CSU Ranks in Top Tier of Magazine’s 2008 “America’s Best Colleges”
U.S. News and World Report ranked Colorado State University among the best colleges in the nation in the 2008 "America's Best Colleges" edition.
U.S. News and World Report listed Colorado State in the top tier of public and private doctoral universities and 59th among public universities, closely ranked with institutions such as Florida State University, University of Oregon, University at Buffalo-SUNY and Kansas State University. For a complete list of rankings and methodologies, visit www.usnews.com .
"While we measure our success through many factors, this ranking further solidifies Colorado State among the finest research institutions in the country," said Larry Edward Penley, Colorado State president. "Our faculty and students look beyond the borders of Fort Collins to address the great global challenges, from eradicating infectious diseases from the planet to researching innovative treatments for cancers and creating clean energy sources."
Other Colorado universities ranked in the top tier include the Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado-Boulder and the University of Denver.
U.S. Air Force Under Secretary and Former Astronaut to Join CSU
Ronald M. Sega, former NASA astronaut and Under Secretary for the U.S. Air Force, has joined Colorado State University as a Professor of Systems Engineering and as Vice President for Applied Research for the Colorado State University Research Foundation (CSURF).
Dr. Sega brings decades of experience in applying academic research to real-world situations. Since his 2001 appointment as Director of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E) at the U.S. Department of Defense, Dr. Sega has focused his efforts on energy and power, aerospace, and knowledge and surveillance. As Under Secretary of the Air Force since August 2005, Dr. Sega was responsible for developing an energy strategy that included an emphasis in renewable energy.
Dr. Sega is renewing his own strong ties in Colorado, formerly serving as the Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs from 1996 to 2001.
CSU System in Denver Announces Changes in Operations Staff
Colorado State University System Chancellor Larry Edward Penley has named Frank Pierz the senior advisor for board relations and legislative policy and Rich Schweigert chief financial officer and director of system operations. Chancellor Penley has instituted the changes to streamline operations and to ensure appropriate oversight of key areas as well as to enhance service to CSU System board members and constituents.
In his new role, Pierz, a fixture at Colorado State for 32 years and most recently the director of Governmental Relations, will assume enhanced duties in working with the Board of Governors and in developing community partners across the state. He also will serve as senior advisor to the chancellor on political and community issues.
Schweigert, a seasoned administrator in higher education and Colorado state government, will oversee daily operations of the System office, including the management team responsible for implementing new business opportunities approved by the board. He will also continue in his duties as chief financial officer. As the chief financial officer, he will take on new responsibilities as the Colorado State University System's liaison with the Joint Budget Committee in the Colorado Legislature.
CSU Names New Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
Tim McCune, a member of the Denver World Trade Center board of directors since 1994, has been named the new Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Colorado State University.
McCune is in the middle of his second three-year term on the Rocky Mountain District Export Council, a position appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. The Export Council is an Advisory Board to the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center in Denver.
McCune has a long history at the University, most recently as Associate Director of Development in the College of Business. Previously, from 1983-1987, he served as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in construction management when it was in the Industrial Sciences Department in the former College of Professional Studies. During that time, he also served as Assistant Department Chair and Associate Director of the Office of Research Development and Training.
