Monfort Prof-In-Residence a Boon to Colorado State Education

Accomplished business and community leaders will share expertise with Colorado State University students as part of a new course supported by a gift from the Monfort Family Foundation.

The Monfort Professor-in-Residence program is supported by a portion of the $5 million gift announced today. The program is designed as an academic enrichment opportunity to provide students with a chance to learn from the professional and life experiences of accomplished business and community leaders, elected officials, artists and others.

Academic credit will be given for the four-week courses, which will feature one week for readings and preparation, two weeks for the residency and one week for evaluation. Two courses will be offered each year, with about 25 students in each course. Monfort Scholars will receive automatic admission to the course of their choice. Other high-achieving students–including Boettcher Scholars, members of the university Honor Program as well as the President’s Leadership Program participants–will be selected through a competitive process.

"At Colorado State, we pride ourselves on giving our students knowledge to go places. This innovative Monfort Professor-in-Residence program will only add to the rich experience we provide as part of a Colorado State education," said Provost Peter Nicholls. "By combining the strength of our curriculum with the vision, intelligence and experiences of distinguished leaders from around the world, we will be able to offer our students a unique and enriching educational experience."

The courses will feature small group discussions, study of selected materials and a strong writing component. A faculty facilitator will work with each Monfort Professor-in-Residence to identify reading lists, establish the curriculum, conduct the first- and fourth-weeks of the course.

The $5 million Monfort gift also will support the creation of 10 new named professor positions, the establishment of 30 new full-ride scholarships and the addition a distinguished speaker series.