CU Boulder chancellor talks sustainability, funding, Coach Prime
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CU Boulder chancellor Justin Schwartz speaks at the Quantum Incubator on Jan. 15. Photo: Glenn J. Asakawa/University of Colorado
University of Colorado Boulder chancellor Justin Schwartz enters his second year with sharpened priorities: environmental sustainability and holistic student success.
Why it matters: Schwartz leads Colorado's largest university and Boulder's top employer during a time of rapid transition and political scrutiny.
Flashback: He was brought in from Penn State on a three-year contract last summer to replace Phil DiStefano, who retired after 15 years as chancellor.
What he's saying: In an interview with Axios Boulder, Schwartz said he aims to keep building on the momentum from a summer of sustainability projects.
- CU last week announced a $10 million gift to create the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education, which will help faculty and students integrate sustainability concepts into courses.
- In May, the school launched a program funded by Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy initiative to create startups focused on climate solutions.
- And last month, CU signed a deal with Pepsi to eliminate single-use plastics on campus.
Threat level: Schwartz said the school is monitoring funding cuts to higher education, Trump administration policy decisions and Colorado's upcoming special session.
- CU has also lost some science and research funding since President Trump took office, but Schwartz said it's less than he feared. At one point, 49 projects were impacted by cuts, but 16 have resumed.
- He added that CU's financial standing outpaces that of many other schools.
Between the lines: Another goal for CU this year is "holistic" student success, which includes opportunities and connections in the Boulder community.
- "Boulder is an exciting community, a resilient community, an entrepreneurial community, a welcoming community," Schwartz said.
- He told Axios Boulder that Sundance and Techstars' Foundercon could energize the campus and city much like Deion Sanders did upon his arrival.
- Speaking of Coach Prime, Schwartz thinks the Buffs are "going to surprise the heck out of the Big 12."
The bottom line: Schwartz said he hopes the school's efforts in areas like sustainability have a secondary impact on CU's surrounding community.
- On the flip side, he noted Boulder's challenges belong to CU, too, whether that be overcoming the COVID pandemic or faculty and students losing their homes in the Marshall Fire.
What's next: "We're so integrated in so many aspects of society," Schwartz said. "We're always going to be in the conversation when things happen ... But whatever comes next, we will deal with it by being grounded in our mission."