An examination of student-success metrics by race, ethnicity and sex reveals that Black and American Indian/Indigenous student recruiting/matriculation levels have returned to pre-pandemic levels but that other groups continue to lag, University administrators reported to the Metropolitan State University of Denver Board of Trustees last week.  

Why it’s happening: Will Simpkins, Ed.D., vice president for Student Affairs, attributes success with Black and American Indian/Indigenous students to the support they receive through programs such  as Pathways to Possible and the Indigenous/Native Peoples’ Grant. 

A closer look: Black and American Indian/Indigenous are the only two groups to have returned to pre-pandemic graduation levels. 

  • White women have the highest four-year completion rate among first-time full-time students, followed by Black women.  
  • The data shows female full-time students outperforming their male counterparts across racial and ethnic groups. 

Areas for improvement: Simpkins and Provost Laura Niesen de Abruña, Ph.D., would like to:  

  • Increase retention, persistence and graduation rates among male students and Black students.  
  • Increase Latinx graduation rates. 

Work continues on Latinx persistence rates, with help from Hispanic-Serving Institution cross-functional working groups that have systematically identified and developed targeted interventions. 

New programs, tenure appointments, board updates 

New programs approved: The Board of Trustees approved two new programs as a result of high student and industry demand. 

  • Operations Management major, B.S., College of Business  
  • Special Education Added Endorsement graduate certificate, School of Education 

Tenure: The board approved the tenure upon appointment of Laura Niesen de Abruña, Ph.D.; Rashad Anderson, Ph.D.; and Catherine “Cath” Kleier, Ph.D. 

Board governance changes 

  • The scheduling of the Governance and Sustained Racial Justice committees will be staggered to maximize effectiveness and data-gathering. The board reaffirmed its commitment to racial-equity work. 
  • The Finance Committee will change to encompass audit functions, creating more comprehensive oversight and risk management. 

Additional updates: 

  • Emily Ragan, Ph.D., Open Educational Resources coordinator and professor, explained how OER has saved MSU Denver students more than $3.7 million over four years.  
  • Kaycee Gerhart, vice president of Government and External Affairs, updated the board on the continued successful progress through the legislature of the University’s three capital requests.  
  • Chief Enrollment Officer Long Huynh, DBA, told trustees about the 5.25% growth in spring enrollment among undergraduates.  
  • Kerline Eglaus, Ed.D., executive director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, updated the trustees on changes to FAFSA and how her department is guiding students and parents through the process.  
  • Samuel Jay, Ph.D., discussed the ways that the University is leaning in on artificial intelligence inside and outside the classroom and sharing resources for greater learning.  
  • Christine Márquez-Hudson, vice president of University Advancement, shared details of record-breaking University fundraising. 
  • Alumni Association Board President Jim Qualteri said the association has reached 9,100 engaged alumni, with a goal of 10,000. 

The Board of Trustees at MSU Denver is responsible for the governance of the University and has authority over and control of its assets and resources. Click here to listen to a recording of the meeting.