Leticia Steffen Named Dean of CHASS

Colorado State University Pueblo has announced that Leticia Steffen will assume the role of Dean for the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS).

“Following a national search that brought in very qualified candidates to our campus, I am very glad to announce that Leticia Steffen will serve as the Dean for the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences,” said CSU Pueblo provost Mohamed Abdelrahman.

Steffen has served as the Interim Dean of CHASS since January 2021 before being appointed to this permanent position. She will transition to her new role effective May 1.

In 2004, Steffen began her tenure at CSU Pueblo as a faculty member in the Department of Mass Communications and Center for New Media (now the Department of Media Communication). Steffen was promoted to professor in 2016. Three years ago, Steffen was elevated to the position of Associate Dean of CHASS, taking this role in May of 2018.

“The College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at CSU Pueblo provides the foundation of a well-rounded education for all students at the university and I’m very excited to serve as Dean of the college,” Steffen said. “I’ve been part of the college since I came to CSU Pueblo 17 years ago, and I know that we have amazing faculty and very motivated, talented students so it’s a big honor to support the CHASS family as Dean.”

Steffen was born and raised in New Hampton, Iowa. She graduated from Saint Louis University as a double major in history and communications.

After graduating from SLU, Steffen worked as a stringer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and as a reporter with the Suburban Journals of St. Louis. She moved to Colorado to complete a Master of Arts in mass communications and journalism studies at the University of Denver.

With her Masters's degree completed, Steffen worked as a science writer and editor with the University of Denver's communications office, as chief editor of news/entertainment for InfoBeat (a new media company that was based in Denver), as publications editor at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She began her teaching career as an adjunct instructor at the Community College of Aurora before joining CSU Pueblo in 2004.

“Leticia earned this appointment with her vision, management and leadership skills, empathy, and ability to connect to various groups on campus,” Abdelrahman said.  “I am excited about what she will be able to achieve working with all of us.”