It seems like only yesterday we were singing the praises of Joe Blake as he was appointed chancellor of Colorado State University.
Now we find ourselves bidding a fond farewell to Blake, who is leaving CSU on Dec. 31.
We thank him for his dedication and leadership at the helm of one of the state’s key institutions of higher education.
The former head of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Blake used his connections and authoritative voice on public affairs to benefit CSU and lobby on behalf of higher education in general.
Blake helped develop the institution’s first systemwide strategic plan. Under his leadership, the CSU-Global campus was launched. He also took part in creating Commitment to Colorado, a program that offers half-price tuition to lower-income students.
Of course, it wasn’t his first go-around at Colorado public policy, having taken leadership roles in many important issues over the years.
As chamber president, Blake was among those who led the charge in passing Referendum C, the 2005 fiscal reform measure that provided vital revenues as Colorado recovered from the recession of the early 2000s.
Although Blake is leaving CSU, he will continue to be active in donor and alumni relations. Given Blake’s connections and abilities, that will certainly be a positive for the school.
Though Blake worked at CSU for a relatively short time, he has made a difference at the university, which is very much in keeping with his long-established leadership in Colorado.
