Metropolitan State University of Denver is proud to announce the realignment of the College of Health and Applied Sciences into two distinct colleges: the College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering, and Design and the College of Health and Human Sciences. This reorganization will better position the University to expand its innovation–and–research footprint and respond to the changing academic and professional needs of students and employers.
“This reorganization positions MSU Denver as ‘the University for Colorado,’” said Provost Alfred W. Tatum, Ph.D. “In the present, this move will advance the goals of our 2030 Strategic Plan and make our world-class programs more visible to students, but we anticipate the benefits to ripple out for decades in the form of industry partnerships, expanded research funding, new revenue streams and, most important, enhanced learning opportunities for students.”
“In the last two years, we’ve had to make a lot of decisions focused on immediate success and sustainability; this decision is truly about the future,” added President Janine Davidson, Ph.D. “I think it’s significant that just as we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of our university status and the 55-year anniversary of our institution, we’re taking strategic steps that will propel us for the next 55 years and beyond.”
College of Aerospace, Computing, Engineering, and Design
Through state-of-the-art teaching and research, ACED will prepare students to be leaders in innovation and problem-solving, providing advanced expertise across technological disciplines. The college will engage with industry partners to meet the technological needs of the state and region and to provide students with meaningful experiences in the field, while also preparing the state’s most diverse student body for the pursuit of postgraduate degrees and lifelong learning.
The college will consist of:
- The Department of Aviation and Aerospace Sciences
- The Department of Engineering and Engineering Technology
- The Department of Industrial Design
- The Department of Computer Sciences
- The Advanced Manufacturing Sciences Institute
- The Cybersecurity Center: The Cybersecurity Range
The college will serve approximately 4,500 students across 12 undergraduate programs, one graduate program and 17 certificate programs. With state-of-the–art manufacturing and cybersecurity laboratories and flight simulators and extensive industry partnerships, the college provides students with direct experience using cutting-edge technology to prepare them to meet industry needs.
College of Health and Human Sciences
Each of HHS’ eight departments prepares students for work in professions that promote individual, family and community well-being. With simulation and observational laboratories combined with more than 1,000 community partners, the college provides students with high-impact interactive and experiential learning opportunities.
“The college also houses the Health Institute, which creates a platform for collaboration among the University’s health-related programs and with community partners to holistically train diverse health care professionals to meet Colorado’s demand for a highly skilled health care workforce,” said Hope Szypulski, DNP, interim dean of the CHAS. “By engaging with the community and with one another, faculty and staff members and students will lead transformative and justice-oriented endeavors to secure the health and well-being of people and their communities.”
The college will serve almost 9,000 students annually across 19 undergraduate degree programs, six graduate degree programs and five certificate programs in the departments of:
- Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Health Professions
- Human Performance and Sport
- Human Services and Counseling
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Social Work
- Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences
- The Health Institute
Reorganization showcases and aligns academic programs with workforce demands
This reorganization was outlined through a broad and inclusive process that engaged leaders at all levels, determining that equitably establishing the two new colleges will:
- Further elevate sought-after programs
- Raise awareness of all of MSU Denver’s academic offerings
- Maximize industry partnerships and research collaboration
“This strategic redistribution of resources will have so many benefits,” said Kelly Brough, chief strategy officer. “It really signals that MSU Denver is a university on the move and an ideal partner in innovation and in responding to changing workforce needs. We’ve crafted such a strong reputation as a teaching institution, and establishing these two new colleges will better showcase our research and partnership potential.”
Next steps
MSU Denver is inviting inquiries, nominations and applications for the positions of deans to lead the strategic rollout of the ACED and HHS.
The ACED dean search will target an ambitious scholar with exceptional leadership skills who will partner with the faculty and staff in developing and implementing a new strategic vision for the college, elevate the college’s existing programs and serve as its primary advocate and leader.
See a complete list of ACED dean qualifications and application information:
The HHS dean search will focus on candidates who offer a strong understanding of the complex social, political, economic and technological changes affecting higher education today. The University specifically seeks candidates who will also capitalize on the University’s successes and continued momentum while leveraging its mission and values to create a lasting imprint on the city of Denver, the state of Colorado and beyond.
See a complete list of HHS dean qualifications and application information:
Please watch the Early Bird and the University website for dean search updates. To update community partners and friends of MSU Denver, please share the latest from RED.