Denver, CO, USA – October, 2024 – Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) has named Dr. Audra Spicer as Provost and Chief Academic Officer, effective October 15, 2024. In her new role, Dr. Spicer will lead CSU Global’s academic strategy, program administration, curriculum development, and delivery, focusing on enhancing academic credibility, quality, and innovation.
Supporting CSU Global’s mission to help modern learners achieve academic and professional success in a global society through career-relevant education, Dr. Spicer will drive student return on investment and develop new credentialing pathways. Her efforts will align CSU Global’s curriculum with industry certifications and licensures, creating broader professional prospects for learners while meeting evolving industry and workforce needs.
Becky Takeda-Tinker, CSU Global President, expressed her confidence in Dr. Spicer’s appointment: “Dr. Spicer has demonstrated the vision, energy, and entrepreneurial acumen necessary to lead us into the future, continuing to provide the highest quality programs and services through efficient pathways that engage our post-traditional students, industry partners, and their dynamic needs. With Dr. Spicer at the helm of our academic offerings and learner-support processes, we will continue to provide learners in Colorado and beyond with access to courses, programs, and services that will facilitate their brighter futures in ever-evolving industries and the job market.”
Dr. Spicer has been part of CSU Global since 2012, serving in multiple roles. She stepped in as Provost in June 2023 and as Interim Chief Academic Officer in June 2024. Under her leadership, CSU Global has conducted employment surveys of undergraduate and graduate program completers, finding that over 90% of graduates are employed, with over 77% working in fields related to their studies. Additionally, depending on the program completed, undergraduates experienced salary increases of 4% to 58%, while graduates experienced increases ranging from 30% to 83%.
As Provost, Dr. Spicer has overseen the development of 11 new industry-relevant programs in fields such as healthcare management, information technology, finance, operations and supply chain management, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. These programs aim to prepare learners for emerging job opportunities.
With over a decade of experience at CSU Global, Dr. Spicer has consistently adapted to changes in the educational landscape. She earned her PhD and MA in English from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, her MA with distinction in Professional Writing from Northern Arizona University, and her MBA from Columbia Southern University.
“It is a privilege to continue to be a part of CSU Global’s journey, and I am eager to continue innovating to drive success for our students,” said Dr. Spicer. “I am deeply appreciative of the CSU Global faculty and staff and the positive impact we have on learners through our collective efforts. CSU Global is empowering our communities to achieve greater financial security, workplace advancement, and overall well-being. I look forward to leading the University’s academic programs forward with that mission at the heart of everything we do.”
Dr. Spicer’s appointment followed a comprehensive search process involving CSU Global academic and administrative leadership.
About Colorado State University Global:
Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) offers career-relevant bachelor’s and master’s degree programs tailored for working adults and post-traditional learners. As the first 100% online, institutionally accredited public university in the U.S., CSU Global prioritizes student success. Part of the Colorado State University System, CSU Global carries forward the land grant heritage, setting the standard for quality and innovation in higher education through expert faculty. It offers accelerated eight-week courses that begin every four weeks.
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