University News

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is thrilled to announce the selection of Dr. Beth Longenecker as the Founding Dean of the university’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNC-COM). Longenecker, who was hired after the university launched a national search in December, will start her position in June.

A group of UNC students reviewed their COVID-19 experience and showcased it through art creating pieces for University Libraries' Reflecting Back, Looking Forward student exhibition.

After a nationwide search launched last October, the University of Northern Colorado has selected Kirsten Fleming, Ph.D., as the university’s new executive vice president and provost. She begins her position in mid-May.

As part of continued work toward becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), the University of Northern Colorado’s HSI working group is launching a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and HSI inventory survey next week.

The University of Northern Colorado’s Finance and Audit Committee and Board of Trustees met last week to discuss several topics and updates.

The United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) named University of Northern Colorado’s Monfort College of Business Dean, Sher Gibbs, Ph.D., a Justin G. Longenecker Fellow. Gibbs is one of four recipients this year nationwide.

Since graduating from UNC, Neyla Pekarek '09, has lived on a stage. For eight years she traveled across the world performing in front of massive crowds as a member of the highly successful folk-rock band, The Lumineers. Now she's entering a new stage in her career debuting the world premiere of her new musical Rattlesnake Kate at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

On Dec. 21, Gov. Jared Polis announced the appointment of University of Northern Colorado alumna Annette Martinez to UNC’s Board of Trustees. Her four-year term is pending confirmation by the Colorado General Assembly.

The past year has been a cautious reemergence into a world still churning from the effects of a pandemic. Despite the uncertainty and changes of living with COVID-19, our university community continued to rise to the challenge in 2021, including successfully navigating a full return to in-person learning and events this past fall.

The University of Northern Colorado will hold its fall commencement ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 10, and Saturday, Dec. 11. Approximately 903 students will graduate this fall with around 554 earning a bachelor's degree and around 349 earning a master's, specialist or doctoral degree.