Elected as the first woman chancellor of the University of Denver on June 13, 2014, Chancellor-Elect Rebecca Chopp has introduced herself to the DU community through her videos, “Chatting with Chopp.”
As the 18th chancellor of the University of Denver, Chopp is bringing with her over 30 years of experience from five well-known universities. The former president and professor of religion at Swarthmore College from 2009 to present, Chopp has also worked or taught at Yale University, Colgate College, Emory University and the University of Chicago.
As the next chancellor of the University of Denver, Chopp says she is eager to begin her time as a Pioneer. Through four ongoing episodes, “Chatting with Chopp,” the Denver community has been given the opportunity to get to know her on a more personal level.
In the videos, various members of the DU community were able to ask Chancellor Chopp questions, from what she likes to do in her free time to how she will interact with students.
While the videos are fun and informal, they provide Pioneers with an inside look into Chancellor Chopp and to what she plans to do at the university in the coming years.
In episode one, Chancellor Chopp revealed her favorite pastimes in response to a question asked by a DU alumnus from 1956.
“I love to hike. I am so excited about being by the best mountains in the world, with all these fabulous hiking trails,” she said. “I also love the arts. My husband and I are huge fans of the visual arts and our goal is to attend every major museum in the world.”
John Nichols, director of the Student Center, was interested in what Chancellor Chopp would like to be called by the students if she were to be seen at a hockey game or campus event.
“It’s fine to call me Rebecca. I am really fine with whatever people are comfortable with. Chancellor Chopp feels formal, but I’m good with that if people are. Chancellor Rebecca, Rebecca, my family calls me ‘B.’ So, really any of those names are just fine. I just want people to call me and get to know me,” Chopp said.
Inquiring about how Chancellor Chopp will connect with the student population, a dual-degree MBA Pioneer asked, “What are your plans for connecting with University of Denver students?”
“I like to be where the students are, so I will be at the sports events, I’ll be at theater performances and dances. I’ll be at the big events of the year, and I’ll be in the coffee shops and wandering around campus,” she said. “I’ll come up and introduce myself. I hope you’ll come to my office hours, and I hope you’ll let me know what are the best ways to meet University of Denver students.”
The “Chatting With Chopp” video series will continue in four parts. The series can be found on the University of Denver website.
