CU Denver Appoints Hamilton Bean as Interim AVC for Academic Planning

Professor Hamilton Bean has been appointed as the interim assistant vice chancellor for academic planning at CU Denver, effective January 20, 2024. The appointment, announced by Provost Karen Marrongelle, PhD, will extend through June 2026. In this capacity, Bean will be responsible for overseeing the university’s policy development, accreditation processes, and program reviews, including the annual program check-in.

Bean, who has served as the chair of CU Denver’s Department of Communication since August 2024, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has been a faculty member at CU Denver since 2009 and has actively participated in international program accreditation roles since 2016. This includes his previous directorship of CU Denver’s International Studies Program, which established partnerships, notably with the International College Beijing.

In his new role, Bean will collaborate closely with the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE) to leverage data that aims to enhance both student and university outcomes. He expressed enthusiasm about his appointment, stating, “I am looking forward to helping ensure stability and continuity in this role. Making sure all accreditation and planning deadlines and requirements are met during this period is my top priority.”

Bean’s academic specialization focuses on communication and security, with particular emphasis on mobile public alert systems and related messaging. His contributions to the field include published research and editorial leadership roles in several international academic journals.

Provost Marrongelle praised Bean’s appointment, noting, “Hamilton brings to this role incredible skill sets in communication, research, and program management. I am delighted to have his leadership and thought partnership on the provost team.”

To ensure a smooth transition during this period, Sarah Fields, PhD, and Mia Fischer, PhD, will serve as interim co-chairs of the Department of Communication until June 2026.

For inquiries related to academic planning and accreditation, Hamilton Bean can be reached at [email protected].