New Voices Needed for Colorado’s Future University

The future of the University of Colorado hinges on who sits on its Board of Regents. When a group of seasoned leaders decides to step aside, it shows they are looking beyond personal power and toward the institution’s long‑term health. Old experience is valuable, but if it is not paired with fresh perspectives, the university can become rigid and slow to adapt. In countries I’ve worked in for the UN, institutions that failed to nurture new leaders struggled to keep pace with change and lost public trust. Conversely, when veteran administrators actively guided newcomers, the organizations grew more resilient and innovative. The Board must face pressing questions: rising tuition costs, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, debates over academic freedom and inclusion, and a job market that demands new skill sets. These challenges require leaders who feel the pulse of today’s students, faculty and society at large.They must understand technology’s rapid evolution while remaining grounded in the realities of campus life. Their decisions will have lasting impacts, so they must be ready to accept responsibility for the long‑term future of CU. The process that selects regents is more than a list of names; it shapes the culture of leadership itself. A healthy university needs competitive ideas, open debate and a pipeline that supplies capable leaders for tomorrow’s problems. It is not enough to honor past service; we must also intentionally create opportunities for the next generation to step forward. Renewal does not erase history; it protects and strengthens what has worked best. In short, the time is now for CU to hand over the reins in a way that keeps it moving forward and staying true to its mission of economic mobility, scientific innovation and democratic dialogue.