The Education Magazine
October 29, 2026
CSU President Amy Parsons’ Resignation will take effect on December 31, 2026, ending her tenure as Colorado State University’s 16th president, a role she began in 2023. Parsons announced her departure on October 28, 2026, marking a CSU’s leadership change for CSU’s Fort Collins campus and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead the university.
During Amy Parsons’ presidency, Colorado State University improved enrollment, fundraising, degree completion, and access to higher education. Her departure marks a leadership change for CSU’s Fort Collins campus, with the university preparing to begin its search for a permanent successor in spring 2027.
Who Is CSU President Amy Parsons?
CSU President Amy Parsons is the 16th president of Colorado State University, a position she assumed in February 2023. Before becoming president, she spent 17 years in senior leadership roles at CSU and the CSU System.
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | Amy Parsons |
| Position | 16th Colorado State University president |
| Became president | February 2023 |
| Previous experience | 17 years in senior leadership at CSU and the CSU System |
| Previous leadership roles | Vice President for University Operations and Executive Vice Chancellor |
| Undergraduate degree | Political Science, Colorado State University |
| Law degree | University of Colorado |
| Leadership priorities | Student success, academic and research programs, university competitiveness, and broader community impact |
CSU President Parsons brought experience in university administration, legal work, and executive leadership to the presidency. During her tenure, she emphasized student success, research, and expanding CSU’s impact beyond campus.
Reason Behind CSU President Amy Parsons’ Resignation
CSU President Amy Parsons’ Resignation comes without a publicly disclosed reason for her departure from Colorado State University. In her October 28, 2026 announcement, Parsons expressed gratitude and highlighted progress in enrollment, fundraising, and student success.
Parsons said,
“Serving as CSU’s 16th president has been the honor of a lifetime. I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Parsons also said she and her husband would remain in Fort Collins and continue supporting CSU.
Who Will Replace Amy Parsons as CSU President?
Rick Miranda will become interim president of Colorado State University on January 1, 2027, following Amy Parsons’ resignation. CSU System Chancellor Tony Frank announced the appointment, citing Miranda’s extensive university experience and previous service as interim president.
Miranda joined CSU’s faculty in 1982 and later served as mathematics department chair, dean of the College of Natural Sciences, and provost and executive vice president. He was also interim president from 2022 until Parsons took office in 2023.
CSU plans to begin its search for a permanent president in spring 2027, led by incoming CSU System Chancellor Rico Munn, who is set to take office in July. The search is expected to involve faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other members of the university community. Miranda’s appointment will provide leadership continuity during the transition.
What Did Amy Parsons Focus on During Her Tenure at CSU?
During CSU President Amy Parsons’ tenure, her leadership priorities included expanding student access, strengthening research and fundraising, improving student outcomes, and advancing CSU’s academic and athletic programs.
Key developments during her tenure included:
- Expanding student access: CSU advanced Spur Start, a pathway for students in the Denver metropolitan area, and Ram Transfer Academy, which supports transfer students pursuing a CSU degree.
- Research and fundraising: CSU reported records in fundraising, enrollment, student retention, and research and sponsored project expenditures during her presidency.
- Veterinary education: CSU opened its Veterinary Hospital and Education Complex to support veterinary education, research, and animal health.
- Athletics: Parsons helped lead CSU’s transition to the Pac-12 Conference.
CSU System Chancellor Tony Frank recognized Parsons’ leadership, stating,
“Under her leadership, CSU has grown more visible and competitive nationally than at any time in our history.”
In Parsons’ departure message, she credited CSU’s faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors for the university’s progress, recognizing their collective contributions.
What Does CSU President Amy Parsons’ Resignation Mean for the University?
The CSU President Amy Parsons’ Resignation marks a leadership transition for Colorado State University. Parsons will step down on December 31, 2026, and Rick Miranda will become interim president on January 1, 2027. As the university prepares to search for a permanent successor in spring 2027, maintaining continuity in academics, research, and student support will remain important for students, faculty, and staff. The next president will help shape CSU’s priorities for the years ahead.
