Since being charged by the Trustees to lead Metro State to a new status as the pre-eminent public baccalaureate college in the nation, President Stephen M. Jordan has hit the ground running.

During his first week on the job, Jordan formed his president's cabinet, comprised of senior officers and elected leaders of the College's governing bodies (including faculty, staff and students), and changed the reporting structure of intercollegiate athletics so it directly reports to him. "Athletics is the front porch of the College's house," said Jordan, adding that given this visibility, it's only natural for a college president to have direct oversight of the athletics program.

In addition, Jordan's time has been dedicated to a whirlwind agenda of meetings with legislators, alumni, business leaders, media, students, faculty and even the president of the University of Colorado system. "Everyone has been welcoming and supportive; they really have a vested interest in the College," Jordan said.

These meetings have given Jordan a snapshot of the College's strengths and some of the issues Metro State is facing. "Among these challenges are the possible reductions in state funding if voters don't pass Referenda C and D this fall, as well as the development and implementation of a strategic plan to get the College to the next echelon," he says.

Later this fall, Jordan and the Trustees will have a planning retreat with the overall goal of moving the College forward. In addition, Jordan plans to establish an academic strategic planning process involving faculty and staff. "I want everyone to begin thinking about the nature and characteristics of a 21st century urban college," he said.

Another challenge is the interim status of 23 high-level administrative positions. "With our accreditation review coming up, this is an area of vulnerability," he said. Jordan plans to have a permanent Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs selected by Dec. 1.

When not running Metro State, Jordan spends his time running, golfing and reading. "From FDR to Truman to Lewis and Clark, I love reading biographies that describe conditions leaders have created to allow themselves to be more effective," he said.