The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) has named Jennifer McDuffie, Ed.D., as the university’s next chief of staff. With over two decades of progressive leadership experience in higher education, she begins her new role on Nov. 3.  

McDuffie comes to UNC from the University of Colorado Boulder, where she spent the last 18 years establishing herself as a transformational leader with a deep understanding of institutional operations, strategic planning and executive-level collaboration. 

As chief of staff at UNC, McDuffie will support and advise President Andy Feinstein in his work to advance the institution forward. Her strong organizational leadership and collaboration will help guide progress on high-impact initiatives aligned to the university’s strategic plan and future priorities — strengthening student success, fostering communication and deepening engagement among internal and external stakeholders.  

“We have significant work ahead — some of it challenging, much of it exciting — and it will define the future of UNC,” said Feinstein. “Jennifer is an exceptional leader who will be instrumental in partnering with our campus community and ensuring that my office remains focused on the priorities that matter most.”  

Over the course of her career, McDuffie has served in several executive level roles, including most recently in concurrent roles as CU’s interim senior vice chancellor of Operations and senior Compliance and Ethics officer. Prior to that, her other roles included deputy chief Operating Officer, associate vice chancellor, chief of staff, interim chief enrollment officer, chief wellness officer and acting assistant dean. 

A collaborative strategist, McDuffie has been a trusted advisor to chancellors, provosts and executive vice chancellors. With a leadership style grounded in transparency, responsiveness and authenticity, she has a proven record of successfully driving strategic initiatives, leading organizational restructuring and fostering partnerships that advance institutional growth, operational excellence and long-term sustainability. 

While at CU, McDuffie co-led strategic planning processes, translating vision into actionable goals; advanced key campus priorities including major capital projects; spearheaded an initiative to centralize communications, information technology, finance and human resources, piloting and scaling campus-wide operational efficiencies; and established integrated assessment practices and annual impact reporting to align operations with institutional goals.  

A commitment to student success is also woven throughout McDuffie’s journey as a higher education professional. She has a strong history of successfully leading initiatives to expand access, improve retention and support underserved populations.  

“It’s an inspiring time to join the University of Northern Colorado and the vibrant Greeley community,” said McDuffie. “As we navigate a period of exciting transformation, I look forward to working together to advance student success and foster innovation grounded in empathy and collaboration.” 

McDuffie received her Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from the Mississippi University for Women, a Master of Science in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University and her Doctor of Education in Leadership for Educational Equity from the University of Colorado, Denver.  She also holds an executive coach certification from the Nuero Leadership Institute and designation from the Compliance Certification Board as a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional.