CSU Spur logo with three campus bugs

Mahesh N Nair, Ph.D.

Mahesh Nair headshot

Role: Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences, CSU Fort Collins

How are you connected to CSU Spur?

I am involved with the development and design of the Global Food Innovation Center (food lab) at CSU Spur.

When did you get involved with Spur and why is it important to you?

I started getting involved in the design of the Global Food Innovation Center (food lab) at CSU Spur in 2018. I believe that the establishment of Spur will facilitate in accomplishing the College of Agriculture’s goal of unquestionable global preeminence by creating new opportunities for our researchers and students, expanding our capability to meet our commitments to the stakeholders, and providing extension services to the community with a focus on improving the quality and safety of all foods.

What outcomes have you seen or do you expect from work at Spur? 

I hope that GFIC will serve its mission of ensuring that consumers worldwide have access to a dependable supply of safe and high-quality food products.

What would you like others to know about Spur?

The GFIC at Spur is a unique opportunity to engage urban consumers in agricultural production and processing activities while providing services to promote entrepreneurship. This aligns perfectly with the land grant mission of CSU and can help to develop a sense of community around the Spur campus.

JOCELYN HITTLE

Associate Vice Chancellor for CSU Spur & Special Projects, CSU System

Jocelyn Hittle is primarily focused on helping to create the CSU System’s new Spur campus at the National Western Center, and on supporting campus sustainability goals across CSU’s campuses. She sits on the Denver Mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Council, on the Advisory Committee for the Coors Western Art Show, and is a technical advisor for the AASHE STARS program.

Prior to joining CSU, Jocelyn was the Associate Director of PlaceMatters, a national urban planning think tank, and worked for the Orton Family Foundation. She has a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton, and a Masters in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Jocelyn grew up in Colorado and spends her free time in the mountains or exploring Denver.

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TONY FRANK

Chancellor, CSU System

Dr. Tony Frank is the Chancellor of the CSU System. He previously served for 11 years as the 14th president of CSU in Fort Collins. Dr. Frank earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Wartburg College, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. and residencies in pathology and toxicology at Purdue. Prior to his appointment as CSU’s president in 2008, he served as the University’s provost and executive vice president, vice president for research, chairman of the Pathology Department, and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He was appointed to a dual role as Chancellor in 2015 and became full-time System chancellor in July 2019.

Dr. Frank serves on a number of state and national boards, has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications, and has been honored with state and national awards for his leadership in higher education.

Dr. Frank and his wife, Dr. Patti Helper, have three daughters.

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We’ll see you Saturday!

2nd Saturday at CSU Spur is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. this Saturday (April 13)! The theme is the Big Bloom.

Hope to see you there!

See all 2nd Saturday dates