Opening Remarks and Student Panel
Presidents and student panelists will establish the tone of the summit, emphasizing the centrality of student voices in institutional decision-making.
Summit Goals
The summit serves as a collaborative effort between MSU Denver and the Community College of Denver to strengthen pathways for student transfer, enhance post-graduate outcomes and align institutional goals to address Colorado’s workforce needs.
Download the full Transfer Summit program (pdf).
Key Agenda Highlights
National Perspective
Insights from Josh Wyner (Aspen Institute) on trends in higher education and workforce alignment.
Innovative Models
Presentation by Jason Dodge (Partnership for Education Advancement) on effective transfer models, providing actionable frameworks for MSU Denver and CCD collaboration.
Concurrent Sessions
Focused discussions on transfer pathways, workforce development, and data utilization, led by institutional leaders and experts.
Joint Vision Statement Signing Ceremony
A public commitment by the Presidents to formalize goals and ensure accountability for ongoing collaboration and progress.
Expected Impact
Workforce Development: Both institutions will better align with state workforce demands, leveraging the C2 Hub and other initiatives to serve as a talent pipeline for Colorado.
Improved Student Success: Streamlined pathways for transfer students, leading to higher retention, graduation, and post-graduate success rates.
Institutional Reputation: Positioning MSU Denver and CCD as leaders in transfer innovation and collaborative higher education models.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to provide a high-quality, seamless experience for students shared by the Community College of Denver (CCD) and Metropolitan State University of Denver. To realize this vision, we will establish a transformative partnership between CCD and MSU Denver that is both an extension of best practices for public institutions across the country and an implementation of the vision that created our Auraria campus. The state of Colorado strategically placed the Community College of Denver and Metropolitan State University of Denver on the same physical campus to create a shared community.
This shared space and mission alignment allows our institutions to focus on efficiently delivering academic excellence and student support services, from non-credit offerings through bachelor’s degrees and beyond, that align to the labor market needs of our community. Our partnership aims to break down barriers to higher education and to empower students from diverse backgrounds to transition seamlessly between CCD and MSU Denver. Our joint goal is to foster a culture of academic excellence, inclusivity, and opportunity for Colorado students seeking economic mobility through higher education.
Agenda
2025 Program:
Download the Agenda (pdf).
| Breakfast and Attendee Check-In | 8:30-9:00am |
| Presidential Welcome & Transfer Student Panel | 9:00-9:45am |
| Background and Context | 9:45-11:45am | Description |
| National Trends by Josh Wyner of the Aspen Institute | 9:45am-10:45am | For over two decades, Josh Wyner has been dedicated to improving transfer student outcomes. Drawing on his work with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and the Aspen College Excellence Program, Josh will share research-based practices that lead to higher and more equitable levels of bachelor’s degree attainment among students who begin at community colleges and transfer to four-year universities. This session will highlight findings from two editions of the Transfer Playbook and Tracking Transfer (2016 and 2024/25), co-published by Aspen and the Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University. |
| Transfer Student Models by Jason Dodge of Partnership for Education Advancement | 11:00am-11:45am | Dr. Jason Dodge will explore innovative transfer student support models implemented at leading institutions nationwide. This session will focus on strategies to streamline transfer and transition processes, increase transfer enrollment, foster academic success, and strengthen partnerships between two- and four-year institutions. Attendees will gain actionable insights into designing tailored support systems that enhance the transfer experience while advancing institutional goals.
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| Lunch and Status of CCD + MSU Denver Partnership, feat. Peter Lindstrom & Matt Makley – Academic Affairs and Tina Garcia & Will Simpkins – Student Affairs | 11:45am-12:30pm |
| Break | 12:30pm-12:45pm |
| Concurrent Sessions: 12:45pm-2:00pm | Description |
| Topic Transfer and Cross Enrollment – Assembly Rooms, 105 & 107 | Led by Peter Lindstrom/Tina Garcia (CCD) and Shaun Schafer/Long Huynh (MSU Denver): The session has two main goals: the first is to develop a common understanding among participants of the current transfer experiences of our students and how those experiences impact key performance metrics of both CCD and MSU Denver; the second is to identify the ideal state the participants would like to create in order to develop a road map for improvement. |
| Career and Workforce – Bear Creek, Conference Room 110/113 | Led by Katrina Wert (CCD) and Adrienne Martinez (MSU Denver): This session explores the dynamic partnership between MSU Denver and the Community College of Denver, designed to create seamless pathways for student success and workforce readiness. By aligning academic programs with local industry needs and removing barriers to credential completion, this collaboration enhances retention and professional development opportunities for students from both institutions. Join us to cocreate innovative strategies that ensure a strong return on investment for students and a thriving talent pipeline for the region. |
| Data – 2nd Floor, Room 213 | Facilitated Discussion led by Jason Dodge of Partnership for Education Advancement: This session explores data-sharing agreements and collaborative practices between community colleges and universities to streamline the transfer process. With institutional research, registrar, admissions, and IT staff in mind, the session highlights strategies for minimizing administrative burdens on students while enhancing institutional efficiency. Participants will engage in discussions on creating seamless data-sharing frameworks to support transfer student success. |
| Senior Leadership – Assembly Room 109 | Facilitated by Discussion led by Josh Wyner of Aspen Institute: This session will include a brief presentation about the role of college leaders in improving the success of community college students in transfer and bachelor’s attainment, rooted in a decade of research into high-performing colleges and work with college leaders and teams. He will then answer questions and facilitate a conversation about the practical relevancy of those lessons to current and future transfer reforms being pursued by the Community College of Denver and its four-year partners. |
| Break | 2:00-2:15pm |
| Concurrent Sessions Leads Share Out & Action Plan | 2:15-3:00pm |
| Closing Remarks: President DeSanctis and President Davidson | 3:00-3:05pm |
| Joint Presidential Letter Signing | 3:05-3:15pm |
| Informal Networking & Summit Closure | 3:15-3:30pm |
****Senior Leadership Concurrent Session ends at 1:30pm
Biographies:
Download Presidential and Speakers Biographies (pdf).
Dr. Marielena DeSanctis is a distinguished leader in higher education, serving as President of the Community College of Denver (CCD). With over 26 years of experience in classroom instruction, curriculum development, instructional design, and leadership in both K-12 and higher education, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech. Her vision extends beyond traditional two-year institutions—she sees community colleges as leaders in innovation, redefining higher education for future generations.
Under her leadership, CCD prioritizes workforce-aligned education, equity in access, and student-centered learning. She has spearheaded partnerships with businesses and community organizations to provide students with real-world experience, strengthening connections between education and career opportunities.
A nationally recognized thought leader in education and workforce development, Dr. DeSanctis represented CCD at the White House’s Classroom to Career Summit, collaborating with national leaders to expand career pathways. Her leadership brings collaboration, inclusivity, and creating opportunities for all students.
Beyond her professional achievements, she is a dedicated advocate for lifelong learning and community engagement. As CCD’s President, she is committed to fostering an inclusive, empowering environment where every student can thrive, ensuring CCD remains a hub of academic excellence and workforce innovation.
Janine Davidson, Ph.D., has served as president of Metropolitan State University of Denver since 2017. She is a national thought leader in higher education, public service, U.S. foreign policy and national security.
Davidson’s administration has increased funding from the State of Colorado, grown the University’s endowment significantly, expanded online learning opportunities and improved financial aid and transfer experiences. In 2023, MSU Denver earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia for our long record of serving Latino students.
As President of Colorado’s third-largest public university, Davidson launched the University’s Classroom to Career Hub, connecting students with approximately 5,5000 workforce partners across 21 industries. She has also overseen the creation of the MSU Denver Health Institute – a collaboration of 10 academic departments in health-related fields that addresses state healthcare-industry shortages – and the Institute for Public Service, which is focused on inspiring, preparing, and enabling students to serve with an emphasis on careers in government and the nonprofit sector.
Davidson began her career as an Air Force officer and cargo pilot. She was a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Squadron Officer School and was the first woman to fly the Air Force’s tactical C-130. Prior to her time at MSU Denver, Davidson served as the 32nd undersecretary of the U.S. Navy, appointed by then-President Barack Obama.
She has taught at George Mason University, Georgetown University, Davidson College, and various professional military schools, and was an aviation and aerobatics flight instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy. She returned to the classroom in 2020 at MSU Denver, co-teaching a course on the philosophical and legal origins of freedom of speech in the United States.
Joshua Wyner is the founder and executive director of the College Excellence Program at the Aspen Institute, where he also serves as a vice president. CEP aims to advance college and university practices, policies, and leadership that significantly improve student outcomes, with a focus on students who are historically underserved in higher education.
Josh has spent the past three decades designing and building new organizations that promote talent development and social mobility. He has authored numerous publications about education, including a book, What Excellent Community Colleges Do: Preparing All Students for Success.
He has a B.A. from Vassar College, a MPA from Syracuse University, and a J.D. from New York University School of Law.
Dr. Jason Dodge serves as Associate Vice President of Services and Solutions at the Partnership for Education Advancement. In this role, he oversees and manages the strategic roadmap for enrollment management and student success-related services and solutions and provides subject matter expertise to cross-organization projects.
With 15 years of experience in higher education leadership at the community college and university level, Jason’s experience across the student lifecycle includes leading programs and units focused on student recruitment and admissions, marketing and communications, retention and graduation, and program operations.
Before joining Ed Advancement, Jason held positions at George Mason University and the University of Central Florida, focusing on strategic enrollment management and the development of cross-campus and cross-institutional coordinated student services networks.
Jason holds an M.Ed in Student Personnel in Higher Education and an Ed.D in Higher Education Administration & Policy, both from the University of Florida.
Concurrent Session Descriptions
View All Concurrent Sessions (pdf).
Address & Map
Hosted by Community College of Denver – Confluence Building, located nearest to Holly Parking Lot
800 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204
Anticipated Outcomes
1. Enhanced Collaboration
A strengthened sense of partnership and shared vision between institutions to better serve transfer students.
2. Actionable Strategies
Clear next steps and actionable goals for advancing transfer pathways, workforce alignment, and data-informed decision-making.
3. Community Buy-In
Engagement and commitment from senior leaders, faculty, staff, and community partners to carry forward the summit’s objectives.
4. Student-Centered Policies
Greater emphasis on reducing barriers for cross-enrollment and transfer students, with policies that prioritize efficiency and accessibility.
Summit Point of Contact
Brian Guerrero
Associate to the Vice President of Student Affairs, MSU Denver
Email: [email protected]