On Thursday, June 12, it was officially announced that Dr. Rebecca Chopp, who previously served as the President of Swarthmore College in Philadelphia, has been selected as DU’s new chancellor. DU has made an excellent decision in appointing Chopp to this position, and she will bring many assets to the university.
Though women have had a long and rich history at the university, Chopp will be the first woman appointed to the position of chancellor in DU’s 150 years of existence. During those 150 years, DU has had 17 different chancellors, and Chopp’s appointment as 18th on the list is a positive step toward the inclusive excellence that DU strives to uphold. Institutions of higher learning should always attempt to promote and encourage gender equality, and by selecting a female chancellor, DU has shown its students that the achievements of women are valued.
At an institution where about 54 percent of enrolled students are female, the selection of a female chancellor will provide a voice for female students whose interests may not have been represented before. Hopefully Chopp can also act as a role model for these students and an example of a powerful woman leader.
Chopp’s credentials themselves are quite impressive. Before serving at Swarthmore College, Chopp also worked as the president of Colgate University in New York. She also has a B.A. from Kansas Wesleyan University, an M.Div. from St. Paul School of Theology and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. After attending and working for these various prestigious colleges and universities, Chopp has an understanding of the high standard of learning held by DU’s students.
During her time at Swarthmore College, the institution came under investigation for the possible mistreatment of sexual assault victims under federal civil rights law Title IX. Under Chopp’s direction, Swarthmore took measures to resolve complaints by implementing new practices. “We’ve made changes in policies, we’ve provided more support and more training, we’ve changed some personnel,” said Chopp of the investigation in an article by the New York Times.
DU faced a similar investigation earlier this year. In an email to the student body, Chancellor Coombe and USG President-Elect Hayden Johnson stated that “[DU’s] inclusion on the list [of Colorado universities under investigation] stems from a single claim filed with the OCR” and reassured students that “the University has a policy of zero tolerance when it comes to sexual violence, harassment and discrimination on and off campus.”
Given this recent conflict at DU, Chopp’s previous involvement in Title IX investigations could be a point of criticism for some. However, the fact that Chopp has faced this type of investigation before is actually promising, as she is already aware of the challenges that face victims of sexual violence and discrimination on college campuses across the country. It is likely that she will be able to bring unique knowledge from her experience that could further improve DU’s treatment of sexual violence cases.
Chopp seems optimistic about her transition into the position as well. “As chancellor, I look forward to engaging with faculty, students, staff, alumni and the DU trustees, along with the communities we serve, as we advance the university’s vision to be a great private university in service to the public good, preparing students to live lives of meaning, purpose, and accomplishment,” she said in DU’s official press release about her appointment.
It is impossible to predict the future, but based on Chopp’s previous work, hers looks to be a bright one. While she will certainly face challenges and criticism, just like every other chancellor, it is inspiring and empowering to finally have a woman as the chancellor of DU. Hopefully her appointment as chancellor will signal the beginning of a new chapter in DU’s history, and one in which our already great university can rise to its full potential.
