Former CU President Hank Brown announces retirement

Former CU President Hank Brown announced he will retire on Dec. 31. He will remain in the community and will teach a course next fall. (Courtesy of the University of Colorado at Boulder)

Hank Brown, former president of CU, is preparing to retire according to a CU News Center news release.

Although Brown, a 69-year-old political science professor at the university, is officially retiring Dec. 31, he said he will continue to teach the “Icons of the American Republic” course next fall. He will also act as the chair of the Daniels Fund and serve on several corporate boards.

“Retiring isn’t something I do very well honestly, but it will give me more time to commit and fulfill jobs and it frees up some time for my other obligations here,” Brown said.

Courtney Malone, a 19-year-old sophomore political science major, said she sees Brown’s continual commitment to the school as a sign of his dedication.

“It shows that he’s dedicated and very involved in educating and his commitment proves his long time loyalty to the university,” Malone said.

Above all, Brown said he will miss student interaction the most.

“The contact with the students is the most enjoyable part,” Brown said.

Brown began his time at CU as a student. He met his wife, Nan, at the university. He served as student body president, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1961 and received a law degree in 1969, according to the news release.

As a student, Brown said he never envisioned himself becoming president of the university.

“As a part of student government, the administration was not at the top of our admiration,” Brown said.

He did become CU’s president in 2005, however, after previously serving as president of the University of Northern Colorado from 1998 to 2002, according to the Denver Business Journal.

During Brown’s time as president at CU he settled a rape lawsuit against CU, reviewed the tenure process and increased fundraising, among other accomplishments, according to the Denver Business Journal.

Bronson Hilliard, director of media relations, said he feels Brown will be remembered for his time as president.

“His legacy is that he will be rated among the greatest of CU presidents,” Hilliard said. “He came along at times when things were difficult for the university and immediately instilled confidence of the public, the legislature, donors, all the external stakeholders. He really reached out and stood for openness and transparency and set things in motion for what that we continue today.”

Chair of the Political Science Department, Kenneth Bickers, also said Brown would be missed.

“It’s certainly a loss for the department,” Bickers said.

While the department is not currently looking for a replacement, Bickers said the position will be filled in the future, budget permitting.

As Brown prepares to retire, he said he looks at Boulder with a special fondness.

“It’s just a magical place that Nan and I will hold close to our hearts,” Brown said. “There’s not a spot on Earth as magical as Boulder.”

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Rose Heaphy at [email protected]