President Foster Announces Retirement From CMU

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Tim Foster announced yesterday his decision to retire from Colorado Mesa University at the end of this academic/fiscal year.

Yesterday, January 27, 2021, I received an email from President Foster announcing his plans for the coming months. The announcement stated, "After 17 years as President of Colorado Mesa University, I will be retiring from CMU at the end of this semester/fiscal year or to be more specific June 30, 2021 to spend more time with my family and to open a new chapter in my life."

I was a little shocked to discover it has been 17 years since Foster assumed the role of president at CMU. A considerable number of changes have come in that time. As a lifelong resident of the valley, I find the CMU campus almost unrecognizable. On a personal note, I find the recent addition of Hotel Maverick and Devils Kitchen to be brilliant.

Over the last 17 years, there has been one particular reason why I've really admired President Foster. You can go to any concert, theater production, dance recital, and you'll spot Foster and his family in attendance. The same goes for any art exhibit or poetry reading. Foster and the entire @Mavily could be counted on to attend.

It's safe to say you would agree the man has been busy these last 17 years. As his emails says -

I am not gone yet, I have committed to staying through the end of June 2021. My passion and work ethic will not wane and I promise to be as bothersome as ever. Yes, that means you will still see those pesky 3:00 A.M. e mails and text messages.

Speaking as a member of the artsy crowd, I've really enjoyed President Foster's devotion to music and theater departments. The Moss Performing Arts Center is a gift. For that matter, the dance studio on the third floor is the envy of every institution in Colorado.

Congratulations President Foster. Again, it's hard to believe it has been 17 years. The changes to the institution are countless. It will be interesting to see what the future holds.