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Dean Connolly Retirement


February 17, 2022

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

After 22 years of service to the University of Northern Colorado, Dr. Laura Connolly has notified me of her decision to retire at the end of this semester. 

Laura came to UNC in 2000 as an Assistant Professor of Economics. Since that time, she has served the institution with a true commitment to helping all of us – students, faculty, and staff alike – be as good as we can be in this community of educators she has called home for more than two decades. Hers is a story unlike any other: she retired in 2011 and then returned to serve as Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2015 because she felt she could help make a positive difference.

In her seven years as a dean, Laura built a culture of collaboration and trust in her college. She also has helped serve as a stabilizing force during provost and dean transitions in recent times.

Her retirement is effective June 1, 2022, which gives us time to launch a search for a new dean. A celebration of her service will be scheduled for later in the semester.

Please join me in thanking Laura for her tremendous dedication and service to UNC.

Sincerely,

Lisa 

——

Lisa Vollendorf, Ph.D.

Interim Provost

University of Northern Colorado