Carrie Besnette Hauser, the ninth president of Colorado Mountain College, has announced her plans to step down from her role in August.
Colorado Mountain College enrolls nearly 5,200 students across its 11 campuses located throughout Colorado’s central mountain region. Women represent 58 percent of the student body.
Dr. Hauser was named president of Colorado Mountain College in 2013, making her the college’s second woman president. During her tenure, she led the college through three strategic plans, numerous fundraising campaigns, an expansion of the college’s taxing district, and an official designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution from the United States Department of Education. Prior to her current role, she held leadership positions with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and the Daniels Fund. Her academic background includes appointments with the University of California Los Angeles, the University of Denver, and Colorado State University.
“Serving as president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” said Dr. Hauser. “Our team has accomplished so much on behalf of students and by delivering consistent value to the mountain communities that invest so heavily in CMC. Helping individuals from all backgrounds pursue their dreams while contributing to the economic vitality of our region and state has been incredibly fulfilling.”
Dr. Hauser received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. She holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of California, Los Angeles.