CSU Pueblo Dean of Student Affairs Named to AASCU Millennium Leadership Initiative

Marie Humphrey, Senior Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Colorado State University Pueblo, was recently named to the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) 2020 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI).

The 2020 MLI class includes 30 senior-level higher education professionals from across the nation. MLI provides opportunities for traditionally underrepresented higher education leaders to develop skills and expand their network needed to advance to the presidency. In the 20 year existence of the program, 131 of the 632 graduates have become first-time presidents or chancellors.

“Dr. Humphrey is a bold and honest leader who is experienced in developing support systems that enhance student success,” said Timothy Mottet, President of CSU Pueblo. “I know that she will both benefit from her interaction with other leaders, but also make a significant contribution to the cohort.”

Humphrey was nominated for consideration for the 2020 MLI class by President Mottet.

“I’m grateful for the nomination from President Mottet,” said Humphrey. “I am honored to be among such a group of esteemed colleagues.  It’s a moment to pinch yourself.”

The MLI program matches each of the 30 participants with a current, sitting president and a mentor. Humphrey has been paired with Marion Terenzio, President of State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill and MLI Executive Steering Committee member and will fulfill the presidential advisor role for Humphrey for the duration of the program. Dr. Kristin Esterberg, President of the State University of New York (SUNY) Potsdam will serve as Humphrey’s mentor during the MLI program. Humphrey’s mentorship with Esterberg will begin August 14 and conclude May 31, 2021.

“I think it’s exciting to even learn about the presidency,” said Humphrey. “I’m in awe of some of the people who are mentors and it’s been mind-blowing and helpful at the same time. For me, it’s also encouraging my work with my own team leads. I want them to consider the college presidency and I want to make sure that I give back and support them.”

Humphrey has worked at CSU Pueblo since 2014 and recently implemented a restructure in the Division of Student Affairs, which is divided into four clusters. Student Affairs now includes Student Life, Student Support and Advocacy, Student Engagement and Leadership, and Student Health and Wellness with an assistant dean serving as oversight for each cluster.

Student advocacy remains the top priority for Humphrey. Throughout her career in higher education, Humphrey has focused her work on student needs. A plaque in her office displays the quote, “The student is the most important person on campus, without them there is no need for the institution.”

Humphrey will participate in the MLI program over the course of the next year and will continue to develop her leadership skills with the help of the mentorship program. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the structure of the program, it now includes two monthly webinars and an in-person conference in January 2021 in Washington D.C.

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.- based higher education association of nearly 400 public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning-and teaching- centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions’ economic progress and cultural development. These are institutions Delivering America’s Promise of Opportunities for All.