CSU Pueblo Hosts Colorado State University System Board of Governors Meeting
Board addresses the FY27 budget, recognizes faculty excellence and hears from students on campus priorities.
PUEBLO, Colo. — The Colorado State University System Board of Governors convened on the CSU Pueblo campus Thursday and Friday, May 7 and 8, for its spring meeting. The visit came during a significant period for the university as a new president stepped into the role and campus leaders worked through a demanding FY27 budget cycle.
A New President Steps In
CSU Pueblo President Rhonda Epper delivered her first official report to the Board after approximately seven weeks in the position. Rather than beginning with a traditional summer transition period, Epper entered the presidency during active budget planning and a full spring schedule.
During her first weeks, she attended the university's student research symposium, Scholars Reception, a Hasan School of Business pitch competition and other campus and community events.
“It is truly an honor to serve in this role.”
CSU Pueblo President Rhonda Epper
Epper also reported positive early enrollment indicators. At the time of the meeting, Fall 2026 headcount was running 5% ahead of the same point the previous year, while full-time equivalent enrollment was up 11%. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
FY27 Budget Highlights
Structural Deficit
CSU Pueblo entered the budget cycle with a $2.4 million structural deficit accumulated over years of using one-time funding for recurring expenses.
Employee Salary Increase
Faculty and administrative professional staff will receive a 1% increase distributed as a flat dollar amount.
Resident Undergraduate Tuition
Resident undergraduate tuition will increase 3.5% for the upcoming fiscal year.
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition will increase 3% under the approved budget plan.
Budget Decisions and Long-Term Sustainability
University leaders addressed the structural deficit through a combination of operational efficiencies, departmental restructuring and staffing changes after reviewing nearly 700 proposals during the planning process.
The flat-dollar salary approach grew out of the President's Budget Advisory Council and was designed to provide a larger proportional benefit to lower-paid employees. Lecturers and senior lecturers also received equity adjustments in areas where compensation had fallen behind.
At the system level, the Board reviewed investments tied to compensation, student services and long-term sustainability. It also approved financing authority for capital projects and renewed the CSU System's commercial paper program. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Dr. MD Islam Recognized by Board of Governors
Dr. MD Islam, professor of engineering and director of the Southern Colorado Institute of Transportation Technology at CSU Pueblo, received the Board's undergraduate Excellence in Teaching Award. The award recognizes outstanding instruction across the CSU System and highlighted Islam's work connecting classroom learning with applied research. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Scholarships, Donors and Student Opportunity
Students and donors spoke to the Board about the impact of scholarship support at CSU Pueblo. Students described how financial aid allowed them to reduce outside work obligations, focus more closely on academics and build stronger connections to the university.
The meeting also included an update on an adaptive athlete scholarship initiative. Race-related commitments for the year surpassed $100,000 in donations, with proceeds supporting students with disabilities. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Student Government Raises Campus Priorities
- Outgoing ASG President Shay Wilson highlighted the second annual campus block party, the student-designed lounge and the transition to newly elected ASG President Nathaniel Krieger and Vice President Molly Charles.
- Wilson raised concerns about the planned closure of the on-campus childcare facility and its effect on approximately 65 families.
- She also discussed an expected loss of approximately $3.6 million in federal funding over three years from Title V cuts and urged continued support for programs central to CSU Pueblo's Hispanic-serving and minority-serving mission.
Faculty Research and Scholarship
Outgoing faculty representative Dr. Claire Ramos also delivered her final Board report. She noted that more than 100 students participated in the Spring Research Symposium and highlighted faculty scholarship connected to Southern Colorado communities and the practical needs of CSU Pueblo students. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
