Robin Parent

Robin Parent (she/her) will serve as the university’s inaugural Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff. Her role has a dual focus on both advancing the university’s strategic goals and providing high-level support to the Chancellor, thereby ensuring a cohesive and inclusive vision across the institution. It combines leadership in fostering a strong community culture with the responsibility of driving operational excellence and change management. 

“This role is unique, which is something that attracted me in the first place,” she said. ” The blending of leadership and strategic planning with an ethos of culture and belonging elevates the values of inclusive excellence at the university.” 

Robin brings over two decades of experience in higher-education leadership to the position, with a strong focus on inclusive strategic planning, systemic change and fostering diverse coalitions, as well as a diverse background in faculty development, student engagement and curriculum innovation. She is deeply passionate about student success whether it is serving as an advisor for a multicultural sorority, leading a group of students on an alternative spring break trip to do community service in Cuba, supporting undergraduate and graduate student researchers in publishing and presenting, or through her teaching and advising. She is always looking for ways to improve the student experience and support individuals in the pursuit of success and excellence. 

“I’ve had the opportunity to live in many different locations, both in the U.S. and abroad, including while growing up,” she said. “Living and learning about new cultures, beliefs and geographies has always appealed to me. I’ve experienced how my differences have been accepted or not accepted, and I’ve been blessed to have many very positive experiences. I believe that these experiences have shaped how I see and engage with the world and have helped me to craft a lens of inclusion and belonging that guides my work.”

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the UCCS community and to being a part of leading and fostering transformative change that benefits the university and its future. On a more personal level, I’m looking forward to experiencing the great Colorado Springs outdoors (including acclimatizing to the altitude!) and being closer to family and friends.”