The University of Denver wraps up its sesquicentennial and heads into 2015 with a number of new deans leading programs across campus. Three were promoted from within, while one—Daniels College of Business Dean Elrie LaBrent Chrite—came to Denver from another university.
MORGRIDGE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Karen Riley
Background: Morgridge College associate professor who works in the area of child, family and school psychology. Joined the University as an assistant professor in 2004, was chair of the Educational Research Policy and Practice program from 2011–13 and faculty director of the Fisher Early Learning Center from 2010–12. Served as interim dean of the Morgridge College from June 2013–August 2014.
Education: PhD in educational psychology from the University of Denver
Research: Riley’s work on fragile X syndrome has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, Novartis Pharmaceutical and the Colorado Department of Education.
She says: “The Morgridge College of Education has made great progress during the past year, and our stellar faculty and staff will allow us to continue to grow and develop. We have created a strategic plan to guide us operationally, but it will be our innovative thinking, teaching and research practices that will distinguish us. Our research and the students we prepare will serve as our legacy long into the future.”
DIVISIONS OF ARTS, HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
Daniel McIntosh
Background: Joined the psychology department in 1992 as an assistant professor. Earned tenure and was promoted to associate professor in 1999; promoted to full professor in 2007. Elected chair of the department in 2012. Director of the Honors Program from 2008–12. Named the William T. Driscoll Master Educator in 2004, the United Methodist Church University Scholar/Teacher of the Year in 2008, and the Center for Multicultural Excellence’s Outstanding Faculty Member in 2009.
Education: BA in psychology from the University of Denver; MA and PhD in psychology from the University of Michigan
Research: Areas of specialty include emotions, coping and the psychology of religion. Has published more than 70 scholarly articles and chapters and has received 13 different research grants from extramural funding sources including the National Science Foundation.
He says: “The AHSS community embraces world-class scholars and artists collaborating with students in innovative and engaged education. I look forward to working with the students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of AHSS in moving our departments, programs and the University forward during this exciting time in higher education.”
DANIELS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Elrie LaBrent (Brent) Chrite
Background: From 2010–14 served as dean and professor of management and international business at Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J. Led a four-pronged comprehensive transformation of the school that resulted in a 40 percent increase in graduate enrollments, new dual-degree programs, global partnerships, a new executive MBA, the creation of a Center for Entrepreneurship and a record level of private giving to the school.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in community health services from Michigan State University; MS in health care administration from the University of Missouri; PhD from the University of Michigan’s Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education
Research: Co-authored “Internal Migration of Blacks in South Africa: An Application of the Roy Model” in the March 2014 South African Journal of Economics. Other research and outreach activities include individual and institutional capacity building, poverty alleviation and enabling environment creation across sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
He says: “The Daniels College of Business has a long and rich legacy and is uniquely positioned to develop the capabilities and competencies, as well as the consciences, of tomorrow’s business leaders. We expect that our students will possess the commitment and the tools necessary to address some of the world’s most important economic and noneconomic problems. With our demonstrable commitment to purposeful learning and experiential engagement and our enduring values, Daniels continues to challenge the orthodoxies associated with the management education marketplace.”
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Michael McGuire
Background: Served as interim dean of University College for two years and as assistant dean of operations for two years before that. Was director of marketing and communications for University College from 2003–10.
Education: BSBA from the University of Colorado-Boulder; master’s degree in liberal studies from the University of Denver
Research: Areas of specialty include continuing, online and adult education.
He says: “University College has incredible potential and opportunity to become one of the nation’s premier colleges of continuing and professional education. It’s crucial to understand that the greatest universities in the world need to provide pathways for individuals who, due to life circumstances, are unable to access traditional higher-education programming. University College provides that access to education at the University of Denver through courses that explore engaging and timely subjects, employ convenient formats and are offered at affordable costs.”