Colorado SunFest Pane: The State of Higher Education
The Colorado Sun welcomes thought leaders to Colorado Sunfest 2025, Friday, May 16th, 2025. Tickets available at coloradosun.com.
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When: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Where: SIE 1020 | The Forum
As public debate intensifies over the tangible value of a college degree, this panel will examine the challenges facing academic institutions today—from escalating costs and shifting job market demands to federal funding cuts and waning public support. Leaders from institutions across the state will explore how colleges and universities can navigate these pressures while upholding academic excellence, expanding accessibility, and sustaining their role as engines of innovation and opportunity in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
MODERATOR
Dr. Frederick ‘Fritz’ Mayer
dean of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver
Mayer’s research interests include international trade and economic globalization and the role of storytelling in politics and collective action. He has published two single-author books, four educational publications, and numerous articles and chapters. Dean Mayer is the chair of the Denver Council on Foreign Relations.
PANEL
Dr. Jeremy Haefner
Chancellor of the University of Denver
Dr. Jeremy Haefner is the 19th Chancellor of the University of Denver, bringing over three decades of leadership experience in higher education. Named Chancellor in 2019 by the Board of Trustees, he has built on DU’s strategic progress and is committed to preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives.
He has also held fellowships with the American Council on Education, the National Learning Infrastructure Institute, and the University of Murcia in Spain. A trained mathematician, his research in module theory has garnered support from agencies including the National Science Foundation and the National Security Agency.
Joe Garcia
Chancellor of Colorado Community College System
Joe Garcia is the Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System. Prior to his role at CCCS, Garcia served as President of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. From 2011 to 2016, he served as the Lt. Governor of Colorado and as the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
During his time as Lt. Governor, Garcia focused on increasing equity in outcomes for all students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds and communities of color. Garcia also served as President of Colorado State University-Pueblo from 2006 to 2010 and Pikes Peak State College from 2001 to 2006.
Dr. Manya Whitaker
INTERIM PRESIDENT OF COLORADO COLLEGE
Dr. Manya Whitaker’s two-year term as Interim President of Colorado College began last July 1.
She was previously Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, serving as an extension of and principal aide to the President. Dr. Whitaker is also a Professor of Education at CC and a developmental educational psychologist with expertise in adolescent identity formation and motivation.
She has authored four books and over 20 book chapters and articles focused on her research. Over 13 years at CC, her roles have also included Interim Director of the Butler Center, Director of the Crown Faculty Center, Director of Graduate Studies and Chair of Education. Dr. Whitaker is also an independent educational consultant and founder of Blueprint Educational Strategies. She supports minoritized and marginalized families in educational advocacy and partners with school districts and state education departments to help teachers and administrators deliver quality experiences to all learners and their families.
Join the conversation with on social media with the hashtag #SunFest2025.
