Blue Ribbon Panel

​​​​​​​Executive Order

In 2001, an executive order charged the Commission, in consultation with the Blue Ribbon Panel, to collect information, conduct hearings, and develop recommendations on role and mission for the General Assembly.  The Commission proceeded to execute its charge by building on the legislative vision:

• A higher education system of the highest quality that is nationally competitive 
• A coordinated, cost-effective delivery system
• Differentiated missions, both among and within governing boards, designed to meet the state’s needs with a minimum of duplication.
• Increased access to undergraduate degree programs for Colorado residents.

During four role and mission hearings in November, the Commission and the Blue Ribbon Panel discussed proposed changes in the context of the legislative vision – how it would improve access to undergraduate degree programs for Colorado residents. 

Following the hearings, CCHE staff developed preliminary role and mission statements based on the testimony given in the November hearings.  The Executive Director met individually with each system CEO to discuss and modify the suggested changes. 

At the December hearing, the Blue Ribbon Panel discussed the proposed changes.  At the February 1, 2002 hearing, the Blue Ribbon will recommend changes to the General Assembly. 

The following provides access to each institution's role and mission presentation and analysis for the 21st Century:

Members

To Serve at the pleasure of the Governor:

Bruce Benson of Denver, Colorado, to serve as Chair, appointed;
Representative Gayle Berry of Grand Junction, to serve as Vice-Chair, appointed;
Senator Norma Anderson of Lakewood, Colorado, appointed;
Ray Baker of Lakewood, Colorado, appointed;
Lena Elliott of Grand Junction, Colorado, appointed;
Tim Foster of Englewood, Colorado, appointed;
David Greenberg of Englewood, Colorado, appointed;
David Herrera of fort Collins, Colorado, appointed;
Representative Kelley Daniel of Golden, Colorado, appointed;
Representative Nancy Spence of Centennial, Colorado, appointed;
Former Governor Dick Lamm of Denver, Colorado, appointed;
Senator Stan Matsunaka of Loveland, Colorado, appointed;
Ron Pettigrew of Durango, Colorado, appointed;
Edward Romero of Denver, Colorado, appointed;
Jerry Rutledge of Colorado Springs, Colorado, appointed;
C.W. Smith of Pueblo, Colorado, appointed;
Senator Penfield Tate of Denver, Colorado, appointed;

To serve as members of the Advisory Committee:

The Honorable Hank Brown of Greeley, Colorado, appointed;
Lee Halgren of Evergreen, Colorado, appointed;
Elizabeth Hoffman of Boulder, Colorado, appointed;
Joe May of Pueblo, Colorado, appointed;
John Trefny of Golden, Colorado, appointed;
Albert Yates of Fort Collins, Colorado, appointed;

 

Role & Mission Recommendations

The Colorado Commission on Higher Education’s mission is to ensure access for all Colorado residents to a high-quality, affordable education that is student-centered, quality driven and performance-based. CCHE’s primary “customers” are Colorado students and citizens. CCHE is committed to providing the best quality education at the best price with the best possible service for its customers (CCHE Master Plan).

CCHE’s goals for access and quality are achieved through an integrated and coherent set of public policies. These goals complement the Blue Ribbon Panel’s goal to expand access to quality public higher education for Colorado residents.

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Access & Participation

• Powerpoint Presentation (November 6, 2001)

Meeting Schedule

Higher Education Finance Project

• Powerpoint Presentation (April 26, 2002)

Heller Pricing Study

• Tuition Pricing and Higher Education Participation in Colorado

Final Report

• Letter to the Governor
• Executive Summary
• Final Report