Announcement of Interim President Appointment

Dear Members of the UNC Community, 

On behalf of the University of Northern Colorado Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kamel Haddad, Ph.D. as interim president of UNC, effective Aug. 2. This decision follows a collaborative evaluation process conducted by the board over the past several weeks.

We deeply appreciate the thoughtful engagement and insights that have been shared with us in the past month. Your perspectives helped guide us toward a decision centered on stability, continuity, and advancing our strategic priorities.

After careful deliberation, I am confident that Kamel is the right leader to guide UNC during this transition. Our interim president has expressed deep commitment to UNC’s mission and enthusiasm for the important months ahead. In his remarks, Haddad noted, “I am humbled and honored to serve UNC in this role. Over the coming months, my focus will be on continuity, partnership, and supporting the momentum already underway across campus. I look forward to building on our strengths and preparing the institution for a successful transition.”

Beginning Aug. 2, the interim president will assume responsibility for:

• Partnering with Dean Beth Longenecker to ensure a successful opening of the UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine. 
• Continuing the financial discipline required for the coming fiscal year. 
• Delivering the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan, (Re)Design for Belonging, with a goal of exceeding expectations in supporting student success initiatives. 
• Sustaining and strengthening key relationships across the community and within local and state government. 
• Executing the next phase of UNC’s strategic plan, Rowing, Not Drifting 2030.

While the interim president assumes responsibilities on Aug. 2, the national search for a president remains the priority for the Board of Trustees. 

It is important to note that this appointment is distinct from the upcoming national presidential search. The interim selection process focused solely on ensuring stable leadership during this transition period, while the comprehensive national search for UNC’s next permanent president will begin shortly and will be fully separate, transparent, and inclusive.

More information about the presidential search, including search committee formation, updates, timelines and opportunities for feedback and engagement, is available online at unco.edu/presidential-search. This site will serve as the central hub for all communications related to the national search, which will be conducted in partnership with an external executive search firm to ensure a broad, inclusive, and competitive process.

I want to thank each member of our campus community for your continued trust and engagement. Together, I am confident we will ensure a successful and stable year ahead for UNC as we prepare for the university’s next chapter. 

Sincerely, 

Dick Monfort 
Chair, Board of Trustees
University of Northern Colorado