President's Updates
November 2024
Dear FRCC Community,
As we honor Día de los Muertos today and tomorrow, I hope you can take a moment to remember the loved ones you’ve lost and still hold close in your heart. This holiday, with its rich imagery and traditions, offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on and cherish those who will always remain special to us.
I also want to congratulate the winners of our Hispanic Heritage Month office decorating contest:
- In 3rd place: The Westminster Campus Welcome Center
- In 2nd place: The Liberal Arts, Communication & Design offices at the Westminster Campus
- And in 1st place... (drumroll, please...)
The TRIO Student Support Services space at the Boulder County Campus
Congratulations to our winners—and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated. It may seem like a small detail, but having our spaces decorated to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture tells Latinx members of the FRCC community that we see them, and we value their contributions. As one doorway decoration reminded us: Todos somos, somos uno. (We are all, we are one.)
Top News
News and Democracy Discussion & Dinner
I hope some of you were able to attend The Front Page student newspaper’s bi-partisan panel discussion this week about democracy and the news media. These students put on a great event with local elected leaders who spoke about elections and shared voter registration information over a community dinner. It was a wonderful opportunity to promote civic engagement at the college.
At The Front Page’s request, Governor Jared Polis gave the opening statement, and state senators Barbara Kirkmeyer and Lisa Cutter shared their insights on the importance of voting. Adams County Clerk Josh Zygielbaum also gave a behind-the-scenes look at how elections work.
Congratulations to everyone involved, including faculty member Aaron Leff who advises the student newspaper and supported the students in this effort—and thank you to everyone who was able to attend. Please take care of yourselves and each other during this election season—and make sure to check out our election resources webpage for information.
Election Resources Info
Spread the Word
Student Multifactor Authentication
One last reminder that CCCS is enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for our students’ Microsoft 365 accounts on November 4. This date is important for all employees who work with students to remember.
Please be patient with students who may be struggling to get into their accounts that week. If they need assistance setting up MFA on their account, they can contact the FRCC IT Help Desk during normal business hours. (For after-hours help, they should call the 24x7 Help Desk at: 1-888-800-9198 or visit this website: help.cccs.edu.) Visit our MFA information webpage for more details.
Employee Spotlight
Matt Stilwell & Laura Grossett
Last month faculty member Matt Stilwell’s literature students and instructor Laura Grossett’s printmaking students began the process of creating prints inspired by Sylvia Plath’s poem, “Daddy”; William Blake’s poem, “The Lamb”; and Kate Chopin’s short story, “Story of an Hour.”
The printmaking students paired up with literature students so they could help with artistic process, and the literature students helped the printmaking students with literary analysis. As their Chair Shawna Jackson wrote, “This kind of collaboration creates opportunity for deep, impactful learning, and Matt and Laura are so good at what they do.” Thank you for giving our students this hands-on, opportunity to collaborate and create!
Tools & Resources
Digital Accessibility Conference Livestream
As we continue our learning about Digital Accessibility, I would like to share an opportunity for professional development. Accessing Higher Ground (AHG) is offering digital accessibility best practices from across the country produced through the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD).
FRCC’s Equity & Inclusion Council will be broadcasting the conference’s virtual sessions to each campus November 11 through 15 at the following locations:
- Boulder County Campus: C-1761
- Larimer Campus: MA-552 (except Thursday 11/14 will be held in MA-207)
- Westminster Campus: B-0353
Everyone is invited to join the streaming sessions on each campus, and more information is available at AHG Virtual Session Schedule.
College Updates
VP Searches
Our searches for the college’s new vice presidents are progressing smoothly. Thank you to the many members of the FRCC community who have made time to participate in our interviews and open forums—we greatly appreciate your input on the candidates. Below are updates on the status of each search:
VP of Operations
- Campus interviews were completed last Friday. We are now reviewing campus feedback surveys on the candidates.
- Reference checking is nearly complete and background checks are complete.
- We expect to have a decision very soon on which candidate should receive an offer.
VP of Finance & Administration
- One of the three finalist campus interviews had to be rescheduled due to the arrival of a new baby. That interview is being conducted today.
- Reference checking is ongoing and background checks are complete.
VP of Strategy & Innovation
- The committee interviewed 11 candidates over Zoom.
- Three candidates have been selected for campus interviews—those will take place November 5 – 7.
- Reference checking is ongoing and background checks are being reviewed.
Leadership Update
As I continue my tenure at Front Range Community College, I am taking the time to reflect on our evolving needs as a leadership team. In year one, the Executive Director of Human Resources role was expanded to Vice President of Organizational Development and Human Resources to reflect focus on organizational development. In addition, our Vice President for Academic Affairs took on the role of Provost to acknowledge the position’s accountability for ensuring teaching and learning excellence.
This year, as part of my ongoing efforts to align leadership roles with FRCC’s long-term goals, I am pleased to announce the expansion of Lilian Clemente’s role from Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications to Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer (EVP + CCO). Effective November 1, 2024, this update reflects a new focus on communications and special projects that support the college.
In her expanded role, Lilian will serve as Chief of Staff, managing special projects, coordinating legislative efforts, and continuing to provide strategic leadership for our communications and marketing department. This decision ensures that our messaging remains aligned with FRCC’s mission and values while taking a budget-conscious approach by reallocating resources from an unfilled position within the President’s Office.
With more than 15 years of experience in higher education, Lilian has already made significant contributions to key projects at FRCC, including the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan RFP, the Facilities Operations & Planning Assessment DQ, elevating our in-service events, and enhancing our commencement branding experience. Please join me in congratulating Lilian. I look forward to her continued leadership at the college.
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to vote by November 5. I know this election is weighing on many of our minds, so please check out our election-related resources.
And remember: Our work changes lives. Regardless of what happens on November 5, we
will keep changing lives on November 6—and each day after that.
Thank you for all you do.
With Gratitude,
Colleen Simpson, EdD
President
