CSU System Board Finalizes New Contract for President Frank

The Colorado State University System Board of Governors announced the approval of a new, five-year contract for CSU President Tony Frank as part of a proactive effort to retain one of the state’s top higher education leaders.

“Tony Frank is truly a rising star on the national higher education stage,” Board Chairman Joe Zimlich said. “He has an ambitious vision for CSU, and we wanted to demonstrate to Tony that the CSU System and Board fully support that vision. Tony’s leadership is having a profound impact on both the university community and the state of Colorado. We’re pleased to offer this new contract to Tony as part of a strategic effort to ensure that he’ll continue to serve as CSU’s president for the foreseeable future.”

CSU is one of the nation’s premier research universities and the System’s flagship campus in Fort Collins. Founded in 1870, CSU is a land-grant institution enrolling more than 30,000 students. It is the “university of choice” for Colorado residents – more Colorado high school students choose CSU than any other university in the state, and 30 percent of all Colorado science, math, engineering and technology majors pursue degrees at CSU. CSU has extension offices in 61 of Colorado’s 64 counties, delivering a wide variety of community-oriented, research-based informational, educational and 4-H programs.

The new contract – effective Jan. 1 – runs through the end of 2017. Frank’s base salary in 2013 will be $450,000 annually, with $25,000 step increases set for 2015 and 2016.

“I’m flattered and humbled by the Board’s confidence,” Frank said. “Obviously, I care very deeply for CSU, having spent the last 20 years of my life and career as part of the Colorado State community. And while we have many challenges facing the university and higher education as a whole, the opportunities ahead of us are even greater. With strong leadership from the Board, world-class faculty, committed staff, exceptional students, and engaged alumni across Colorado and around the world, I have no doubt that CSU is well poised for a great future. It remains my very, very great honor to serve as its president.”

CSU conducts world-class research in infectious disease, atmospheric science, clean energy technologies, environmental science and biomedical technology. The university attracts more than $300 million in research funding annually. The university’s professional programs in veterinary medicine, occupational therapy, journalism, agriculture and construction management are ranked among the nation’s best.

To date, more than 230,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees have been conferred at Colorado State, including more than 6,000 in 2011-2012.

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