Dorothy Horrell, a CSU alumna and recognized leader in higher education who serves on the Board of Governors of the CSU System, has been named Chancellor of the University of Colorado Denver.
Horrell, who holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from CSU, was appointed by Gov. John Hickenlooper to the Board of Governors in 2009, serving as chair from May 2013 until May of this year. Previously, she served as president of the Colorado Community Colleges System, the state’s largest higher education system, from 1998-2000 and president of Red Rocks Community College from 1989-1998.
A tireless champion of higher education and community, Horrell also served from 2001-13 as president and CEO of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, which supports the arts and non-profit leadership. The foundation funded the creation of the Dorothy Horrell “Making the Best Better” Scholarship at CSU to benefit students in the College of Health and Human Sciences with a background in 4-H, a youth-development program of CSU Extension.
Key figure in CSU’s growth
As a Board member, Horrell has helped steer CSU through a period of tremendous growth. During her time on the Board of Governors, CSU has completed or announced plans for more than $1 billion in new facilities, including an on-campus medical center, stadium, academic buildings and residence halls. CSU also successfully completed its first comprehensive campaign, raising more than $530 million.
“Our entire CSU community is delighted to congratulate Dorothy on this exciting move,” said CSU President Tony Frank. “She truly embodies CSU’s commitment to service above self – from her early involvement with 4-H to her exceptional service on our Board of Governors, she has advanced every part of our university with which she’s ever been involved. That commitment and drive – coupled with her outstanding background in Colorado higher education – will make her a wonderful addition to the CU leadership team. I look forward to working with her in her new role.”
Horrell’s appointment is effective Jan. 4, but she will serve as a special adviser to the CU President Bruce Benson beginning Oct. 15. She will work on a transition with outgoing Chancellor Jerry Wartgow, who is retiring in January.
