Colorado State University Welcomes New Vice President for Student Affairs

A Colorado State University alumna and longtime administrator of student affairs at several universities in the United States has been appointed the new vice president for Student Affairs at Colorado State.

Linda Kuk, who has been vice president for Student Affairs at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York since 1993, will begin her new position at Colorado State in early April. She will replace Grant Sherwood, who currently is interim vice president.

"The education of students to become productive and responsible members of society is one of the most important missions of this university," said President Albert C. Yates. "Linda Kuk will provide important leadership as vice president of the Division of Student Affairs in advancing that mission and keeping Colorado State the university of choice for students across the nation. She brings a wealth of experience in student affairs and is widely respected in the field."

As vice president of Student Affairs, Kuk will lead the Division in implementing and creating programs, services and activities that advance student learning. The Division provides numerous opportunities for learning, both inside and outside the formal classroom and laboratory settings, including educational programs, student organizations, internships, retreats, leadership development and expanded multicultural experiences.

"From the time she received her master’s from Colorado State University in 1973, Dr. Kuk has been deeply involved in administering, developing and managing student affairs at several private and public universities in the United States," said Provost Loren Crabtree. "On behalf of the Colorado State community, I would like to welcome Linda back to our campus as vice president for Student Affairs. Her knowledge and dedication will be a positive and beneficial experience to our students and to the university."

Prior to her tenure at Rochester Institute of Technology, where she also is a faculty member in the College of Liberal Arts, Kuk was vice president for Student Affairs at State University of New York College at Cortland from 1984-93, and dean of students at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., from 1979-84. She served as assistant to the vice president for Student Affairs at Iowa State University from 1978-79. Throughout her career, she has been an instructor in business, education, economics and psychology.

Kuk graduated with a bachelor’s in social work with distinction in 1972 and a master’s in student personnel administration and counseling in 1973 from Colorado State. She received a doctorate in professional studies in 1981 from Iowa State University-Ames and participated in the Institute of Higher Education Management in 1993 at Harvard University.

"I’m looking forward to working with the wonderful staff at Colorado State and to build on the nationally known programs already in place," Kuk said. "Enhancing academic experiences for students in the classroom and in every aspect of campus life will be a priority for me. Taking the Division to the next level of excellence will be a challenging and rewarding experience."