Colorado State University has selected Joyce McConnell as its first female president, pending approval from the university’s governing board.
McConnell, who would replace outgoing president Tony Frank, currently serves as provost and vice president for academic affairs at West Virginia University (WVU).
Throughout her time at WVU, McConnell spearheaded efforts to advance gender equity at the school, focused on increasing faculty salaries and promoted diversity and inclusion, Colorado State officials said.
McConnell earned a bachelor’s degree from The Evergreen State College, a Master of Laws from the Georgetown University Law Center and a J.D. from Antioch School of Law.
McConnell said that she is excited about bringing her passion to CSU to “help continue the thriving spirit that created this university and is still evident today,” according to the Associated Press.
If approved, McConnell will begin her new role on July 1.
