Erin Trapp says her experience in Denver city government and understanding of the local community make her the right candidate for Metro State’s vice president of advancement and external relations.
The third and last finalist, Trapp spent Dec. 14 in interviews, including with President Stephen Jordan and members of the departments in the vice president’s division. She also participated in an open forum attended by faculty, staff, and administrators.
Most recently, Trapp has served as the deputy chief of staff for former Denver mayors Guillermo Vidal and John Hickenlooper. She has also worked in the business and nonprofit sectors.
Her experience in local government has created her “work-together mentality,” which she says she would bring to Metro State to further the mission of the institution.
The name-change initiative will be “more than window dressing,” Trapp says. She says she wants people to be proud of the institution, adding that it will be a community effort to get the new name embraced by all.
“We need to align the external perceptions of Metro with the innovative programs that are being developed here,” Trapp says. She says by further promoting pillar programs, like hospitality, tourism and events and aviation, the College can enhance its reputation for excellence with large-scale projects.
If she is selected, Trapp says her first couple of months at Metro State will be spent listening. “I’m a fast learner. I have worked in big systems before and understand the local community,” she says.
When asked how she would increase fundraising opportunities for the College, Trapp says she would reach out to “drive-time” cities around Denver. She used the example of CAVEA, (Center for Advanced Visualization and Experiential Analysis), which is being built in the Student Success Building, as an example. Other cities in the region may be curious about the project and by offering them partnerships, the College can also raise funds, Trapp says.
“You have to wear a lot of different hats here; that’s one of the appeals of the job.”
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