The University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Distinguished Professor Chris Weible, PhD as Interim Dean, effective July 1, 2025. 

Dr. Weible will lead SPA through the 2025–2026 academic year, working closely with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance the school’s mission, support enrollment and retention goals, and sustain its national reputation. The search for permanent leadership will be launched by incoming CU Denver Provost Karen Marrongelle in the coming year. 

“Chris brings deep expertise, collaborative energy, and a strong commitment to public service and higher education,” said Interim Provost Pam Jansma. “He is uniquely positioned to guide SPA during this period of transition, and I am confident he will build on the school’s strong foundation.” 

Since joining the SPA faculty in 2008, Dr. Weible has been a highly respected educator, scholar, and leader. He is Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Center for Policy and Democracy at SPA and Co-Editor of Policy & Politics, an international journal of public policy research. Dr. Weible teaches courses in environmental politics, public policy and democracy, policy analysis, and research methods. 

His research explores policy conflicts, the role of emotions in public discourse, political behavior, and advocacy coalitions, particularly focusing on marginalized communities. He has published over 100 articles and book chapters, secured millions of dollars in external research funding, and is lead editor of Theories of the Policy Process, one of the most widely cited and assigned volumes in the field. He also co-launched an international conference on policy process research and co-led the Building Democratic Communities initiative, which won a CU Denver Grand Challenge research award in 2023. 

Dr. Weible has received numerous accolades for his teaching and mentorship, including CU Denver’s Outstanding Doctoral Mentoring Award (three times) and recognition for helping place 11 SPA graduates in tenure-track academic positions. In 2022, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Luleå University of Technology in Sweden, where he also serves as a Guest Professor. Most recently, in February, The CU Board of Regents named him a Distinguished Professor, one of CU’s most prestigious recognitions. 

Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Weible shared his enthusiasm: 

“I am honored to serve as Interim Dean and to support the School of Public Affairs during this important time of transition. I look forward to collaborating with our community to build on our strengths, face our challenges, and continue advancing our mission.”

Dr. Weible’s appointment marks a new chapter of leadership for the School of Public Affairs, as Dean Paul Teske concludes his remarkable 17-year tenure. Dr. Teske's leadership has been instrumental in SPA's growth, national rankings, community engagement, and expansion of degree offerings. 

“There is never a perfect time to step away,” Teske said in his farewell message to faculty and staff. “But I am proud of all we have achieved together—our national recognition, our amazing alumni, our community engagement, and the incredible people who make SPA [the School of Public Affairs] what it is.” 

Dr. Teske, who has served CU Denver for over two decades, will continue his work as a Distinguished Professor, after taking a much-deserved sabbatical in the fall.