BOULDER, Colo.—University of Colorado faculty in Boulder have voted against supporting Bruce Benson to be the next president of the CU system tonight, and the student government passed a resolution asking him to withdraw his name.
Neither action is binding in the selection process, but they put regents in the position of going against faculty and students if they approve Benson next week.
The Boulder Faculty Assembly voted 40-4 Thursday night to reject a resolution supporting Benson. Meanwhile, the University Student Union Legislative Council passed a resolution voicing “great concern over the process in which this candidate was selected.”
Regents plan to vote Wednesday on Benson’s appointment. A search committee appointed by regents named Benson the sole finalist for the post in late January.
Opponents have voiced concerns over his lack of an advanced degree, his past as a Republican fundraiser, and the oil and gas company founder’s commitment to CU’s climate research.
Benson has said he would focus on fundraising at CU. The school’s funding has dwindled amid state budget woes. He has said his political activities are over.
