How could CU be more competitive as a place to pursue higher education?
I believe that CU Denver is doing an amazing job preparing our campus to address the needs of students now and in the future. Chancellor Michelle Marks is doing a great job creating partnerships that give students real-world opportunities surrounded by a world-class university. This is the beauty of the CU system, we have the ability to create many paths of learning to satisfy the many paths students take to lifelong learning. It is vital, however, that our marketing of the entire CU system is done in precise messaging to reach the student audience which will benefit the most. I believe this is an area we could improve.
How would you tackle affordability at CU given the shrinking middle class and relatively flat wages?
Once again, a marketing issue. Each year there is tuition assistance money that is not fully paid out to students and families who are in the most need. I believe we should invest more resources to ensure we are connecting student families with options to pay for higher ed. This would include involving community organizations, outreach programs, and of course, high school counselors.
What specific types of research should be prioritized at CU?
I believe a great research university tackles the issues most pressing of the times. Medical breakthroughs for Alzheimer’s, stem cell research, childhood epilepsy, environmental issues, and the effects of climate change all come to mind. However, there are many possibilities that are only limited by our scientists and their imagination. And funding.
Why do you want to be on this board?
It is the honor of my lifetime to serve on this board. Many years ago, I was a first-generation freshman who had no idea what lay ahead. CU opened my mind and heart to possibilities I had never dreamed of. It is my duty to ensure those same opportunities that were made available to me, are made available for the next generation of first-generation students. I look forward to serving our students, our faculty, staff, and admin. I look forward to giving back a little of what this amazing university gave me. It would truly be the honor of my lifetime.
Where would you cut costs?
There is a lot to understand in the CU budget. I am sure this will be a huge focus of this board. I look forward to finding innovative ways to cut costs and bring on partnerships that will help us serve our students and faculty.
Should public higher education be free, the way it is in Europe? Why or why not?
I believe that certain aspects of education should be free and reduced costs. Certificate programs, online courses, micro degrees. I ultimately believe that one of the richest countries in the world should provide its citizens with outstanding free education or at least the opportunity for debt reduction depending on the jobs you take, such as teachers and nurses.
Amy Naes has not returned the questionnaire.
How candidate order was determined: A lot drawing was held at the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office on Aug. 3 to determine the general election ballot order for major and minor party candidates. Colorado law (1-5-404, C.R.S.) requires that candidates are ordered on the ballot in three tiers: major party candidates followed by minor party candidates followed by unaffiliated candidates. Within each tier, the candidates are ordered by a lot drawing with the exception of the office of Governor and Lt. Governor, which are ordered by the last name of the gubernatorial candidate.
