UCCS will be hosting three finalists for the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Communications, and Engagement on campus the week of May 5. All faculty, staff, students and interested members of the community are welcome and encouraged to attend each of the finalist’s campus presentations and ask questions about their qualifications to lead the college. The campus presentations will be open to all campus constituents.

See the full search committee listing below.

Monday, May 5 | David Johnston

David Johnston serves as associate vice president for alumni and constituent engagement for the Boise State University Foundation where he oversees the departments of Alumni Relations, Donor Relations, Annual Giving, and Foundation Communications and Marketing. He joined Boise State in November 2022 after a 20-year career at the University of Kansas.

Johnston’s background includes experience in institutional advancement, alumni and donor engagement, strategic communications and brand management. A Kansas native, Johnston holds two degrees from the University of Kansas, including a bachelor’s degree in journalism (advertising) and a master’s degree in higher education administration.

At KU, he served as the university’s first director of marketing and authored the university’s Integrated Marketing Plan while overseeing the creation of the university’s visual identity system and brand guidelines. After that, he served as a member of the KU Alumni Association’s senior leadership team, working closely with the president and board to oversee engagement strategies for more than 350,000 alumni and constituents. After being recruited to Boise State, Johnston helped launch the university’s largest and most comprehensive campaign in history, UNBRIDLED: The Campaign for Boise State University in 2023. He also helped manage the strategic roadmap for merging Boise State’s division of University Advancement into the Boise State University Foundation, a separate 501(c)3, ensuring a smooth transition that achieved greater operational efficiency and flexibility.

Johnston’s experience also includes teaching roles as an instructor in the Leadership Studies Institute and the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas. He has also lectured in undergraduate and graduate courses at Boise State, including Integrated Media and Strategic Communications as well as Educational Leadership. He and his wife of 25 years, Sara, live in Boise with their son, Austin (15), and their mini goldendoodle named Millie. They also have two daughters, Sydney (22), a 2024 graduate of the University of Kansas, and Sophia (20), a junior attending Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. In his spare time, the former collegiate cross country All-American enjoys running, reading, cooking and taking Millie for walks in the park.

Resume
Cover Letter

• Campus Presentation Time and Location: Monday, May 5 from 8:45-9:30 a.m. in UC 303
• View the Campus Presentation Livestream here. A recording will be available after the event.

Submit a question for David here
Evaluation Form due Tuesday, May 13 by 5 p.m.

Tuesday, May 6 | Shelley Thompson

Shelley Thompson is Associate Vice President of University Advancement at Metropolitan State University of Denver.  In this role, she leads a development team of 18 people to channel and celebrate the generosity of individual, corporate and foundation donors who wish to drive change through philanthropy.

Shelley brings decades of major and transformational gift fundraising experience from such organizations as Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Denver Health, the Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges, and Denver Museum of Nature & Science. She has raised millions in charitable funds aiming to create a more just and equitable community.  She works with teams who share her passion for providing opportunity to transform lives for the better.

Shelley has volunteered on numerous boards of directors, including Mi Casa Resource Center, the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.  She served one term as a member of the Englewood School Board and is a member of the Leadership Denver Class of 2015 and the International Women’s Forum of Colorado.  She currently serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster youth.  Shelley believes communities grow strong through committed leadership and strategic partnerships forged between people and organizations.

Shelley has a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government from the University of Puget Sound and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Colorado.

Resume
Cover Letter

• Campus Presentation Time and Location: Tuesday, May 6 from 8:45-9:30 a.m. in UC 302
• View the Campus Presentation Livestream here. A recording will be available after the event.

Submit a question for Shelley here
Evaluation Form due Tuesday, May 13 by 5 p.m.

Wednesday, May 7 | Roger Smith

Roger Smith is a strategic advancement and engagement senior leader with nearly 25 years of experience transforming how institutions communicate, fundraise, and foster long-term support. A proud Colorado Springs resident for nearly two decades, Roger currently serves as Senior Director of Advancement at Regis University, where he leads high-level philanthropic strategy, donor stewardship, and external engagement across a broad portfolio of academic and community-focused initiatives. He is recognized for building strong cross-functional partnerships and aligning fundraising with institutional vision and impact. 

His leadership journey includes serving as Vice President of Stewardship at the Air Force Academy Foundation, where he led a modernization of donor relations, and holding executive roles at the University of Denver, and a senior role at Colorado College. Across these institutions, Roger has built high-performing teams and secured eight-figure commitments, delivering measurable results through bold, mission-aligned campaigns. 

Roger’s expertise spans strategic philanthropy, marketing and communications, donor pipeline development, alumni and constituent engagement, and university-wide advancement operations. He has led initiatives across diverse areas—including academic affairs, athletics, libraries, and student services—bringing teams together to elevate institutional priorities and foster organizational excellence. 

He holds an MBA in Organizational Leadership from the Keller School of Management and a BS in Management from Carroll University. With global nonprofit roots and experience working in 13 countries, Roger brings an international lens to regional engagement and a deep appreciation for community partnership. 

Originally from Canada, Roger’s journey has taken him from the stage—touring internationally in a musical theater production—to the football field as a semi-pro running back. Today, he and his partner Allison, three teenagers, and their dog Lovey enjoy capturing life through photography and exploring Colorado’s mountain trails. Roger brings to UCCS visionary leadership, a collaborative spirit, and a proven record of accomplishment of securing transformational support that advances student success and institutional growth. 

Resume
Cover Letter

• Campus Presentation Time and Location: Wednesday, May 7 from 8:45-9:30 a.m. in UC 302
• View the Campus Presentation Livestream here. A recording will be available after the event.

Submit a question for Roger here
Evaluation Form due Tuesday, May 13 by 5 p.m.

Co-Chairs

• Robin Parent, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff 
• Jen Furda, Director of Community Engagement, Local Government & Military Liaison

Committee

• Todd Endres, Instructor of Management and Human Resources & Faculty Director, ROAR Program 
• Matt Beckwith, Associate Director, Parking & Transportation Services
• Nicole Simmons-Rochon, Program Director, Training and Development
• Chris Beiswanger, Executive Director of Enrollment Management
• Tommy Aicher, Dean for the College of Business
• Jenna Press, Director of Communications 
• Mark Ferguson, Associate Vice Chancellor / Campus Planning and Facilities Management
• Zak Kroger, UCCS Downtown Site Director 
• Tiyana Hardney Vela, Alumni & Donor Engagement Director  
• Nicole Weis, Director of Healing and Community Programs 
• Eric Nissen, Director of Marketing 
• Becky Medved, Chair of CU Foundation Board of Trustees 
• Annie Baccary, VP for Advancement, CU System 
• Jeff Scholes, Professor & Head of Department of Philosophy 
• David Siegel, Executive Director of the Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS