CU President Todd Saliman’s latest visit to UCCS found him engaging with many members of the university community, including students and donors.
The Sept. 28 trip included an open forum in the newly remodeled Multicultural Office for Student Access, Inclusiveness and Community (MOSAIC). Graduate and undergraduate students shared comments and questions for the president and Chancellor Venkat Reddy.
Students wanted to know more about the career path that led the president to his current role. Saliman traced his time beginning as a student at CU Boulder, later serving eight years in the Colorado legislature and serving as the director of the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting, and eventually joining CU as CFO.
Saliman also answered student questions about challenges posed by Colorado’s limited funding for higher education, which ranks near the bottom in the nation. As the former State Budget Director, he articulated how the state budget is created and how funding for higher education can be shifted to other priorities.
Later in the day, Saliman spent time with UCCS donors and Colorado Springs community leaders, including Mayor John Suthers. Continuing the conversation he is leading across the state, Saliman promoted the value of a four-year degree and ways in which the university is working to keep education affordable and accessible.
Saliman also provided a sneak preview of his vision for a future CU messaging campaign celebrating the strengths and unique roles of each of our campuses. At this and the several visits to UCCS made since beginning his new role July 1, Saliman touted vital contributions the campus makes to the system, including leadership in cybersecurity education; attention to health and wellness, notably mental health; and growing entities such as the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience and the Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center.
UCCS stakeholders expressed appreciation for Saliman taking the time to visit the campus. Many who had met him for the first time reflected how he is personable, easy to talk to and has a good handle on the issues facing UCCS and the entire CU system. As the president’s day concluded, he promised to return soon.
See more photos of Saliman’s visit below.
