The Colorado College Board of Trustees visited campus June 10-12 for our annual summer retreat. These meetings provide an important opportunity for Trustees, as fiduciaries of the College, to assess CC’s position, review emerging challenges and opportunities, and ensure we are stewarding resources in ways that will strengthen the institution for generations to come.
Today’s higher education landscape presents significant challenges, including demographic shifts, enrollment pressures, changing public perceptions, and increased competition for students. Throughout our retreat, Trustees focused on how CC can continue to build institutional strength and resilience while remaining firmly grounded in our mission, values, and distinctive educational model.
A central theme of our discussions was President Whitaker’s vision for Colorado College and her strategic priorities of claiming our space in higher education, strengthening the institution, and reaffirming the enduring value of a liberal arts education. We explored what it will take to continue distinguishing our College through the Block Plan, immersive learning, academic excellence, and a student-centered educational experience while making decisions that position CC for long-term success.
During a session focused on institutional strength, including the College’s financial position and long-term sustainability, Trustees discussed the alignment of resources with strategic priorities. We reviewed the College’s recent credit rating, which affirmed CC’s stable financial position and provides flexibility to invest thoughtfully in our future while many institutions face increasing constraints.
Several discussions reinforced these themes:
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Preliminary insights from the Institutional Review conducted by Baker Tilly, which offered valuable context for strategic planning ahead of the comprehensive report’s release. We appreciate the significant contributions of faculty, staff, and students to this important process and look forward to sharing key findings with the campus community later this month.
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An enrollment update from Vice President for Enrollment Tony Cabasco, who shared national demographic trends, emerging challenges, and early insights regarding the Class of 2030. Trustees also discussed how Colorado College’s enrollment strategy is adapting to an increasingly competitive higher education environment.
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Progress on planning for a new science building, including campaign strategy and schematic design. Our dialogue focused on the project’s potential to strengthen Colorado College’s competitive position, expand opportunities for students and faculty, and support excellence in teaching, research, and innovation for decades to come.
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Approval of the charter for the new Advancement and Alumni Engagement Committee, which will support the Board and President in strengthening lifelong alumni relationships and advancing the College’s philanthropic priorities.
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Approval of the College’s FY2026-27 operating budget, an important step in ensuring Colorado College remains financially resilient while continuing to invest in areas of greatest strategic importance.
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The Board also welcomed the opportunity to meet with faculty and Associate Vice Presidents, putting faces to the names of those who bring our academic mission to life and steward important work across the College. These conversations are an important component of shared governance and help ensure that Board deliberations are informed by the perspectives and expertise of those closest to the College’s academic mission.
During our business meeting, we confirmed the following six faculty members who have earned full professorship effective July 1:
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Santiago Guerra, Southwest Studies Program
- Andreea Marinescu, Spanish & Portuguese
- Corina McKendry, Environmental Studies & Sciences Program and Political Science
- Dylan Nelson, Film & Media Studies
- Alistaire Tallent, French
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We are proud to recognize these outstanding scholars, teachers, and mentors whose work strengthens Colorado College’s tradition of academic excellence.
The Board also approved two new Student Trustees for 2026-27, Yumna Ali ’27 and Amy Yang ’27, and elected Susie Burghart ’77 as Trustee Emerita.
We celebrated the contributions of four outgoing Trustees whose service concludes on July 1:
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- Landon Hartman ’27, Student Trustee
- Lilly Chen ’19
- Dan Porterfield
- Alan Woo ’71
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Finally, we welcomed Orren Fox ’20 as a new Charter Trustee. We look forward to the perspectives, experience, and leadership he will bring to the Board and the College in the years ahead.
As we look to the future, I remain confident in Colorado College’s trajectory. The challenges facing higher education are real, but so are the opportunities. Thanks to the dedication of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families—and the leadership of President Whitaker and her team—CC is well positioned not only to navigate this period of change, but to thrive because of the deliberate choices we are making today.
Thank you for all you do to advance the mission of Colorado College.
Sincerely,
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14 E. Cache La Poudre St. | Colorado Springs, CO 80903 US
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14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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