’s finest into this esteemed group.
Add to that all the wonderful Outstanding Faculty and Staff Award recipients honored on September 6 and we’ve got a full year of well-deserved accolades – kudos to everyone for such wonderful work!
More of the award-winning excitement from the:
- Roadrunners Who Soar recap page
- Outstanding Student Awards photo gallery and Powerpoint presentation
- Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awards photo gallery
Pro Devo series launches
In February we kicked off our CHHS Virtual Training Sessions This weekly series developed in response to departments expressing some common challenges, such as schedule design, grants, managing budgets, and more.
In addition to establishing a baseline expectation for operations, it’s also been an excellent opportunity to showcase and share some of the great work already happening within departments. And thanks to outside experts such as Dr. Franita Ware, we were able to come together in-person and honor both challenges and opportunities to prioritize our most valuable resource: Our incredible people!
This fall’s sessions have covered topics including promotion strategies and award processes and with future sessions planned on accessibility training and more. See what’s on-deck and review recordings at the CHHS Trainings Sharepoint site. If you have a topic you’d like to share, please let us know.
Day Health Institute takes flight
As you’ve no doubt heard, the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute at MSU Denver has had one heck of a year! The namesake restauranteurs gave the largest gift in University history – $10 million – and were on-hand for the opening of the brand new Interprofessional Simulation and Skills Laboratoryin West Classroom this September.
We also recently got approved $50 million from the passage of HB24-1231, the State Funding for Education Projects Act, which Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed into law on May 1. This leads the way for the construction of an interprofessional health-care tower, slated to open in 2027.
Immense gratitude for everyone involved in the collective lift – there are too many to name, but you know who you are. Because of your work, Revolutionizing Health Care in Colorado is more than a slogan, it’s a promise.
Deans Office Staffing
Since my appointment as Dean in February of 2023, we have actively worked to strengthen the team and improve operational structures.
This October, we welcomed Jamie Littlefield as our Executive Assistant. Along with Isaias and Ana, our exceptional Welcome Desk Assistants, our office operations are attended to with a lovely attention to detail and exceptional customer service.
Dr. Dawn Matera Bassett joined our team as the first CHHS Grants Director. Her work, along with Associate Dean Jo Bailey, will continue to bring opportunities to our faculty, staff and students. Thanks to this dynamic duo, our college was awarded several grants essential to the operations of the College and Day Health Institute.
Amy Middleton became the first Assistant Dean for Enrollment & Operations in February 2024. She has been working hard to advocate for and build a strong staffing team that has brought us Ikaika Hill, Finance and Grants Manager and Cory Phare, Marketing and Communications Strategist/Senior Copywriter. Caitlin Plamp has joined us as Manager of Student Services and the advising team will be adding a Retention and Recruitment Advisor this spring. From the development of new wrap around student support services, to strategic enrollment and communication efforts, and on to sustainable financial management, I am excited to see what this team brings to CHHS.
And, last but not least, we are excited to have Dr. Rachel Sinley join us as Associate Dean this past August! Her work in curriculum, program assessment, and faculty affairs builds upon the groundwork laid by Dr. Becky Trammel and Kathy Heyl, who’ve tirelessly laid the foundation for where we’re heading in 2025.
Big things in store for 2025
Reflecting on all we’ve accomplished this past year, I think it’s safe to say that the future is bright for the College of Health and Human Sciences.
That’s not to discount the very real challenges we have also faced during 2024. Whether personal or professional, I know this past year has brought with it many times of stress and uncertainty.
During times like these, it’s more important than ever to hold grace for ourselves and each other. Growth and change can be difficult, but precisely because of what we’ve already weathered together, I’m more hopeful than ever about the road ahead.
So, as we wrap up the fall semester and begin looking ahead to an eventful 2025, I urge you first to take a moment to unplug and be fully present for a restful, restorative holiday season.
It’s times like these that I’m reminded of the “Human” in our College’s name – and profoundly grateful to be able to work with some of the absolute best there are.
With warmest wishes,
Hope Szypulski, DNP | Dean
College of Health and Human Sciences
