This is an evolving story and will be updated as more information is released.
After five years at the University of Denver, Chancellor Rebecca Chopp announced her decision to step down as chancellor in an email to the University community. She cited health concerns due to a “complex neurological disorder” as what prompted her decision.
The first female chancellor in University history, Chopp oversaw the implementation of the DU IMPACT 2025 and the groundbreaking on several new buildings, including the Dimond Family Residential Village and the Community Commons.
Chopp arrived in Denver in 2014 after serving as president at Swarthmore College, a private institution in Pennsylvania. Chopp cited her desire to be closer to family in Denver as her reason for stepping down and taking on the role as Chancellor at the University of Denver.
In 2016, after arriving at the University, Chopp announced the DU IMPACT 2025, “present[ing] a new model of higher education that is designed to move our high-engagement, high-value university forward over the next decade.” There are four “Transformative Directions” that are the backbone of DU IMPACT 2025; “Educate and Empower”, “Impact”, “Design and Collaborate” and “OneDU.”
As a part of DU IMPACT 2025, Chopp recently broke ground on the Dimond Family Residential Village, one of three buildings designed as a part of the initiative. The other two buildings are an updated Community Commons, replacing Driscoll Bridge North, and a new Career Achievement Center. Chopp stated that these buildings would help Denver “create real momentum for our bold and innovative strategic plan.”
Her tenure at Denver has not been without criticism or controversy, however. In 2018, the University of Denver settled a lawsuit with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission after accusations of systematic pay discrimination against female law professors. In her letter to the school after the settlement was reached, Chopp did not acknowledge wrong-doing on the University’s side, nor offered an apology to the campus, instead stating that the University was “confident in our legal position.” The price of attending the University of Denver has also increased steadily during Chopp’s tenure. In 2019, the tuition is estimated to be $51,336 for a 12-18 credit student, a $1,944 increase from the current tuition of $49,392.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jeremy Haefner will serve as Interim Chancellor, beginning in July as the Board of Trustees begins its search for the University’s 19th Chancellor.
