Oct 7, 2026 by Laura McHugh

Each fall, as the aspen trees glow in brilliant shades of gold across the Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs (SPA) brings together public service professionals from across the country for the Rocky Mountain Leadership Program (RMLP), an immersive, retreat-style experience designed to strengthen leadership in today’s complex and evolving landscape.

Sep 28, 2026

This fall, the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs’ First Friday series will feature two conversations focused on Colorado’s 2026 election, helping attendees better understand the issues, processes, and outcomes shaping the state’s future.

Sep 15, 2026

Employees, students, and community members convened in the Lawrence Street Center Terrace Room on Sept. 10 for a discussion on public administration, governance, and how public institutions can effectively serve communities. The event marked the third annual Dr. Mary E. Guy Distinguished Lecture, hosted by the School of Public Affairs.

Sep 4, 2026 by Laura McHugh

The University of Colorado Denver's School of Public Affairs (SPA) has launched a national search for its next dean, seeking a visionary and collaborative leader to guide the school's continued growth and national impact.

Aug 31, 2026

For Nayzeth Landa, Early Success Academic Advisor in the School of Public Affairs, CU Denver became more than a place to earn a degree. As a first-generation student, she found mentors, opportunities and a community that helped her discover a passion for supporting others.

Aug 27, 2026

Carla Gutierrez, BA ’27, was content in her job as a dental assistant and her life in Denver, where she was born and raised. But as the country’s political landscape continued to change, something inside her stirred. She knew she had to find a way to make a difference, so she went back to school. At CU Denver, she found her voice.

Aug 13, 2026

CU Denver student and Student Government Association (SGA) President Carla Gutierrez, BA ’27, has been admitted to the Front Range Consortium’s prestigious National Security Scholars Program.

Aug 4, 2026

Every semester, each school and college publishes a Dean’s List honoring students who demonstrate high scholastic achievement. CU Denver uses a fixed criterion across all schools and colleges for determining eligibility for the Dean’s List. This policy applies to undergraduate students. For fall and spring semesters, students must successfully complete nine graded hours in the semester. In the summer semester, students must complete six graded hours. This is the complete list of students included in the spring 2026 Dean’s List.

Jun 1, 2026

Sheila Huss completed the year-long Women’s Leadership Program As part of the program, each of the participants researched on a topic to enhance institutional success. Sheila focused her presentation on a Student Caregiver Support Initiative, aimed at improved student well-being, better academic performance, higher retention and graduation rates, and shorter times to graduation. She identified centralizing resources for students supports, training faculty and staff, and rolling out the initiative based on a needs assessment and pilot projects.

May 27, 2026

Robyn Mobbs was recently recognized with the University of Colorado System AI Recognition Award for AI in Teaching & Learning.

May 20, 2026 by Laura McHugh

Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping how governments, nonprofits, and public institutions understand public problems, design programs, and deliver services. To help students navigate these evolving challenges, the School of Public Affairs is introducing a new course titled Special Topics: The AI Ready Public Leader: Governing Policy, Program Readiness, and Ethics for the Public Good.

May 19, 2026

May 13, 2026 by Laura McHugh

For Jordan Etchells, service has never been abstract. After joining the U.S. Army straight out of high school, Jordan spent the next two decades in uniform, building a career shaped by leadership, operational responsibility, and decision-making with real-world consequences. This month, he will graduate from the University of Colorado Denver’s School of Public Affairs, marking a milestone that brings together his military service, academic work, and next chapter of public service. Along the way, he lived in many places and served in both operational and strategic environments, but Colorado remained a constant thread.

May 11, 2026

Choosing CU Denver was easy for Laura Zabaleta Arias. The criminal justice program in the School of Public Affairs (SPA) appealed to her. She loved the diverse student body and the Auraria Campus, which felt both collegiate and exciting due to its downtown Denver location. But most of all, CU Denver was close to her parents, who at the time lived in Aurora and did not speak English.

May 8, 2026 by Laura McHugh

As part of the School of Public Affairs’ First Fridays event series, SPA partnered with the College of Arts & Media to host a panel discussion on artistic voice and civic expression. The conversation brought together artists, scholars, and arts leaders to explore how creative work shapes public discourse, community identity, and civic life.

May 6, 2026 by Laura McHugh

The University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs (SPA) will host the next installment of the Colorado Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program on May 8 & 9, 2026, bringing public sector professionals from across the state to the Auraria Campus and on Zoom for Public Engagement and Communication, a cornerstone course in Colorado’s premier public management certificate. This course is taught in a live, hybrid format by two experienced local government executives who bring a balance of academic knowledge and practical expertise to the classroom.

May 4, 2026 by Laura McHugh

Each year, during the first week of May, communities across the country come together to celebrate Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW). Led nationally by the Partnership for Public Service, PSRW honors the millions of individuals who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local, and tribal government employees. At the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs (SPA), this week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, professionalism, and resilience that define public service and to reaffirm our shared commitment to serving the public good.

May 1, 2026 by Laura McHugh

The University of Colorado Denver’s School of Public Affairs (SPA) has once again been recognized among the nation’s top Public Affairs graduate programs, earning No. 20 (tied) in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings.

Apr 30, 2026 by Laura McHugh

Interim Dean Christopher M. Weible traveled to Rome to join international scholars and experts in examining how technology can strengthen democracy and protect individual rights rather than erode them.

Apr 21, 2026 by Laura McHugh

Students and faculty from the School of Public Affairs (SPA) will participate in the 83rd annual conference of the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA), one of the largest and most influential political science conferences in the world. The conference takes place April 23-26, 2026, and brings together more than 4,000 scholars, researchers, and practitioners from across the United States and more than 65 countries.