University of Colorado president wants Don Elliman as permanent chancellor

(Denver Post file photo)

University of Colorado president Bruce Benson next week will ask the Board of Regents to bypass the search process and install interim Chancellor Don Elliman permanently in the position at the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus.

Benson announced his intention at staff forums this week.

"We just think he's done such a great job ? when you talk to everybody on campuses, there's not one negative comment," Benson said Friday. "I look at him as a trusted confidant and someone with huge credentials."

At the CU regents meeting Wed-nesday in Colorado Springs, Benson will seek a waiver that would eliminate the need for a national search that he said could cost around $200,000 and take months to

unfold.

He added that he already has spoken with all nine regents, who have unanimously supported his recommendation, making next week's action all but a done deal.

"When you're dealing with a donor or legislator, 'interim' just has a negative sound," Benson said. "They wonder how much longer you'll be here. Don said, 'You don't have to do it,' but I said, 'You deserve it.' I guarantee you, he's happy not to be interim. It makes the job easier."

Elliman will be chancellor over the downtown Denver campus and the Anschutz Medical Campus, which share administrative functions.

"I suppose that some sense of permanency is something the institution ? any institution ? wants to have," said Elliman, 68. "And to be honest, I always looked at the job as something I'd want to do for a long period of time and not a short-term deal. But more than anything, I'm honored."

Benson informed the CU Denver community of his intention with a letter further describing Elliman's value to the institution. While acknowledging the importance of the traditional search process, he noted that Elliman's particular skill set, coupled with the "pressing challenges and opportunities" at CU campuses, make him the right person for the job.

Elliman, who came to CU Denver with a long r?sum? in the public and private sectors, was named interim chancellor about a year ago and assumed his duties last April. He replaced another interim chancellor, former Denver Public Schools Superintendent Jerry Wartgow.

Source: http://feeds.denverpost.com/~r/dp-news-local-schools-highered/~3/xQ-XTjyjvE8/university-colorado-president-wants-elliman-permanent-chancellor

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