BUILDING MOMENTUM

Dear readers,

As summer turns to fall, our university community continues to build momentum. In July, I joined CSU leaders on a tour of Colorado’s western and mountain regions to meet with communities and share updates. We also closed the books on a year of record-breaking successes in research and fundraising – milestones made even more meaningful amid ongoing financial challenges at the state and federal levels. These accomplishments reflect the brilliance of our researchers, the confidence of our supporters, and CSU’s commitment to setting the standard as a model land-grant institution.

This fall, we’ve welcomed 5,400 new students – one of the largest incoming classes in CSU history – including a record 3,600 from Colorado and one of the most academically accomplished cohorts we’ve ever had. It’s a powerful reflection of the trust Colorado families place in CSU and the value of a CSU education. We are also launching innovative new programs, including CSU Spur Start, a pathway for Denver students to begin their CSU journey close to home.

This issue of STATE celebrates the power of student research and service to transform lives. Whether they are replanting forests after wildfire, studying respiratory disease in Mojave desert tortoises, or building prosthetic limbs for patients in Ecuador, our students are working alongside world-class faculty to make a global impact. An essay from Vice President for Research Cass Moseley offers a broad perspective on how research drives progress for our students, our nation, and our world.

You’ll also read about how artificial intelligence is reshaping education and about CSU Pueblo’s direct admission program – both aimed at expanding access and opportunity.

I hope to see you soon for Homecoming and Family Weekend, Oct. 16-18 – a time to reconnect and celebrate the best of CSU together. Throughout the season, join me in cheering on the Rams across all fall sports – including the 50th season of CSU volleyball, a legacy of excellence highlighted in this issue.

Thank you for being part of the CSU community. Your support powers the work shared in these pages, and we look forward to all the ways you’ll stay engaged in the year ahead.

With gratitude,