Latest news with #UniversityOfDenver
CBS News
6 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
CommonSpirit Health supports Denver Pioneers athletes, encourages girls to explore careers in sports medicine
Dr. Jennell Kopp jokes that she's the "team mom" at the University of Denver. She brings an energy to the Denver Pioneers training room that makes her more than just your average team doctor. Kopp is a certified sports and family medicine doctor with CommonSpirit Health. She also works as the University of Denver Division of Athletics Medical Director, helping athletes in a number of different sports. As a woman working in a male-dominated field, Kopp says she has experienced a myriad of challenges. "I've had my parking spot given to me only because I was the doctor's wife, not the actual doctor," she said. However, she's found that being a "girl in the game" has given her an edge. "It does open up things," Kopp said. "I've had a lot of athletes feel more comfortable talking to me about eating disorders or mental health." The athletes she works with at DU say Kopp has a great presence in the training room. "You can literally come to her with anything," soccer player Samantha Dreiling said. Kopp tells CBS Colorado Sports Anchor Romi Bean she enjoys seeing the impact she has on athletes, especially female athletes. "It's been great because I've had multiple athletes (reach out to me and say) 'I didn't realize I could do that," Kopp said. "It's really inspiring and also really empowering because I can have conversations with her about her journey and how she got to where she is, and then she can also give me that advice as well," Drieling said, "Just seeing somebody in that position gives me the confidence that I can keep pursuing my dreams in the medical field." Common Spirit Health is partnering with CBS News Colorado on the second annual Girls in the Game event, taking place Aug. 16 at DU.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Sit, Stay, De-Stress: How Our Dogs Soothe Our Brains
In a 2022 survey of 3,000 U.S. adults, more than one-third of respondents reported that on most days, they feel 'completely overwhelmed' by stress. At the same time, a growing body of research is documenting the negative health consequences of higher stress levels, which include increased rates of cancer, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and even dementia. Assuming people's daily lives are unlikely to get less stressful anytime soon, we need simple and effective ways to mitigate these effects. This is where dogs can help. As researchers at the University of Denver's Institute for Human-Animal Connection, we study the effects animal companions have on their humans. Dozens of studies over the last 40 years have confirmed that pet dogs help humans feel more relaxed. This would explain the growing phenomenon of people relying on emotional support dogs to assist them in navigating everyday life. Dog owners have also been shown to have a 24 percent lower risk of death and a four times greater chance of surviving for at least a year after a heart attack. Now, a new study that we conducted with a team of colleagues suggests that dogs might have a deeper and more biologically complex effect on humans than scientists previously believed. And this complexity may have profound implications for human health. How stress works The human response to stress is a finely tuned and coordinated set of various physiological pathways. Previous studies of the effects of dogs on human stress focused on just one pathway at a time. For our study, we zoomed out a bit and measured multiple biological indicators of the body's state, or biomarkers, from both of the body's major stress pathways. This allowed us to get a more complete picture of how a dog's presence affects stress in the human body. The stress pathways we measured are the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, or HPA, axis and the sympathoadrenal medullary, or SAM, axis. When a person experiences a stressful event, the SAM axis acts quickly, triggering a 'fight or flight' response that includes a surge of adrenaline, leading to a burst of energy that helps us meet threats. This response can be measured through an enzyme called alpha-amylase. At the same time, but a little more slowly, the HPA axis activates the adrenal glands to produce the hormone cortisol. This can help a person meet threats that might last for hours or even days. If everything goes well, when the danger ends, both axes settle down, and the body goes back to its calm state. While stress can be an uncomfortable feeling, it has been important to human survival. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors had to respond effectively to acute stress events like an animal attack. In such instances, over-responding could be as ineffective as under-responding. Staying in an optimal stress response zone maximized humans' chances of survival. More to the story After cortisol is released by the adrenal glands, it eventually makes its way into your saliva, making it an easily accessible biomarker to track responses. Because of this, most research on dogs and stress has focused on salivary cortisol alone. For example, several studies have found that people exposed to a stressful situation have a lower cortisol response if they're with a dog than if they're alone — even lower than if they're with a friend. While these studies have shown that having a dog nearby can lower cortisol levels during a stressful event, suggesting the person is calmer, we suspected that was just part of the story. What our study measured For our study, we recruited about 40 dog owners to participate in a 15-minute gold standard laboratory stress test. This involves public speaking and oral math in front of a panel of expressionless people posing as behavioral specialists. The participants were randomly assigned to bring their dogs to the lab with them or to leave their dogs at home. We measured cortisol in blood samples taken before, immediately after, and about 45 minutes following the test as a biomarker of HPA axis activity. And unlike previous studies, we also measured the enzyme alpha-amylase in the same blood samples as a biomarker of the SAM axis. As expected based on previous studies, the people who had their dog with them showed lower cortisol spikes. But we also found that people with their dog experienced a clear spike of alpha-amylase, while those without their dog showed almost no response. No response may sound like a good thing, but in fact, a flat alpha-amylase response can be a sign of a dysregulated response to stress, often seen in people experiencing high stress responses, chronic stress, or even PTSD. This lack of response is caused by chronic or overwhelming stress that can change how our nervous system responds to stressors. In contrast, the participants with their dogs had a more balanced response: Their cortisol didn't spike too high, but their alpha-amylase still activated. This shows that they were alert and engaged throughout the test, then able to return to normal within 45 minutes. That's the sweet spot for handling stress effectively. Our research suggests that our canine companions keep us in a healthy zone of stress response. Dogs and human health This more nuanced understanding of the biological effects of dogs on the human stress response opens up exciting possibilities. Based on the results of our study, our team has begun a new study using thousands of biomarkers to delve deeper into the biology of how psychiatric service dogs reduce PTSD in military veterans. But one thing is already clear: Dogs aren't just good company. They might just be one of the most accessible and effective tools for staying healthy in a stressful world. Kevin Morris is a research professor of social work at University of Denver. Jaci Gandenberger is a research associate at University of Denver. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The post Sit, Stay, De-Stress: How Our Dogs Soothe Our Brains appeared first on Katie Couric Media. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dogs are helping people regulate stress even more than expected, research shows
In a 2022 survey of 3,000 U.S. adults, more than one-third of respondents reported that on most days, they feel 'completely overwhelmed' by stress. At the same time, a growing body of research is documenting the negative health consequences of higher stress levels, which include increased rates of cancer, heart disease, autoimmune conditions and even dementia. Assuming people's daily lives are unlikely to get less stressful anytime soon, simple and effective ways to mitigate these effects are needed. This is where dogs can help. As researchers at the University of Denver's Institute for Human-Animal Connection, we study the effects animal companions have on their humans. Dozens of studies over the last 40 years have confirmed that pet dogs help humans feel more relaxed. This would explain the growing phenomenon of people relying on emotional support dogs to assist them in navigating everyday life. Dog owners have also been shown to have a 24% lower risk of death and a four times greater chance of surviving for at least a year after a heart attack. Now, a new study that we conducted with a team of colleagues suggests that dogs might have a deeper and more biologically complex effect on humans than scientists previously believed. And this complexity may have profound implications for human health. How stress works The human response to stress is a finely tuned and coordinated set of various physiological pathways. Previous studies of the effects of dogs on human stress focused on just one pathway at a time. For our study, we zoomed out a bit and measured multiple biological indicators of the body's state, or biomarkers, from both of the body's major stress pathways. This allowed us to get a more complete picture of how a dog's presence affects stress in the human body. The stress pathways we measured are the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal, or HPA, axis and the sympathoadrenal medullary, or SAM, axis. When a person experiences a stressful event, the SAM axis acts quickly, triggering a 'fight or flight' response that includes a surge of adrenaline, leading to a burst of energy that helps us meet threats. This response can be measured through an enzyme called alpha-amylase. At the same time, but a little more slowly, the HPA axis activates the adrenal glands to produce the hormone cortisol. This can help a person meet threats that might last for hours or even days. If everything goes well, when the danger ends, both axes settle down, and the body goes back to its calm state. While stress can be an uncomfortable feeling, it has been important to human survival. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors had to respond effectively to acute stress events like an animal attack. In such instances, over-responding could be as ineffective as under-responding. Staying in an optimal stress response zone maximized humans' chances of survival. More to the story After cortisol is released by the adrenal glands, it eventually makes its way into your saliva, making it an easily accessible biomarker to track responses. Because of this, most research on dogs and stress has focused on salivary cortisol alone. For example, several studies have found that people exposed to a stressful situation have a lower cortisol response if they're with a dog than if they're alone – even lower than if they're with a friend. While these studies have shown that having a dog nearby can lower cortisol levels during a stressful event, suggesting the person is calmer, we suspected that was just part of the story. What our study measured For our study, we recruited about 40 dog owners to participate in a 15-minute gold standard laboratory stress test. This involves public speaking and oral math in front of a panel of expressionless people posing as behavioral specialists. The participants were randomly assigned to bring their dogs to the lab with them or to leave their dogs at home. We measured cortisol in blood samples taken before, immediately after and about 45 minutes following the test as a biomarker of HPA axis activity. And unlike previous studies, we also measured the enzyme alpha-amylase in the same blood samples as a biomarker of the SAM axis. As expected based on previous studies, the people who had their dog with them showed lower cortisol spikes. But we also found that people with their dog experienced a clear spike of alpha-amylase, while those without their dog showed almost no response. No response may sound like a good thing, but in fact, a flat alpha-amylase response can be a sign of a dysregulated response to stress, often seen in people experiencing high stress responses, chronic stress or even PTSD. This lack of response is caused by chronic or overwhelming stress that can change how our nervous system responds to stressors. In contrast, the participants with their dogs had a more balanced response: Their cortisol didn't spike too high, but their alpha-amylase still activated. This shows that they were alert and engaged throughout the test, then able to return to normal within 45 minutes. That's the sweet spot for handling stress effectively. Our research suggests that our canine companions keep us in a healthy zone of stress response. Dogs and human health This more nuanced understanding of the biological effects of dogs on the human stress response opens up exciting possibilities. Based on the results of our study, our team has begun a new study using thousands of biomarkers to delve deeper into the biology of how psychiatric service dogs reduce PTSD in military veterans. But one thing is already clear: Dogs aren't just good company. They might just be one of the most accessible and effective tools for staying healthy in a stressful world. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Kevin Morris, University of Denver and Jaci Gandenberger, University of Denver Read more: Service dogs can help veterans with PTSD – growing evidence shows they may reduce anxiety in practical ways Lending a helping paw: Dogs will aid their crying human Therapy dogs help students cope with the stress of college life Kevin Morris receives funding for this research from the Morris Animal Foundation, the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, and the University of Denver. Jaci Gandenberger receives funding from the University of Denver to support this research. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
People Who Regret Their Divorce Wish They'd Known These Things Sooner
Divorce is one of those life-altering events that can leave you feeling like you're navigating uncharted territory. While some people find liberation on the other side, others look back with regret, wishing they'd considered certain things before signing the papers. If you're contemplating divorce or simply curious about its potential pitfalls, it might be helpful to know what some wish they had understood earlier. Here are fifteen insights that people who regret their divorce wish they'd known sooner. Hopefully, these reflections can provide some clarity if you find yourself on the fence. When you're in a tough marriage, it's natural to wonder if life would be better on your own or with someone else. However, many who have gone through a divorce find that the challenges of single life or new relationships aren't necessarily an improvement. According to a study by Dr. Scott Stanley at the University of Denver, some divorced people report finding themselves in similar or even worse situations post-divorce. The reality is, if underlying personal issues aren't addressed, they usually follow you into the next relationship or chapter of your life. So, before making a leap, it's worthwhile to evaluate whether the problems you're facing might persist outside the marriage. The allure of starting fresh can sometimes blind you to the stability and companionship you already have. It's easy to romanticize the idea of a new beginning, but the reality can be far less appealing when faced with the loneliness and financial strains that often accompany divorce. People sometimes regret not investing the same energy in improving their marriages as they do in pursuing new relationships. Addressing the root causes of your unhappiness might be more fruitful than uprooting your life entirely. After all, new beginnings can come from working through challenges, not just walking away from them. One of the harsh realities of divorce is the financial burden it can impose. Many don't realize the extent to which their finances will be affected until they're knee-deep in bills and legal fees. Splitting assets, paying for attorneys, and supporting two separate households can quickly drain your resources. Some people find themselves having to significantly downsize their lifestyle, which can add to the stress of an already difficult situation. If you think your financial troubles will disappear with the end of your marriage, it's crucial to reconsider. Before filing for divorce, taking an in-depth look at your finances is crucial. It might be beneficial to consult a financial advisor to understand the full impact of a potential split. Many regret not developing a comprehensive financial plan before proceeding with a divorce. Awareness and preparation can help mitigate unexpected financial downfalls. Remember, divorce doesn't just sever personal ties; it divides everything, including your financial stability. While most anticipate some level of emotional distress during a divorce, few expect just how overwhelming it can be. The end of a relationship can feel like a loss, and grief is often part of the process. Dr. Judith Wallerstein, a renowned psychologist, noted in her research that many divorced people experience prolonged emotional turmoil long after the legal proceedings are over. This isn't just about missing your ex; it's also about the life you planned together that no longer exists. Understanding the emotional weight can help you prepare or reconsider your decision. Even the most amicable divorces can leave lasting emotional scars. People often underestimate how much time and effort it will take to heal and move on. The feelings of failure, rejection, or guilt can be persistent and challenging. Therapy or support groups can be valuable resources during this time, offering strategies to cope with the emotional upheaval. Addressing these feelings head-on can make a significant difference in your recovery process. Many people go into a divorce believing that their children will quickly adjust or that the separation might even be better for them in the long run. However, countless parents are taken aback by the depth of their children's emotional responses. Kids, no matter their age, can struggle with the changes in their family dynamics and the sense of security they lose. The transition can affect their academic performance, social relationships, and mental health. Parents often realize too late that open communication and reassurance are vital throughout the process. Understanding your child's perspective and emotions is crucial before making any decisions. It's not just about ensuring that they feel loved but also about managing their expectations and helping them to voice their feelings. Many parents regret not seeking family counseling or child therapy to ease their children through the transition. Supporting them and addressing their concerns is essential, as ignoring their needs can result in long-term issues. A divorce affects the entire family, and acknowledging this can help minimize the fallout for your kids. Post-divorce, many people find that co-parenting presents a new set of challenges they hadn't fully anticipated. While the idea of shared parenting might seem straightforward, the reality can be far more complex and emotionally taxing. As noted by family therapist Dr. Debra Castaldo, effective co-parenting requires a level of cooperation and communication that wasn't always necessary or present during the marriage. Conflicting schedules, parenting styles, and new partners can all complicate matters further. Successfully co-parenting often demands more collaboration than some initially expect. The logistics of co-parenting can also become a constant source of tension. From negotiating holidays to everyday pick-ups and drop-offs, the coordination required can be exhausting. Many regret not having ironed out these details before the divorce was finalized. Setting clear guidelines and boundaries can prevent misunderstandings and reduce conflict. Remember, for the sake of your children, it's crucial to keep personal grievances separate from parenting responsibilities. One of the stark realities post-divorce is the loneliness that can creep in, especially if you were in a long-term marriage. The absence of a daily companion can hit hard, even if the relationship was strained. Some people find themselves missing the mundane aspects of married life—the shared dinners, the inside jokes, or even the familiar arguments. This sense of loneliness can be more profound than anticipated and often overlooked during the decision-making process. It's important to consider whether you're prepared for this potential outcome. For those who didn't develop a strong social network outside of the marriage, this loneliness can feel even more pronounced. Rebuilding a social life takes time and effort, and the transition can be daunting. Many regret not nurturing friendships and hobbies while they were married, which could have provided support during this period. Finding new ways to connect with others can help alleviate some of the loneliness. Taking proactive steps to build a community around you can be crucial in combating post-divorce isolation. Despite modern society's acceptance of divorce, some people are still taken aback by the stigma and judgment they encounter. Friends and family, who might have seemed supportive, sometimes express unexpected criticism or disappointment. According to a study led by sociologist Dr. Elizabeth Hughes, societal attitudes toward divorce still carry a degree of negativity that can affect those going through the process. The judgment of others can feel like an additional burden when you're already dealing with your own emotions. Being prepared for potential backlash can help you navigate this aspect more smoothly. Learning to deal with this external pressure involves developing a thick skin and finding sources of support. Close friends, family, or support groups can be invaluable in helping you focus on your well-being rather than external opinions. Many regret not surrounding themselves with positive influences during this difficult time. Remember, other people's judgments are often based on their own biases and experiences and don't define your reality. Keeping this perspective can help mitigate the impact of unwarranted criticism. Moving on from a divorce isn't as simple as signing papers and starting over. The healing process is complex and can take much longer than people initially expect. Emotional wounds don't just vanish overnight, and the baggage from a marriage can linger if not addressed. Finding closure and peace requires actively working through your emotions, which can be daunting. The importance of giving yourself time to heal cannot be overstated. Many find that therapy or counseling provides invaluable tools for processing emotions and developing coping strategies. Engaging in self-reflection and personal growth can turn what feels like an ending into a transformative experience. However, this journey is rarely linear, and setbacks are normal, which can be frustrating. Patience with yourself and the process is key to finding a new sense of balance. Those who have navigated this path often emphasize the value of focusing on self-care and personal development during this tumultuous time. Jumping into a new relationship might seem like an enticing way to move on from divorce, but it rarely works as a quick fix. Many people discover that the issues they faced in their marriage resurface in new relationships if they haven't been resolved. It's tempting to believe that someone new could fill the void left by an ex, but relying on another person for happiness is a risky venture. This can lead to a cycle of repeating past mistakes and experiencing similar frustrations. Understanding that no relationship is without challenges is a crucial lesson for those emerging from a divorce. Before entering a new relationship, it's vital to ensure you're doing so for the right reasons. Emotional readiness is key to building a healthy and lasting partnership. Taking the time to identify and work on personal issues can lead to more fulfilling relationships in the future. Many regret not allowing themselves the time and space to heal fully before diving into dating again. Acknowledging and addressing your past can pave the way for a healthier and happier future with someone new. While divorce is often seen as an end, it can also be a catalyst for personal growth. Many people find that the challenges of divorce push them to reassess their priorities and rediscover themselves. This period of introspection can lead to significant personal development if approached with an open mind. Embracing new opportunities and exploring interests that were previously set aside can be incredibly rewarding. Understanding that growth can come from adversity might shift your perspective on the situation. Focusing on self-improvement can also help build confidence and independence. This newfound strength can become a solid foundation for future relationships and endeavors. Those who regret their divorce often wish they had recognized the potential for growth sooner and embraced it more fully. The journey isn't always straightforward, but the personal rewards can be substantial. Taking the time to invest in yourself can turn a seemingly negative experience into a powerful source of transformation. During a divorce, it's easy to become isolated, but many people eventually realize how crucial a support network is. Friends and family can provide emotional support, practical help, and even a sense of normalcy during a chaotic time. Reaching out to those you trust can make a significant difference in how you cope with the divorce process. Unfortunately, some people only recognize the importance of this support after they've gone through the toughest parts alone. Building and leaning on these connections can help mitigate some of the stress and loneliness you might face. However, it's important to choose your confidants wisely. Sharing too much with people who are more interested in gossip than offering genuine support can backfire. Those who have been through a divorce often regret not being more selective about whom they confided in. Taking the time to identify who truly has your best interests at heart can provide a more solid foundation of support. Remember, true friends will stand by you, offering encouragement and assistance when you need it most. Many people underestimate the toll that legal proceedings can take during a divorce. The drawn-out process of negotiations and court appearances can be both financially and emotionally exhausting. People often find themselves caught in a cycle of lawyers' fees and endless discussions over assets and custody. This aspect of divorce can become an all-consuming drain on your energy and resources. Understanding the potential for this drain can help set more realistic expectations and encourage seeking ways to minimize conflict through mediation or collaborative divorce approaches. The adversarial nature of legal proceedings can sometimes exacerbate tensions, making the divorce more acrimonious than necessary. Some regret not seeking alternative dispute resolution methods that prioritize cooperation over conflict. This realization often comes too late, after the damage has been done. Exploring all available options and fully understanding the implications of the legal process can lead to a more amicable and less stressful divorce. Being informed and prepared can help you navigate the legal landscape more effectively, preserving both your sanity and your finances. In the wake of a divorce, setting clear boundaries becomes crucial as you redefine your relationship with your ex. Without these boundaries, old patterns and conflicts can easily resurface, making it difficult to move forward. Establishing what is acceptable and what is not can prevent misunderstandings and reduce unnecessary drama. Those who regret their divorce often wish they had been more proactive in setting and maintaining these boundaries from the start. Having these guidelines in place can help facilitate a smoother transition for everyone involved. Boundaries aren't just about limiting negative interactions; they're also about creating space for healing and growth. Whether it's deciding on communication methods or how to handle shared responsibilities, clarity is essential. Taking the time to articulate and enforce these boundaries can provide a sense of control over an otherwise tumultuous situation. The goal is to minimize stress and create a framework where both parties can move forward positively. Respecting and upholding these boundaries can lead to improved relationships and personal well-being post-divorce. After years of being part of a couple, finding your individual identity again isn't always easy. Many people underestimate how intertwined their personal identity has become with their marriage, and rediscovering who you are can take time and effort. This journey of self-discovery can be both enlightening and challenging, as you explore interests and passions that might have been set aside. Understanding that this process is gradual can alleviate some of the pressure to immediately "have it all figured out." Those who wish they'd known this sooner often say they would have been more patient and compassionate with themselves. Embracing this phase as an opportunity rather than an obligation can make a significant difference. Trying new activities, meeting new people, or even traveling can be part of this reawakening. Many regret not taking advantage of this period to experiment and explore. Allowing yourself the freedom to grow and change can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life post-divorce. This rediscovery process can ultimately provide a stronger sense of self and a clearer direction for the future. One of the most impactful realizations is that acceptance is crucial for moving on after a divorce. Holding onto anger, guilt, or resentment can keep you stuck in the past, preventing you from embracing the future. Acceptance doesn't mean you're happy about what happened, but rather that you acknowledge the situation and are ready to move forward. Many people who regret their divorce find that letting go of these negative emotions was the turning point in their healing journey. Accepting the end of a marriage can open doors to new beginnings and possibilities. Reaching this state of acceptance often requires time, reflection, and, sometimes, professional support. It's about making peace with what was and finding gratitude in what is and what could be. Those who have navigated this transition successfully often speak of the relief and clarity that acceptance brought them. This mindset can lead to more positive experiences and relationships in the future. The journey toward acceptance might be challenging, but its rewards can be profound and liberating.
Forbes
03-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
University Of Denver Faculty Cast No-Confidence Vote In Chancellor
Faculty at the University of Denver have cast a vote of no-confidence in Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. Faculty members at the University of Denver have voted that they have no confidence in Chancellor Jeremy Haefner, according to The Denver Post, which first reported the results of the vote on Wednesday. A total of 822 full-time faculty were eligible to vote anonymously on the no-confidence question in an online poll conducted between June 12 and 26, according to the Post, citing former DU Faculty Senate President Dean Saitta. Saitta had previously stepped down from that position out of his concerns about the wisdom of a no-confidnce vote. Seventy percent of eligible faculty participated, with 56% voting in favor of the no-confidence resolution, while 37% voted against it, and 7% abstained. Over the course of the year, several department chairs and faculty in some of DU's individual colleges had also passed no-confidence votes against the chancellor. And on June 4, the DU Faculty Senate voted to support a motion of no confidence in Haefner, citing misguided financial priorities, lack of a shared vision, and top-down decision making as justifications. Of the 83 senators submitting votes at the June meeting, 58% voted yes, 35% voted no and 7% abstained, according to The Denver Clarion, DU's student newspaper. That senate motion set the stage for conducting the online vote on whether the full faculty had confidence in the chancellor. The University of Denver has faced a recent financial deficit, due, in part, to declining enrollment, forcing it to make budget cuts and lay off staff; and the faculty vote sounds a familiar refrain heard in many no-confidence votes against college presidents. In our forthcoming book No-Confidence: When College Faculty Turn Against Their Presidents, Chuck Ambrose and I found that while the reasons for no-confidence votes vary from institution to institution, one of the most common scenarios is faculty displeasure with academic restructuring and budget reductions directed by campus heads. Throughout the process, the DU Board of Trustees has voiced its strong support for Haefner. For example, it presented a statement at the June 5 meeting of the Faculty Senate, offering several examples of 'why Chancellor Haefner has earned the full support of the Board of Trustees, and it unanimously passed a resolution affirming its "full, unwavering, and public confidence in Jeremy Haefner as chancellor, recognizing his integrity, strategic acumen, and dedication to the University's mission and values." Citing the challenging times that higher education is facing, the Board said that DU needed 'strategic, passionate leaders capable and willing to make difficult decisions that best benefit the University, its students, faculty, and staff, and empower the institution to achieve its mission. This is precisely what we've seen, and continue to see, from Chancellor Haefner. We remain highly confident he is the exact right leader to usher DU through the challenges we face and guide our University forward.' The Board also voiced its concerns to the faculty senate about the harm to the university that a no-confidence vote could cause. "Such a vote can disrupt our campus community, distract us from our primary mission of serving our students, and wreak havoc on our public reputation. At a time when we are already struggling with enrollment challenges given the headwinds facing higher education, this is not a benign influence." The Board also said it was committed to "shared governance, and to even greater transparency and collaboration with you, our faculty leaders, and all in the DU community. As a case in point, the Board is moving to formalize the faculty-trustee liaison committee recently proposed by Faculty Senate Chair Dean Saitta." Despite those appeals, the trustees failed to dissuade the majority of faculty who took part in the poll from voting no confidence in Haefner's leadership. DU spokesperson Jon Stone told the Post that the Board of Trustees 'maintains its unanimous support of and trust in Chancellor Jeremy Haefner.' 'The recent vote by members of the faculty signifies how deeply they care about the university's future during one of the most challenging times in the history of higher education,' Stone said in a statement. '…The chancellor and board are committed to working with all faculty, staff and students to ensure a strong and enduring future for the university. ' Haefner, a mathematician by training, was named DU's 19th chancellor in 2019. He had previously served as the univeersity's provost and executive vice chancellor. Prior to that, he had been provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Rochester Institute of Technology and dean of engineering and applied science, associate vice chancellor for research and dean of the graduate school at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. According to the Post, Haefner sent a message to the campus following the vote, expressing his commitment to 'engage with the community, to listen and to work collaboratively and constructively to make the university stronger, especially given the many challenges that institutions across the country are currently facing.'
