As we close on the academic year and prepare to celebrate the Class of 2019, we reflect on a semester of innovation, celebration, and transition.

We started 2019 with a record-setting number of students enrolled at UCCS. The spring semester totaled 11,729 undergraduate and graduate students on campus. 1,636 of those students are enrolled in the College of Business. We are happy to witness the continued growth and expansion of our academic programs within the College and across UCCS.

Along with a growing student population, we continued to broaden our program offerings and opportunities. As of fall 2019, interested students will be able to pursue a business analytics minor. The business analytics minor will cover descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics in hands-on, project-based courses. Business analytics is a high-demand skill for all business professionals in a modern workforce and we hope you consider this minor in your degree plan.

The ROAR program will also launch in fall 2019. R.O.A.R., an acronym for Relationships, Opportunities, Acumen, and Readiness, is a mandatory curriculum for all incoming College of Business students that will cover career exploration, preparation, interviews, and mentorship to ensure career readiness upon graduation. We are excited to supplement academic education with professional development to prepare a smooth transition from college to workforce.

Once you enter in your post-collegiate careers, you are welcome to join our new College of Business Young Alumni Association. The Young Alumni Association hosts events, social hours, professional development opportunities, and support for all business alumni that have graduated in the last 10 years.

In April, the Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative at UCCS held the inaugural Southern Colorado Higher Education Consortium Summit at Western Colorado University. Each of the 10 participating Southern Colorado Higher Education Consortium schools were in attendance to focus on the topic, “Ethics in the Outdoor Industry.” UCCS continues to develop platforms for ethical discussion across industries and we are proud to be a catalyst for ethical conduct in Southern Colorado and beyond.

The University of Colorado Board of Regents recently named Mark Kennedy the 23rd president of the CU System. As stated by Chancellor Reddy, “We are now committed to sharing our priorities and values with him in greater detail as he begins his work for CU.”

May is a time to recognize the hard work and perseverance of our graduates. We are fortunate to be a part of your journey and graduation is wonderful opportunity to commemorate your achievements. Congratulations to the Class of 2019!

It has truly been an honor to serve as your dean this past year and I thank you all for the opportunity to lead the UCCS College of Business.  

My very best,

Stephen P. Ferris

Dean, College of Business