Join me in thanking Dr. Lengsfeld

Dear DU community members,

Just over a year ago, Dr. Corinne Lengsfeld graciously agreed to serve as interim provost & executive vice chancellor during a period of immense transition at the University of Denver. Her stature in the faculty, her reputation as a researcher, her knowledge of the institution, and her leadership role in the Office of the Provost were just some of the reasons she was a terrific choice for the role.

In any normal year, the role of the provost is critical to the university, and Corinne rose to the challenge. The provost office team worked diligently so DU could boast our lowest tuition rate increase in 40 years. They moved the university into differential graduation tuition. They partnered with our deans to help close the pay equity gap by adjusting more than 88 faculty salaries—a $500k investment in equity and our outstanding faculty talent. And, in collaboration with faculty senate and the vice provost of faculty affairs, Corinne oversaw six initiatives to address onboarding faculty and nurture leadership skills among faculty and department chairs. Moreover, her commitment to equity, inclusion, and transparency has helped us be a better DU.

As we well know, however, this was anything but a normal year. As DU has faced a global pandemic, Corinne has proven to be astute, highly effective, and agile.

Corinne provided key leadership with the deans and faculty in their heroic efforts to move all spring curriculum online in a matter of days this past March, thus ensuring our community was able to remain safe and healthy. As budget officer, she helped slow down non-essential expenses, which helped manage the financial challenges created by COVID-19. And she, along with a large team of dedicated colleagues, have developed our phased return-to-work plan—an exemplary effort.

During my first year as provost and now as chancellor, I have been grateful to have Corinne as a colleague. So, please join me in thanking Corinne for her service as interim provost and executive vice chancellor and to welcome her back to her role as senior vice provost for research and graduate education, effective July 1. She will concurrently serve in this role as interim provost until July 15 when we will welcome Mary Clark as our new provost and executive vice chancellor.

Thank you again, Corinne. I and the University of Denver are grateful for your service.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Haefner
Chancellor