On the Move

Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Marin Stanek announces retirement

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:32:17 +0000

Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Marin Stanek announces retirement Megan M Rogers Wed, 03/18/2026 - 08:32

Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Marin Stanek today announced her plan to retire after more than 25 years serving �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

Stanek will work closely with Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations Janel Forde to launch a national search for her successor this spring, with an aim of Forde naming a new vice chancellor prior to the fall semester. A search committee and process will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Without a doubt, the highlight of my career has been serving as vice chancellor for IT and getting to work with all of the incredibly talented people in OIT, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder and at �鶹��Ѱ��system over the past five years,” Stanek said. “For me, this role has never been about technology alone—it’s been about stewardship, trust, partnership and people. I am deeply thankful for every staff member, leader, student and campus partner who has shared this important work with me, and I cannot imagine a better role to serve as the capstone to my career.”

Stanek’s last day at the university will be May 8. Associate Vice Chancellor for IT Orrie Gartner will then serve as interim vice chancellor during the search for Stanek’s successor.

“We are grateful for Marin’s leadership and service to �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder during a 25-year period that has seen enormous technological shifts in how teaching, learning, research and administrative pursuits are performed on our campus,” said Forde, who oversees the Office of Information Technology (OIT) along with Employee Health and Well-Being; Human Resources; Public Safety; and Compliance, Ethics and Policy.

“Our campus and OIT team are continually working to enhance the employee experience and uplift student, faculty and staff success by providing access to technological tools and safeguards that improve people’s ability to conduct their research, scholarship and work. Marin’s leadership and steady, visionary approach has been invaluable to me in my first nine months at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder and in setting OIT up for a bright future.”

Stanek joined �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder in 2001, serving in a number of leadership roles along the way. She was appointed to lead OIT in 2021. Since that time, OIT, under Stanek’s leadership, has spearheaded numerous IT projects critical to the success of the campus.

This has included making major investments in research computing capabilities, enhancing student experiences within Buff Portal; quickly pivoting the campus to a hybrid environment during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing access to critical software and technologies; launching the IT community of practice; providing laptops to the students, faculty, and staff affected by the Marshall Fire; significantly enhancing IT security standards; and creating a campuswide IT governance structure that improved transparency, shared governance and IT prioritization investments aligned with institutional goals.

Earlier this year, Stanek guided the implementation of the new �鶹��Ѱ��Secure Wi-Fi network, creating a faster and safer online experience for students, faculty and staff.

Prior to �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder, Stanek worked at the University of Wisconsin Extension at Learning Innovations as well as Colorado State University in the Continuing Education Division. A Colorado native, Stanek earned master’s and doctoral degrees in educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor’s degree in international political economics from Colorado College.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Stanek and her husband, Matt, plan to spend time in the Colorado mountains hiking and skiing. Commencement this year on May 2 is particularly meaningful for her, as her son, Eric, will be receiving his Master of Studies in Law in Ethics and Compliance. She noted: “Being on Folsom Field together for graduation and seeing faculty and students in their regalia with the stands filled with families is an incredible moment. And, a week later we will be traveling to Texas Tech to celebrate the graduation of my younger son, Jake. The month of May will be filled with celebration.”

As her career winds down, Stanek is reflective of her time spent on campus.

“�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is exceptionally well positioned for the future,” she said. “OIT is supported by dedicated leaders, extraordinarily talented staff, and a clear, forward‑looking IT strategic plan. I am immensely proud of what our teams have accomplished together—solving complex challenges through collaboration, creativity and a shared commitment to the campus mission—and I look forward to watching even greater accomplishments on the horizon.”

Marin Stanek, who has served at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder for 25 years, will work closely with university leadership to launch a national search for her successor this spring.

Traditional

White

Vice Chancellor Jon Leslie announces transition from leadership role

Elizabeth Lock — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:56:11 +0000

Vice Chancellor Jon Leslie announces transition from leadership role Elizabeth Lock Mon, 02/16/2026 - 20:56

Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications Jon Leslie today announced his decision to transition from leading �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s Strategic Relations and Communications (SRC) team.

Jon Leslie

The Office of the Chancellor will be launching a national search for his successor in the coming days, with Senior Vice Chancellor Janel Forde and Dean Lori Bergen co-chairing a committee seeking a vice chancellor for communications, marketing and social media to lead the next phase of bringing �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s story to life.

“�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder has changed my life. It has been the privilege of my lifetime to serve this institution, and I am thankful to my SRC and campuswide colleagues for all we have accomplished together,” Leslie said. “I am truly grateful to Chancellor Justin Schwartz, Ann Schmiesing, Phil DiStefano, Patrick O’Rourke, Russ Moore, Sonia DeLuca Fernández and everyone at this university who has helped shape my development. In my heart, I will always be a Buff.”

Schwartz also expressed gratitude, reflecting on Leslie’s lengthy and impactful tenure.

“I am deeply grateful for Jon’s contributions to our university during his many years of service, and I’m particularly grateful for his leadership during my first 18 months as chancellor,” said Schwartz. “I’m pleased to report that Jon will continue to lead the SRC team during the transition and will also play a highly visible role in our 150th anniversary celebration this year, supporting and transitioning a number of high-impact strategic projects in the months ahead.”

During his time on campus, Leslie has generated a long list of accomplishments. Since joining �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder in the early 2000s, he has played a central role in shaping the university’s brand and digital communications ecosystem.

He was instrumental in the launch and rollout of the University of Colorado visual identity, the “I am a ______ Buff.” campaign, the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Web Express content management system and the campus’s signature “Be Boulder” platform—one of the most durable university brand campaigns of the past 15 years.

Leslie’s leadership has also driven significant advancements in digital engagement and strategic storytelling, transforming how �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder connects with a broad range of local, state, national and global constituencies.

An avid Buff with a deep belief in public higher education, Leslie has contributed to several major campus and systemwide initiatives over the years, supporting strategic planning, accreditation, student success, inclusion, innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainability, brand governance and the modernization of digital infrastructure across the university.

On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, Leslie and his team led �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s role as co-host of the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit, a pivotal point in �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s commitment to global sustainability leadership.

He and his team have also played a central role in the reinvigoration of the Conference on World Affairs, one of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s longest and most recognized public engagement traditions. Their work has included high‑profile programs with Deion Sanders (2024), Cynthia Erivo (2025) and Malala Yousafzai (2026), drawing increased student engagement in the conference and casting a positive spotlight on �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

Before joining the university, Leslie built a strong foundation in communications, branding and marketing through a decade of private‑sector experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English (Writing) from Towson University and pursued graduate studies at The Johns Hopkins University and the University of Colorado Denver. He is also a University of Colorado Excellence in Leadership Program (ELP) Fellow.

After supporting the transition to a new vice chancellor, Leslie will serve as senior director of special projects and vice chancellor emeritus on Senior Vice Chancellor Ann Schmiesing’s team, continuing to play lead roles in the university’s 150th anniversary celebration, the Conference on World Affairs, campus shared values development, the learner lifecycle constituent relationship management (CRM) implementation, campus leadership objectives and key results (OKR) development and other strategic projects.

After the culmination of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s 150th anniversary celebration, Leslie will retire from the university in February 2027.

Jon Leslie, vice chancellor for strategic communications, will assist with onboarding a successor, supporting �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s yearlong 150th anniversary celebration and strategic projects during 2026.

Traditional

White

Detric Robinson joins �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Ombuds Office

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:54:12 +0000

Detric Robinson joins �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Ombuds Office Megan M Rogers Tue, 02/03/2026 - 08:54

As the second new associate ombuds, Detric Robinson will be undergraduate student-facing and is particularly passionate about helping individuals navigate difficult conversations, explore options and gain clarity during moments of uncertainty or conflict.

Traditional

White

American Indian Law Program welcomes Heidi Todacheene as visiting practitioner

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:21:34 +0000

American Indian Law Program welcomes Heidi Todacheene as visiting practitioner Megan M Rogers Thu, 12/04/2025 - 06:21

AILP at the University of Colorado Law School welcomes Heidi Todacheene as visiting practitioner in residence. Todacheene (Navajo) will spend six months mentoring students in professional development, while working with faculty on Indigenous Peoples' issues, as they arise in tribal, state, federal and international contexts.

Traditional

White

Matt Schmit joins Silicon Flatirons as executive director

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:03:21 +0000

Matt Schmit joins Silicon Flatirons as executive director Megan M Rogers Mon, 11/17/2025 - 07:03

The University of Colorado Law School and the Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship are pleased to announce Matt Schmit has been named the new executive director of Silicon Flatirons.

Traditional

White

CIRES' Twila Moon establishes new role in climate communications

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:00:27 +0000

CIRES' Twila Moon establishes new role in climate communications Megan M Rogers Tue, 10/21/2025 - 11:00

CIRES

Last spring, NSIDC Deputy Lead Scientist Twila Moon expanded her role at CIRES as the institute's first-ever climate communications engagement lead. Her new position combines her scientific expertise with her communications skills to create a new program: Engage Climate Science.

The program, still in development, sits within CIRES’ Center for Education, Engagement, and Evaluation (CEEE). Moon’s role with the program will develop and run seminars and workshops around the U.S. to teach the foundations of climate science along with a broad scope of climate solutions to private-sector professionals in decision-making spaces. The program will focus on leaders in positions that have the ability to create change and who rely on knowledge about current and future climate to make successful decisions in their work.

“With climate impacts already influencing everything from working conditions to supply chains to roads and buildings, the need for fundamental climate understanding has never been greater,” Moon said. “We are in a critical time for planning and action, and this program will address that need.”

Moon has spent years building her portfolio in climate communications and was recently awarded the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Pavel S. Molchanov Climate Communication Prize. One example of her communications work is with the European organization Active Philanthropy, where she leads workshops in Greenland. She leads participants on four- and five-day immersive expeditions to Greenland to teach the foundations of climate science, solutions and strategies for change. The expeditions connect participants firsthand with the island's unique ecosystem—80% of which is covered in ice that is melting quicker than ever. Moon said this work solidified the need for expert-led climate science education.

“I found that there was a huge appetite for this, and I got requests over and over again to do more and expand this kind of engagement,” Moon said.

By teaching foundational climate science, participants learn to ask the right questions and understand system connections relating to how the climate is changing. Moon uses several tools to help explore the myriad of solutions and how they complement each other, like the En-ROADS Climate Action Simulator and other resources like the Project Drawdown Explorer, which evaluates the effectiveness of various solutions. Moon says there is no one solution for climate change but believes the best solutions address emissions reductions and preparedness and resilience together.

During her first few months building the new program, Moon has worked with CEEE researchers to flesh out an evaluation strategy, held eight events in Texas, and worked toward completing initial program offers and resources. Moon notes that it can be difficult to measure the outcomes and successes of different engagements, so she is excited that CEEE’s team will support the evaluation of the seminars and workshops, helping her track progress, collect and organize feedback, and make improvements to her approach as needed.

“Engage Climate Science is a powerful opportunity to expand CEEE’s vision of connecting environmental science and people to inspire curiosity, community and action, now reaching the private sector,” Gold said. “Twila’s exceptional ability to communicate and share her deep climate science expertise will equip decision-makers and business leaders with the knowledge they need to drive meaningful, science-based impact.”

Moon has worked with CIRES for nearly a decade, first as a visiting fellow then as a research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). She sits on the National Academies’ U.S. Polar Research Board, is a principal investigator for the QGreenland data project, and an editor of NOAA’s Arctic Report Card. Moon will continue to pursue research at NSIDC, as she believes it’s integral to remaining a trusted source in the scientific community in her new role.

“Communicating climate knowledge as an active scientist allows me to draw from an especially rich well of information,” Moon said. “Folks I’m engaging with can have high confidence in the information quality and know that it will include the latest research results.”

Moon hopes other organizations and institutions realize the critical need for this type of climate communication at this pivotal moment. Engage Climate Science is made possible through generous support from a private donor and the Daughters for Earth Female Climate Scientists Fund. Donations are welcome to support the program now and in the future through �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder. She looks forward to announcing the formal launch of the program in the near future.

CIRES researcher Twila Moon will train mid-career professionals in climate education workshops across the United States.

Traditional

White

Hope Saska named director of �鶹��Ѱ��Art Museum

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 20:03:53 +0000

Hope Saska named director of �鶹��Ѱ��Art Museum Megan M Rogers Mon, 09/29/2025 - 14:03

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

In addition to serving as the interim director, Hope Saska has served as the �鶹��Ѱ��Art Museum's chief curator and director of academic engagement. She has now been named the director.

Traditional

White

Faculty Affairs welcomes Warren Sconiers

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:00:24 +0000

Faculty Affairs welcomes Warren Sconiers Megan M Rogers Wed, 09/24/2025 - 09:00

The Office of Faculty Affairs is delighted to announce that Warren Sconiers, associate teaching professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, has been appointed as faculty fellow for teaching and clinical faculty development.

Traditional

White

Benjamin Teitelbaum is new faculty director for strategic events and public discourse

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:19:00 +0000

Benjamin Teitelbaum is new faculty director for strategic events and public discourse Megan M Rogers Fri, 09/19/2025 - 11:19

With a primary focus on planning the Conference on World Affairs, Benjamin Teitelbaum encourages faculty members to submit recommendations for guest speakers.

Traditional

White

LASP welcomes Director Bethany Ehlmann

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:04:54 +0000

LASP welcomes Director Bethany Ehlmann Megan M Rogers Tue, 09/16/2025 - 14:04

This month, Bethany Ehlmann began her tenure as director of the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, ushering in a new era for the lab.

Traditional

White

On the Move

Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Marin Stanek announces retirement

Related Articles

Vice Chancellor Jon Leslie announces transition from leadership role

Related Articles

Detric Robinson joins �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Ombuds Office

Related Articles

American Indian Law Program welcomes Heidi Todacheene as visiting practitioner

Related Articles

Matt Schmit joins Silicon Flatirons as executive director

Related Articles

CIRES' Twila Moon establishes new role in climate communications

Related Articles

Hope Saska named director of �鶹��Ѱ��Art Museum

Related Articles

Faculty Affairs welcomes Warren Sconiers

Related Articles

Benjamin Teitelbaum is new faculty director for strategic events and public discourse

Related Articles

LASP welcomes Director Bethany Ehlmann

Related Articles

On the Move

Vice Chancellor for Information Technology Marin Stanek announces retirement

Related Articles

Vice Chancellor Jon Leslie announces transition from leadership role

Related Articles

Detric Robinson joins �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder Ombuds Office

Related Articles

American Indian Law Program welcomes Heidi Todacheene as visiting practitioner

Related Articles

Matt Schmit joins Silicon Flatirons as executive director

Related Articles

CIRES' Twila Moon establishes new role in climate communications

Related Articles

Hope Saska named director of �鶹��Ѱ�����Art Museum

Related Articles

Faculty Affairs welcomes Warren Sconiers

Related Articles

Benjamin Teitelbaum is new faculty director for strategic events and public discourse

Related Articles

LASP welcomes Director Bethany Ehlmann

Related Articles

Detric Robinson joins �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Ombuds Office

Hope Saska named director of �鶹��Ѱ��Art Museum