Press Releases:
July 2009
July 29, 2009
METROPOLITAN STATE COLLEGE of DENVER
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY – SAN MARCOS DEAN VICKI GOLICH NAMED PROVOST/ V.P. OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS AT METRO STATE COLLEGE
Denver — Stephen Jordan, president of Metropolitan State College of Denver, has announced the appointment of Vicki Golich as provost/vice president for academic affairs. She will start Sept. 1, pending approval by Metro State’s Board of Trustees.
Golich, a professor of political science at California State University—San Marcos, has served as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest college at CSU-SM, since 2004.
At Metro State, she will serve as the chief academic officer of the College, overseeing the Schools of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Business, and Professional Studies. She will be responsible for curriculum, assessment, budget, faculty recruitment, hiring and evaluation policies. Golich’s starting salary will be $195,000.
In making the announcement Jordan said, “Dr. Golich’s proven record of accomplishment in general education and graduate programs are what Metro State needs right now. Sheis the right person to help guide Metro State towards our goal of becoming the preeminent public urban baccalaureate college in the nation.”
“I’m thrilled to begin my work at Metro State,” Golich said. “Metro State is an exciting place to be, with the development of graduate programs, and the many building projects occurring, such as the innovative hotel learning center.”
Golich added that Metro State’s mission, which is similar to her current institution, is what drew her to the College. “I see a true importance to providing educational access to the general public. Here in the 21st century, we’re known as the knowledge economy. What better way to create, evaluate and trade knowledge, than through Metro State’s mission, which far exceeds the value of most other institutions of higher education in the nation.”
Golich holds a doctorate in international relations from University of Southern California, a master’s degree from the California State University, Fullerton, and a bachelor’s degree from Occidental College. She joined the faculty at CSUSM in 1992, when it was barely three years old as a campus, and was an active participant in its growth from a few hundred full-time equivalent students to its now near 10,000 FTES.
With more than 22,000 students, Metro State is among the largest public undergraduate colleges in the country and is the leader in educating undergraduate Coloradans.
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July 14, 2009
METROPOLITAN STATE COLLEGE of DENVER
Supreme Court expert available to address confirmation hearings
Denver – The line of questioning by Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama in day two of the Supreme Court confirmation hearing for Judge Sonia Sotomayor “put the Republicans on the road to nowhere,” according to Metro State Political Science Professor Norman Provizer.
“The idea harped on by Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama that life experiences should play no role in the judge's approach to making judicial choices makes no sense given the history of judicial selection,” says Provizer, who teaches constitutional law and has co-edited three books on the Supreme Court and on the rating of Justices. “From the start of the Supreme Court, geographical diversity, for example, was of great importance. The Nixon administration made a point of emphasizingthe need to have Southern strict constructionists placed on the Supreme Court.
“What does all of this tell us, if not thatlife experience matters? It's a non question. The issue is whether that experience overwhelms everything else, including the facts of a case, or not.”
The Judiciary Committee is considering whether Sotomayor, a federal appellate judge, should be the 111th person to sit on the nation's highest court and the first Hispanic woman on the Supreme Court.
The hearings are a key part of the process to have a judge selected and seated by the first Monday in October when the next Supreme Court session begins.
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July 10, 2009
METROPOLITAN STATE COLLEGE of DENVER
Metro State hosts tequila tasting
WHO/WHAT: Metropolitan State College of Denver, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico, is hosting a tequila tasting during a “Beer, Wine and Spirits” course offered in its Hospitality, Tourism and Events program. The featured guest is Miguel Cedeno Cruz, a consultant in the tequila industry who has also served on the Tequila Regulatory Council.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 14, 2009
TIME: 12:15 - 2:45 p.m.
WHERE: Plaza 126 (Auraria Campus).
For a campus map and parking, go to http://www.mscd.edu/newsroom/directions.shtml.
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July 8, 2009
METROPOLITAN STATE COLLEGE of DENVER
Anonymous gift launches micro-lending program
DENVER –Promising ideas can make for great businesses with the proper planning and start-up funding, according to Metropolitan State College of Denver Center for Innovation Director Mick Jackowski.
To ensure that entrepreneurs have the proper foundation, the Center has formed an alliance with The Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute (RMMFI’s) to provide a micro-lending program. The initiative, launched with a $25,000 anonymous gift to the Center, is scheduled to start in September.
Popular among developing countries, micro-lending is part of a new trend among higher education institutions to provide financing for community and student start-ups. The programs can also help higher education institutions meet their missions. It’s of particular significance to institutions serving diverse and underserved population, says Jackowski.
“With our vision of being an urban land grant institution, we’re about creating opportunities so that people can succeed,” says Jackowski. “We’re about creating opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs that show us viable business plans. We want to help you get it off the ground.
"It’s important for entrepreneurs to understand that they can accomplish a lot with small amounts of capital.”
Loans will range from $250 to $1,000, and be distributed once a quarter, with the earliest distribution set for January 2010. The terms will be for six month, with an interest rate of nine percent. The loan is considered a builder loan and loan repayment will be reported through RMMFI’s partnership with Credit Builder’s Alliance. When micro-loans are repaid, program borrowers will be eligible to receive increasing loan amounts.
This alliance represents a tremendous opportunity for Denver’s community entrepreneurs, says Executive Director of Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute Rob Smith. “Through the cross-promotion of our programs and access to the new loan fund, Denver will see positive impacts on credit scores, new business startups, and ultimate business success.”
Pre-requisites for the loan include taking any combination of three courses from an approved list of businesses development courses offered by the Center for Innovation or RMMFI. To learn more about the Center for Innovation, go to http://www.metrostateinnovate.org/ or contact Angelia McGowan at 303-556-5133.
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July 6, 2009
METROPOLITAN STATE COLLEGE of DENVER
Metro State profs available to address Michael Jackson memorial/legacy
DENVER –The recent passing of entertainer Michael Jackson has stirred lots of questions about his life, legacy and the future for his children. The following Metropolitan State College of Denver professors are available to discuss the below topics:
Tomorrow’s memorial service in Los Angeles will mark a day when millions of people across the world will be watching or talking about the entertainer’s life and legacy. Assistant Chair and Professor of Psychology Mary Ann Watson can address why there would be such an outpouring of emotions for someone they probably have not met in person. Dr. Watson’s expertise includes issues surrounding death and dying.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Marketing Darrin Duber-Smith can address how Jackson’s legacy may be marketed. In light of his controversial life, will his legacy be sustainable like that of other entertainers, for example Elvis. Professor Duber-Smith’s expertise includes consumerism, promotion strategies, and social responsibility.
Assistant Professor of Social Work Larry Curry, a family therapist, can address the legal battle that will surround Jackson’s children. What will the judge look at when determining what will be the best home for the children? Is a biological parent automatically the best fit? Does the age of a potential guardian play a factor?
Professor of Human Services Shawn Worthy, who has recently completed research on raising children of privilege, can address the life children face when everyone is afraid to say “no” to them. He can also address at what age he believes Jackson’s childhood ended, and how that affected how he lived from that point. Dr. Worthy’s expertise includes crisis intervention, family dynamics and high-risk youth.
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