Joyce McConnel, will take over the role of president of Colorado State University starting on July 1st, 2019 – making her the FIRST female president in the university’s 150 year history. McConnel signed a 5 year contract & will be earning a base salary of $550,00.
The univeristy has been searching for the new president since Tony Frank announced his resignation and accepted the position of full time chancellor – which is just a fancy word for the executive or ceremonial head of the university. Tony Frank has been president of the unveristy since 2008.
And while we will all miss Tony Frank and his long (very very long) emails, I am excited for the new doors that will open at Colorado State.
Now, you’re probably wondering why this is such a big deal?
Majority of college students are women, 56.6% to be eaxact & this has been true since 1978. But the percentage of female university presidents? 30%. That means 70% of university presdients are men. (USA Today, 2017).
Colorado State electing a female president is a huge step in female equality in the workforce, especially in high leadership positions. The university will be able to have a different perspective, one that it has not seen before, and hopefully continue to flourish and grow.
And although, I gradudate in May, I am excited for the university & all that McConnel will accomplish.