Former chair of CSU System board of governors to be confirmed post waiting period
In a pivotal announcement marking a significant shift in leadership, the board of governors of the Colorado State University System unveiled Armando Valdez as the solitary finalist for the president of CSU Pueblo. This move comes as the institution prepares for the imminent departure of outgoing President Timothy Mottet, set to step down on Dec. 31.
Mottet, who was named the university president in 2017, announced his intention to resign in May. At the time, a joint statement from the CSU System chancellor Tony Frank and Valdez, the former chair of the board of governors, credited Mottet with strengthening the school’s financial accountability, expanding private fundraising efforts and working to ensure student success.
Valdez’s appointment follows a national quest to determine an ideal candidate, culminating in a decision to select Valdez. A seasoned academic and former emeritus professor at Adams State University, Valdez presently serves as the state director for USDA-Rural Development in Colorado. He also is involved in managing Valdez Land & Livestock, LLC, a family-operated farm and ranch in Capulin, Colo.
“I have always admired the hard work, dedication and commitment of the faculty, staff and administrators of CSU Pueblo. Now, I get the opportunity to serve students and the community as part of their team.”
Armando Valdez
The Board’s choice of Valdez stems from his ties to Southern Colorado, an impassioned dedication to CSU Pueblo’s mission and his comprehensive understanding of the university’s challenges. John Fischer, the newly appointed chair of the CSU System board of governors, highlighted Valdez’s unwavering commitment to higher education, particularly for underrepresented students.
“Anyone who knows Armando knows how passionate he is about the transformative potential of higher education – especially for first-generation and hispanic students,” Fischer said. “Anyone who knows him knows how committed he is to the success of Southern Colorado and CSU Pueblo. And so, anyone who knows him would likely not be surprised to hear that during these reflections, Armando reached the decision to resign from the Board of Governors so that he could be interviewed and considered by the board for the role of CSU Pueblo president.”
Before resigning, a 14-member search committee brought forward three candidates who were interviewed by the board members. After members decided none of the candidates were a fit for the position, Valdez stepped down to be considered for the role. He was interviewed in a manner identical to the interviews of the initial candidates.
“In Armando, we have a solid leader who knows this campus and community really well, and is 100% invested in the future of Southern Colorado,” Frank said. “Above all, we heard from the Pueblo campus that they don’t want to lose momentum or continuity during the presidential transition. And, Armando will be able to step in on day one with the knowledge and experience to keep the campus on track and moving forward.”
In accordance with Colorado state law, a mandatory 14-day waiting period follows the announcement of a finalist before formal deliberations on employment arrangements. In mid-December, the board of governors will convene to deliberate on the formal appointment of Valdez as the president of CSU Pueblo.
Valdez’s career spans significant milestones, including a tenure at Adams State University, where he garnered recognition for his teaching prowess and contribution to various programs. Valdez has earned degrees from Colorado State University in business administration and an MBA, Valdez pursued a Doctorate of Philosophy in education and human resource studies.
Valdez’s engagement in community service and leadership roles within Conejos County adds to his qualifications beyond academics.
“I am tremendously excited about this unique opportunity,” Valdez said. “During my time on the board of governors, I have always admired the hard work, dedication and commitment of the faculty, staff and administrators of CSU Pueblo. Now, I get the opportunity to serve students and the community as part of their team.”
With Armando Valdez on the cusp of assuming the presidency. pending the board’s official endorsement, CSU Pueblo stands to name their 16th president, succeeding Timothy Mottet.
