Regent elections profile: Matt Arnold

This November, the entire state of Colorado will have the opportunity to vote for CU’s Regent-at-Large, and though the election is eight months away, candidates have started campaigning for incumbent Stephen Ludwig’s position on the Board of Regents.

The Board consists of nine men and women who each serve six-year terms and oversee almost every aspect of the University of Colorado system, which includes four campuses and 59,000 students. Colorado is just one of four states that allows the public to elect new Board members.

Matt Arnold is one of two Republican candidates challenging Ludwig, a Democrat, in November. He will likely face off against Brian Davidson in a Republican primary later in the year; both Arnold and Davidson began campaigning last month.

A pile of "Rock the Vote" pins being given out by New Era Colorado members outside the UMC. CU and New Era Colorado have been encouraging more students to vote. (CU Independent/Robert R. Denton)

The CU Independent is profiling Arnold in the third of a series of interviews with the Regent candidates.

Name: Matt Arnold

Hometown: Denver, CO

Profession: Officer, Colorado Army National Guard; Management Consultant

CU connection: Attended University of Colorado Denver; political science and German degrees from CU

What sort of experience have you had with the Board of Regents in the past?

I’ve been observing the current bipartisan majority on the Board raise tuition between 8.8 and 9.3 percent each of the last four years. And considering yet another massive tuition increase, it would seem that the “experience” of the Board isn’t such a great asset. I have conferred with several past regents, including former Board chair Hugh Fowler, who is endorsing my candidacy, as well as current regents, concerning the various issues facing the Board.

What do you feel is the primary concern for the Board right now?

First and foremost is the challenge of continuing to provide quality, relevant education to a diverse student body at a reasonably affordable price. The Board must exercise its proper rule of oversight for university spending and insist on accountability from CU’s institutions to ensure that funds are being spent in the most effective way.

Funds are not being spent effectively?

Recent spending increases—including some eye-raising boosts to top-administrator salaries—against the backdrop of several rounds of tuition increases brings into question the commitment of certain regents to first seek savings before going back to students for more revenue.

Can you explain more about the issue of tuition?

In this economy, it is unconscionable to bestow lavish salary increases on administrators and pay for them by raising tuition, putting a CU education out of the reach of many students. When I went to CU, I worked full time to put myself through school, which would be impossible today, thanks to several consecutive years of tuition increases. The University of Colorado must not ask students and parents for more money without first reducing administrative costs. CU deserves leadership that will take a hard look at all expenses and first seek savings before thinking of approving yet another tuition increase.

How important is this election to the CU campuses and student body?

This election is tremendously important. The past six years have seen a massive increase in tuition. Meanwhile, the value of a CU degree has been reduced due to academic scandals like the Ward Churchill plagiarism case [Churchill, a former CU professor of ethnic studies, was fired in 2007 over an investigation of research misconduct] that have undermined the reputation of the University, tarnishing the CU brand. It’s time to scour away the tarnish, cut the lavish and unnecessary spending and restore CU’s damaged reputation as a center of learning, debate and discussion, cutting-edge research and quality education. The Board of Regents can control costs and tuition and student fees, while promoting programs that will provide the quality education that we expect from the University of Colorado.

Contact CU Independent Breaking News Editor Annie Melton at [email protected].