Announcements & Deadlines

Visionary Buff Partners: Share your vision for the future of teaching and learning

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:53:08 +0000

Visionary Buff Partners: Share your vision for the future of teaching and learning Megan M Rogers Fri, 10/16/2026 - 10:53

The Center for Teaching & Learning and Continuing Education invite students, faculty and staff to submit their visions for dynamic future student learning experiences at ��ñ��. Apply by Nov. 15.

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Empowering changemakers: Center for Leadership launches Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative

Deborah Mendez-Wilson — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 18:33:52 +0000

Empowering changemakers: Center for Leadership launches Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative Deborah Mendez… Thu, 10/15/2026 - 12:33

Left to right: Amy Dunbar-Wallis, program manager for sustainability initiatives, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability; Marissa Khan, Wagner Family Civic Impact scholar; Happy Phatak, Wagner Family Civic Impact scholar. Photo by Charlotte Croy, student communication and social media assistant, Center for Leadership.

The Center for Leadership has announced the launch of the Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative, a transformative program designed to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. Supported by a $5 million endowment gift from ��ñ�� alum Heidi Wagner, the initiative stems from a simple but powerful idea: the challenges facing the city of Boulder don’t stop at the edge of campus, and neither should the solutions.

For Wagner, this initiative represents a lifelong connection coming full circle. Her family’s deep roots at ��ñ�� span generations.

In the 1950s, her great-grandmother served as house mother for the Sigma Nu fraternity, while her great-grandfather hauled the iconic red stone used to build the university’s campus. Years later, her father studied geology, chemistry and math at ��ñ��, while her mother brought up three young children in CU's student-family housing. Wagner herself earned a journalism degree from ��ñ�� in 1986, and though her career took her beyond the city, her bond with the community never faded.

Left to right: Megan Windle, marketing director, Parks and Recreation Department, city of Boulder; Deryn Wagner, climate engagement strategist, city of Boulder; Stephen Redfearn, chief of police, Boulder Police Department; Chris Meschuk, deputy city manager, city of Boulder. Photo by Charlotte Croy, student communication and social media assistant, Center for Leadership.

Through the new initiative, cohorts of scholars will partner individually or on small, interdisciplinary teams and paired with local nonprofits, businesses and government agencies to identify priorities and co-create innovative ways to address them. In turn, students will gain hands-on experience while contributing tangible benefits to the community they call home.

“The Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative demonstrates the importance of the strong ‘town/gown’ relationship CU has with the Boulder community. The five inaugural partnerships combined with seven of our Wagner Scholars have the potential to make a major impact on challenges facing the Boulder community,” said Chancellor Emeritus Philip DiStefano, senior executive director of the Center for Leadership.

Wagner added, “I am beyond excited to launch the Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative at a time when engagement, collaboration and action are sorely needed at all levels of government and community. By working directly with the city of Boulder as well as local businesses and nonprofits, students will be given practical experience as well as an appreciation for complex, real-time problem-solving that benefits the Boulder community.”

From the classroom to the community

At the heart of the initiative is an unwavering belief in the potential of ��ñ�� students. The university recognizes that students are not only leaders of tomorrow but are present-day changemakers capable of contributing to their communities and addressing complex societal challenges. To empower this potential, the program embraces praxis—moving beyond academic theory to solidify learning through hands-on, reflective community problem-solving.

Scholars come directly from the Newton Fellowship Program, a prerequisite for the initiative. After completing one year of structured leadership development training in the fellowship, students apply that foundation to real community priorities, making a lasting, measurable impact on the world around them. They also receive financial support and can access immersive workshops—including training in ethical civic engagement and project management mentorship led by the city's principal project manager—which will enable them to translate classroom theory into lasting community value.

“My project for the Wagner Family Civic Impact initiative is still in its early stages, and I can already tell that it will be the culmination of my higher education. I have learned so much and am so grateful to the Center for Leadership for many opportunities that I would have never thought possible. I'm very excited to continue my project, meet even more amazing people, and work hard at something that will make a real impact in the Boulder community,” said Wagner Scholar Calvin Hawks.

Fostering partnerships within the city of Boulder

A defining feature of the initiative is the symbiotic partnership between the Center for Leadership and the broader Boulder community. Local leaders, organizations and departments have opened their arms to the initiative's inaugural cohort, welcoming, mentoring and collaborating with students. Rather than working in a silo, students plug directly into a rich civic ecosystem, including community partners such as:

Sundance Film Festival (through the CU Office of Sustainability)
Boulder Parks and Recreation
Boulder Police Department
City of Boulder Climate Initiatives Department
Boulder farmers markets

“Students participating in this program will experience the deep, beautiful, rewarding and complicated dynamics of community—engaging with leaders who address big issues like safety, food, recreation, climate and the arts. It also brings a student perspective to community conversations—representing a demographic that is less often civically engaged. This hands-on exposure to complex community dynamics will enrich students’ education and their understanding of how to be more engaged during their time in Boulder and throughout their lives,” said Lori Call, associate vice chancellor of Local Government and Community Relations.

Interdisciplinary innovation, diverse leadership styles

The initiative's pilot cohort comprises a diverse group of students representing a wide array of academic disciplines and who bring unique skills to the table.

The 2026–27 student cohort includes:

Calvin Hawks, who is majoring in computer science and creative technology and design
Happy Phatak, who is majoring in neuroscience and psychology and is minoring in molecular, cellular and developmental biology; business; and leadership studies
Hyma Jujjuru, who is majoring in computer science and is minoring in business and mathematics
Jaka Jacklin, who is majoring in astrophysics and creative technology and design and is minoring in leadership studies
Marissa Khan, who is majoring in integrated design engineering with a mechanical emphasis and is minoring in multicultural leadership studies
Michel Jarjour, who is majoring in neuroscience and is minoring in Spanish, sports media and biochemistry
Yasmin Mohamud, who is majoring in political science and is minoring in business

Initiative supporters believe that an interdisciplinary approach is essential to expanding traditional perceptions of what civic engagement looks like. By bringing together diverse leadership styles and perspectives, the initiative aspires to foster a collaborative environment in which students learn that impact is greatest when viewed through multiple lenses. By empowering students to bridge academics with intentional action alongside local partners, the initiative hopes to reinforce what civic engagement looks like at ��ñ��.

Students and community members who are interested in learning more about the program should reach out to the Center for Leadership.

Designed to cultivate the leaders of tomorrow, the Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing tangible benefits to the community they call home.

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Sundance Film Festival ticket packages go on sale Oct. 15

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:56:49 +0000

Sundance Film Festival ticket packages go on sale Oct. 15 Megan M Rogers Fri, 10/09/2026 - 12:56

Credit: Don Kohlbauer

How big of a film Buff are you?

If you are considering buying a ticket package to the Sundance Film Festival, which will be held at campus venues and across Boulder Jan. 21–31, you'll want to act fast—package sales open at 10 a.m. Oct. 15 and can sell out quickly.

Buy your ticket package

For students

A new Ignite Ticket Package presented by Adobe gives 18- to 25-year-olds and all enrolled students access to 10 in-person tickets and five online tickets for screenings from Jan. 24 (day four) through the Festival's wrap on Jan. 31 for the discounted price of $275.

The Ignite Package gives festival-goers early access to film screening selections before public single-ticket sales open up; allows you to change film screening selections up to four hours before a screening starts; and provides access to exclusive Ignite events.

Learn more

The 2027 Sundance Film Festival is Jan. 21–31. More opportunities will be shared in coming months on the ��ñ��-Sundance Film Festival website and in your ��ñ�� Today email.

Questions? Contact Buff Info.

Calling all film Buffs: Sundance Film Festival ticket packages will be available at 10 a.m. Oct. 15 and can sell out quickly. New this year is a discounted package for students.

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Credit: Don Kohlbauer

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New Global Leader in Residence initiative to connect campus with international changemakers

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:04:15 +0000

New Global Leader in Residence initiative to connect campus with international changemakers Megan M Rogers Thu, 10/08/2026 - 10:04

��ñ��’s student body has long been known to have a thirst for global experiences. More than 4,000 students participated in education abroad programs during the last academic year alone. Now, a new program will bring new opportunities to gain extraordinary global perspectives without leaving campus.

Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs Jill Blondin on Tuesday announced a partnership between her office and the Center for Leadership to launch the Global Leader in Residence initiative. The new program is made possible in part by $150,000 in seed funding over three years from the Boettcher Foundation, and ��ñ��’s Center for Leadership will serve as the administrative home of the program.

Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs Jill Blondin

Director of the Center for Leadership Stefanie Johnson

“Our goal is to expose students to diverse models of leadership and provide them with sustained opportunities to learn from leaders who have shaped policy, science, business, education, the arts, human rights, sustainability and other areas of global importance,” said Blondin, who was named in May as ��ñ��’s first vice chancellor for global affairs. “We are grateful to the Boettcher Foundation for their generous gift that creates a launching pad for these opportunities for our students.”

The investment builds on the Boettcher Foundation’s longstanding commitment to developing courageous leaders and strengthening communities across Colorado. By bringing accomplished global leaders into sustained engagement with ��ñ�� students and the broader university community, the initiative will expose emerging leaders to new perspectives, experiences and approaches to leadership that can shape how they contribute to Colorado and beyond.

“Developing Colorado’s next generation of leaders requires giving them opportunities to learn from people whose experiences and perspectives are different from their own,” said Boettcher Foundation President and CEO Katie Kramer, a graduate of ��ñ��, where she was a Presidents Leadership Class Scholar and honors graduate of the Leeds School of Business. “Bringing global leaders to Colorado will challenge students to think differently, expand their understanding of leadership, and build connections between what is happening in our state and the larger world. We are excited to help create those opportunities right here in Colorado.”

The Global Leader in Residence program will welcome internationally recognized leaders, scholars, innovators and changemakers to ��ñ�� for residencies ranging from several months to an academic year, starting in spring 2027. The leaders will engage students, faculty and the broader community through classroom visits, public lectures, workshops, mentoring, research, collaborations and signature university events like the Conference on World Affairs.

“Global engagement is not a separate activity that sits alongside our academic mission, and we have many great leaders and units around campus committed to creating transformational learning experiences that prepare our students to lead in an increasingly interconnected world,” said Stefanie Johnson, director of the Center for Leadership and a professor in organizational leadership and information analytics. “That’s why we envision the Global Leader in Residence as a university-wide partnership in which campus units will have the opportunity to help shape what each residency ultimately looks like.”

Each residency will be anchored within an academic college, school, institute, center or interdisciplinary partnership that best aligns with the selected leader’s expertise. The area of expertise and impact for the first Global Leader in Residence will be sustainability.

“The emphasis on sustainability this first year aligns one of ��ñ��’s four campus priorities with an issue of immense magnitude that we share with communities around the world,” Blondin said. “We want every student, faculty member, researcher and staff member to be able to engage across borders, cultures and perspectives, because the most important challenges and opportunities we face today are global in nature.”

Due to a compressed timeline in the first year and the intent to have the inaugural resident on campus in time for the Conference on World Affairs this spring, a selection committee will identify candidates, work with potential host units and select this year’s Global Leader in Residence. Anyone with suggestions of prominent individuals for this year’s leader can submit them via webform by Oct. 15. In future years, there will be a formal call for nominations and proposals to host the Global Leader in Residence.

The new program, aimed at providing students with extraordinary global perspectives on ��ñ��'s campus, is made possible in part by $150,000 in seed funding over three years from the Boettcher Foundation.

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New Frontiers awards $300K to advance ambitious interdisciplinary research

Chloe Fischer — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:10:52 +0000

New Frontiers awards $300K to advance ambitious interdisciplinary research Chloe Fischer Thu, 10/01/2026 - 14:10

Two ��ñ�� research teams will receive a combined $300,000 to advance interdisciplinary projects focused on geospatial artificial intelligence and geothermal energy development.

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Three Minute Thesis competition application now open

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:38:53 +0000

Three Minute Thesis competition application now open Megan M Rogers Wed, 09/30/2026 - 07:38

This signature event challenges doctoral students to explain their research in three minutes to a general audience and a panel of judges. Register by Oct. 12 to participate.

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��ñ�� lands another Forbes top employer accolade

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:11:25 +0000

��ñ�� lands another Forbes top employer accolade  Megan M Rogers Wed, 09/30/2026 - 07:11

Forbes has once again recognized ��ñ�� as a top employer. 

The global media company ranked ��ñ�� as the top higher education employer in Colorado in its "2026 Best Employers by State" list. The university placed 13th overall on the state list and third among employers headquartered in Colorado. 

The recognition follows ��ñ��'s appearance earlier this year on Forbes' "2026 America's Best Large Employers" list, where the university ranked No. 4 among large employers in Colorado.

The Best Employers by State ranking, developed by Forbes in partnership with market research firm Statista, surveyed more than 245,000 employees nationwide and evaluated organizations on workplace culture, compensation and benefits, flexibility, career advancement opportunities and overall reputation.

“Our faculty and staff are the driving force behind ��ñ��’s excellence in teaching, research, creative work and service,” said Robyn Fergus, vice chancellor of human resources. “We are committed to fostering a workforce where employees feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive both professionally and personally. This recognition affirms the strength of our community, the extraordinary dedication of our people and the culture we continue to build together—a culture that prioritizes well-being, professional development and meaningful engagement.”  

��ñ�� continues to invest in faculty and staff development. Last year, the university established the Division of Employee Health and Well-Being, a standalone unit dedicated to helping faculty and staff thrive both personally and professionally. 

“Recognition like this reflects the investments ��ñ�� continues to make in its people,” said Jess Doty, associate vice chancellor of Employee Health and Well-Being. “When employees feel supported in their health, well-being and professional growth, they are able to thrive. The ninth annual Health and Wellness Summit in early November will bring together faculty and staff for presentations and workshops, giving them the opportunity to focus on their personal and professional well-being. The summit, like this accolade, reinforces the importance of our employees who make this university exceptional.” 

��ñ�� also offers a suite of benefits, including retirement investing, vacation leave, medical and dental coverage, and paid parental leave. 

Forbes has ranked ��ñ�� among the "Best Employers by State" and "America's Best Large Employers" lists this year. 

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AB Nexus awards $825K to intercampus research teams

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 16:44:24 +0000

AB Nexus awards $825K to intercampus research teams Megan M Rogers Tue, 09/29/2026 - 10:44

The ��ñ�� and CU Anschutz collaborations—spanning AI, brain health, infectious disease and pediatric medicine—aim to advance human health and build new pathways to external funding.

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3 new interdisciplinary centers launching to advance AI and quantum at ��ñ��

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 19:49:33 +0000

3 new interdisciplinary centers launching to advance AI and quantum at ��ñ�� Megan M Rogers Fri, 09/25/2026 - 13:49

��ñ�� computer science researchers are launching three new interdisciplinary centers to advance artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

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Michael McGehee, Keith Waters named 2026–27 Distinguished Research Lectureship recipients

Chloe Fischer — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 18:49:42 +0000

Michael McGehee, Keith Waters named 2026–27 Distinguished Research Lectureship recipients Chloe Fischer Thu, 09/24/2026 - 12:49

Michael McGehee, Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Keith Waters, College of Music, have been recognized with Distinguished Research Lectureships, which are among the most esteemed honors bestowed by the faculty upon a faculty member at ��ñ��.

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Announcements & Deadlines

Visionary Buff Partners: Share your vision for the future of teaching and learning

Related Articles

Empowering changemakers: Center for Leadership launches Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative

From the classroom to the community

Fostering partnerships within the city of Boulder

Interdisciplinary innovation, diverse leadership styles

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Sundance Film Festival ticket packages go on sale Oct. 15

For students

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New Global Leader in Residence initiative to connect campus with international changemakers

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New Frontiers awards $300K to advance ambitious interdisciplinary research

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��ñ�� lands another Forbes top employer accolade

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Michael McGehee, Keith Waters named 2026–27 Distinguished Research Lectureship recipients

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Announcements & Deadlines

Visionary Buff Partners: Share your vision for the future of teaching and learning

Related Articles

Empowering changemakers: Center for Leadership launches Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative

From the classroom to the community

Fostering partnerships within the city of Boulder

Interdisciplinary innovation, diverse leadership styles

Related Articles

Sundance Film Festival ticket packages go on sale Oct. 15

For students

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New Global Leader in Residence initiative to connect campus with international changemakers

Related Articles

New Frontiers awards $300K to advance ambitious interdisciplinary research

Related Articles

Three Minute Thesis competition application now open

Related Articles

��ñ���� lands another Forbes top employer accolade

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AB Nexus awards $825K to intercampus research teams

Related Articles

3 new interdisciplinary centers launching to advance AI and quantum at ��ñ����

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Michael McGehee, Keith Waters named 2026–27 Distinguished Research Lectureship recipients

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��ñ�� lands another Forbes top employer accolade

3 new interdisciplinary centers launching to advance AI and quantum at ��ñ��