Leadership Overview
CU Denver has 10 executives leading key functions including strategic planning, operational management, human resources, advancement, and student leadership.
Committed to fostering global academic excellence, CU Denver provides comprehensive English language training and support services to international students, ensuring successful integration into the university community and long-term academic achievement.
Committed to fostering global academic excellence, CU Denver provides comprehensive English language training and support services to international students, ensuring successful integration into the university community and long-term academic achievement.
Leadership Roles at CU Denver
Lori Frias - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Lori Frias, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at CU Denver, manages the daily administrative functions and infrastructure supporting the English as a Second Language Academy. Overseeing facility operations and service delivery, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that international students receive world-class support in a downtown environment. This role involves optimizing internal processes to maintain small class sizes and personalized attention for learners from over 130 countries. By streamlining operational workflows, Lori Frias directly supports the academy's mission of academic success and cultural integration. Frias coordinates with various departments to ensure that all campus amenities and resources remain accessible, ultimately driving the operational excellence required to sustain the academy's reputation as a premier destination for language acquisition.
Jigna Chaudhary - Founder & President
Jigna Chaudhary, the Founder & President at CU Denver, establishes the core vision and academic framework for the English as a Second Language Academy. Overseeing the initial design of language programs, the Founder & President ensures that the curriculum meets the specific needs of international students preparing for university life. This leadership role involves setting the strategic direction for the academy and maintaining high standards of academic excellence. By championing the importance of language fluency, Jigna Chaudhary directly impacts the success of students from over 130 countries. Chaudhary collaborates with university leadership to integrate the academy into the broader campus ecosystem, ensuring that the institution remains a vital resource for students seeking to enhance their English proficiency and achieve their academic goals.
Raya Castronovo - President Alpha Phi Sigma
Raya Castronovo, the President Alpha Phi Sigma at CU Denver, directs student-led initiatives focused on academic honor and professional development within the criminal justice discipline. Overseeing chapter activities, the President Alpha Phi Sigma ensures that members engage in meaningful research and community service projects. This leadership role involves facilitating networking opportunities that connect students with industry professionals, thereby enhancing career readiness. By promoting academic integrity and excellence, Raya Castronovo directly impacts the student experience and the reputation of the department. Castronovo coordinates with faculty advisors to align chapter goals with the university's mission, ensuring that members receive the support necessary to excel in their studies and transition successfully into their professional careers after graduation.
Zachary Carandang - President - Chi Sigma Iota - Beta Alpha Omega Chapter
Zachary Carandang, the President - Chi Sigma Iota - Beta Alpha Omega Chapter at CU Denver, directs the activities of the counseling honor society. Overseeing member engagement and professional development workshops, the President - Chi Sigma Iota - Beta Alpha Omega Chapter ensures that students in the counseling program receive adequate support and training. This leadership role involves organizing events that promote excellence in counseling practice and research. By fostering a community of scholars, Zachary Carandang directly impacts the professional growth of counseling students. Carandang collaborates with department faculty to ensure that chapter initiatives align with the university's commitment to academic success and service, ultimately preparing members to provide high-quality care in their future clinical roles within the broader community.
Scott Hammer - President - Gamma Iota Sigma Beta Mu
Scott Hammer, the President - Gamma Iota Sigma Beta Mu at CU Denver, directs the student organization focused on risk management and insurance education. Overseeing industry outreach and professional networking events, the President - Gamma Iota Sigma Beta Mu ensures that students gain exposure to real-world business challenges. This leadership role involves connecting members with corporate partners to facilitate internships and career placement. By promoting professional development, Scott Hammer directly impacts the career trajectories of students within the business school. Hammer coordinates with industry leaders to provide valuable insights and resources, ensuring that the chapter remains a hub for academic and professional growth while contributing to the overall success of the university's business programs.
Varunavi Battula - President, Co, Cu Dental Club (Denver)
Varunavi Battula, the President, Co, Cu Dental Club (Denver) at CU Denver, directs student activities aimed at exploring the field of dentistry. Overseeing educational seminars and community service projects, the President, Co, Cu Dental Club (Denver) ensures that members gain a comprehensive understanding of dental health and practice. This leadership role involves organizing workshops that prepare students for the rigors of dental school applications and clinical training. By fostering a collaborative environment, Varunavi Battula directly impacts the academic preparation of aspiring dental professionals. Battula coordinates with local dental practitioners to provide mentorship and guidance, ensuring that the club serves as a vital resource for students navigating their path toward a career in the dental health industry.
Julia Kim - Class President
Julia Kim, the Class President at CU Denver, directs student advocacy efforts and represents the interests of the student body to university administration. Overseeing class events and communication channels, the Class President ensures that student concerns receive attention and that campus life remains vibrant. This leadership role involves facilitating dialogue between students and faculty to improve the overall academic experience. By promoting student engagement, Julia Kim directly impacts the campus culture and the sense of community among learners. Kim coordinates with various student organizations to organize initiatives that support academic success and social integration, ensuring that the student voice remains a central component of the university's decision-making processes and long-term strategic planning.
Daniel Maxey - Strategic Initiatives Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff
Daniel Maxey, the Strategic Initiatives Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff at CU Denver, directs the implementation of high-level institutional goals. Overseeing cross-departmental alignment, the Strategic Initiatives Vice Chancellor & Chief of Staff ensures that academic programs remain competitive within the global education market. This leadership role involves coordinating with university stakeholders to refine the curriculum for international students, thereby enhancing the overall student experience. By managing complex projects and resource allocation, Daniel Maxey directly impacts the operational efficiency of the academy. Maxey maintains a focus on long-term growth, ensuring that the institution meets the evolving needs of a diverse, international student body while upholding the rigorous standards of the University of Colorado Denver system.
Kenny Nelson - Chief Human Resources Officer & Associate & Vice Chancellor
Kenny Nelson, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Associate & Vice Chancellor at CU Denver, directs talent acquisition and organizational development for the academic staff. Overseeing faculty recruitment and professional development, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Associate & Vice Chancellor ensures that the academy maintains a high standard of instructional quality. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive workplace culture that supports the diverse needs of international students. By implementing strategic staffing initiatives, Kenny Nelson directly impacts the quality of education provided within the English as a Second Language Academy. Nelson manages personnel policies and performance metrics to align staff efforts with the broader institutional goals of the university, ensuring that the workforce remains equipped to handle the complexities of a globalized educational environment.
Tina Schlichte - Advancement Strategy & Engagement Chief of Staff
Tina Schlichte, the Advancement Strategy & Engagement Chief of Staff at CU Denver, architects outreach programs to strengthen the academy's market presence. Overseeing external partnerships and community engagement, the Advancement Strategy & Engagement Chief of Staff ensures that the institution remains connected to broader educational networks. This role involves developing communication strategies that highlight the benefits of the English as a Second Language Academy to prospective international students. By cultivating relationships with global partners, Tina Schlichte directly impacts the recruitment pipeline and the academy's visibility. Schlichte coordinates with leadership to align engagement efforts with the university's mission, ensuring that the academy continues to attract a diverse student population while fostering a supportive environment for academic and cultural growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CU Denver Top Executives and Leadership Team
