Message from the Dean

As the new dean of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, I am thrilled to be joining this remarkable community of nearly 50 full-time faculty, 70 staff members, more than 600 students and 5200 alumni—a community committed to the mission of preparing future leaders, producing research with impact, and actively engaging the world outside of academia.

Today, our mission is more important than ever. We are taking on the great challenges of our time: making the global economy more equitable and inclusive, responding to new and emerging security threats, advancing human rights and social justice, combating climate change, and promoting healthy democracy.

At Korbel, our first commitment is to the student experience. Through small classes, mentored research, and experiences outside the classroom, we provide the kind of training that provides the tools students will need to act and to lead.

We are equally committed to producing knowledge that really matters. Our faculty work on women’s rights, climate change, cyber-security, inclusive economic development, democracy and effective international governance, and many other timely issues. This year, remarkably, not one but two Korbel faculty were honored by the International Studies Association for producing outstanding books, one in international security, the other in international political economy.

Furthermore, we are committed to direct engagement. A recent meeting on climate change, for example, convened leading actors from around the world to plan strategy for shaping the climate future. Our Inclusive Global Leadership Initiative for international women activists is a one of a kind model. From more than 500 applicants 15 remarkable women are selected for a program that educates and empowers them to be more effective in their grassroots efforts. This program has brought women from 28 countries to Denver and Washington DC to learn from recognized faculty and notable professionals.

Additionally, the new Scrivner Institute of Public Policy will serve as an integral part of the Korbel community—deeply rooting academics, events and research in local and national issues, making connections between what happens in Denver, Colorado and the United States with what happens in the world.

The Korbel School has a proud and distinguished history. It is a great place now. But I’m even more excited about what is to come. A dynamic school in a vibrant university in an exciting international city: come join us as we together build an even greater future.

Dean Frederick "Fritz" Mayer