Nov. 14, 2025

Dear CC Community,

The Colorado College Board of Trustees gathered on campus for our annual fall meeting, Nov. 5-7. In my first meeting as Chair, I was struck by the strong engagement and thoughtful collaboration among Trustees, including several new members who joined us on July 1. Their perspectives and experience have already contributed to a dynamic, student-centered environment that will serve CC well in the years ahead.

At this meeting, I introduced the Board’s 2025-26 goals and priorities, which center on supporting President Manya Whitaker’s leadership; strengthening the institution’s long-term health; deepening our practice of shared governance; and expanding alumni engagement with the creation of a new Advancement and Alumni Engagement Committee of the Board. These priorities will help ensure that the Board’s work aligns with the College’s mission and evolving needs. I discussed these with the campus community in more detail at the Board of Trustees Virtual Town Hall held Tuesday, Nov. 18—that recording is available here.

We were pleased to welcome our 2025-26 Student Trustee, Landon Hartman ’26, to his first Board meeting. Trustees also had the chance to connect over lunch with faculty and members of the President’s Council and CC Student Government Association, gleaning valuable insights about the CC experience in and beyond the classroom.

Ryan Hammes, Assistant Vice President for Administrative Services, led an in-depth discussion with the Board about risk management in higher education. We examined factors affecting institutional resilience—including enrollment, alumni engagement trends, and the changing federal landscape—and how CC can proactively navigate these challenges. We also heard an update on the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, as we strengthen its sustainability and impact as a cultural and educational resource for campus, the Colorado Springs community, and the Southwest region.

As always, a highlight of our fall meeting was attending Keller Family Venture Grants presentations, where students shared their independent research and creative projects. Their work exemplifies the intellectual drive and sense of purpose that define a CC education.

On Saturday, the CC community proudly inaugurated Dr. Whitaker as Colorado College’s 15th president. The occasion ushers in a new chapter of leadership for CC, grounded in collaboration, inclusive excellence, and the enduring purpose of the liberal arts. The theme of Inauguration, “Lifting as We Climb,” so perfectly captures President Whitaker’s commitment to creating the conditions in which everyone at CC can thrive.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend my gratitude to all who helped make our meetings and Inauguration weekend so meaningful. We look forward to returning to campus in February to continue our work in partnership with President Whitaker and the entire CC community.

With appreciation,