Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Roadrunner Shoutout series highlights the excellent and important work happening at all levels of the University. Each person nominated exemplifies MSU Denver’s core values of community, access, diversity, respect and excellence (CADRE). Winners are recognized at the monthly President’s Cabinet meeting.
Faculty winner
Our faculty winner is Todd Yokley, professor of Anthropology.
Todd was nominated by Nicholas Recker, chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, who wrote:
“Dr. Yokley is a biological anthropologist and expert on human and primate evolutionary biology who provides his students with exceptional learning experiences. In particular, he has continually involved his students in experiential learning. He has brought students to fossil digs in Wyoming and created new courses to complement and develop these experiences. To connect students to the larger community and discipline, he co–founded the Rocky Mountain Biological Anthropology Association and serves as the group’s president.The organization’s inaugural conference fostered an inclusive, student-centric atmosphere. Our students participated in roundtables, networked and presented impressive research that built respect for the students and solidified a sterling reputation for our University. Moreover, creating the Rocky Mountain Biological Anthropology Association and involving our talented and diverse students connected them with outstanding opportunities for learning and future careers. Providing access for our students to participate in RMBAA has undoubtedly empowered them to achieve excellence.”
Staff winner
Jesse Drewes, Alumni Engagement coordinator, Alumni Relations
Nominated by Brandi Rideout, senior director of Alumni Engagement, Alumni Relations, University Advancement, who wrote:
“Jesse joined the team in January 2023 after serving as an intern. He now manages the Roadrunner Mascot Program and the Rockies 50/50 Raffle Program and coordinates logistics for all alumni events. In his first year, Jesse planned 56 alumni events. He also worked 76 of 81 Rockies home games while managing 942 volunteers. That effort produced over $200,000 in revenue to support student groups and scholarships. On top of that, he supervised five student mascots who were present at over 100 events. Jesse has also received praise from the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance for his support of their annual 5K fundraiser, in which he brings Rowdy to interact with attendees. The principal of Broomfield High School praised Jesse for bringing Rowdy and MSU Denver gear to the school to meet with prospective students. Jesse’s work truly exemplifies what it means to be a Roadrunner.”
Student-employee winner
Madison Larsen, formerly a student administrative assistant in the Office of the Provost
Nominated by Erica Buckland Anderson, director of Curriculum and Catalog, Curriculum, Academic Effectiveness and Policy Development, who wrote:
“Madison was an integral part of the Office of the Provost. When my office requested her assistance with a project, she jumped in. The project required reviewing data from multiple sources, meaning attention to detail was key. Madison quickly learned the process and started working through the data points. She asked excellent questions and demanded of herself a level of quality that reflects her commitment to the University and its success. Through her work, this project gained such significant momentum that I was able to bump up the completion of the first phase. Her support has also allowed our team more time to work on other key projects. She always puts her best foot forward in the workplace and does what she can to model excellence. We are truly fortunate to have her assistance in the Provost’s Suite and know that her future holds amazing things!”