CSU Spur logo with three campus bugs

Gregory Graff

Gregory Graff headshot

Role: Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Founder of the Agribusiness and Food Innovation Management Master’s Program

How are you connected to Spur?

We are launching a new masters degree focused on innovation and entrepreneurship that will be housed at Spur. The agriculture and food industries are going through an innovation revolution. There is an enormous need for young talented professionals to lead the development and introduction of new technologies, products, and businesses. These must address the grand challenges of food security and sustainability for the next generation. This masters program is customized to equip and empower new leaders, and Spur provides the perfect location and community within which to do so.

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

My work on agricultural innovation has long advocated that Denver is a natural hub for the ag and food industries to gather, not only regionally, but nationally. I formally got involved in Spur in 2016 as the College of Agricultural Sciences began to strategize about what kinds of programs could be developed at Spur that would be most impactful in supporting agricultural innovation. That is when we conceived of the innovation masters program.

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

Our work at Spur has the potential to build and strengthen the network of agricultural and food innovators in Colorado, and help them to connect in new ways with the broader public.

What would you like others to know about Spur?

Spur embodies a range of communities, topics, and resources that are deeply interdependent. Spur is an expression of our commitment to be faithful and innovative stewards, thereby enabling future generations to meet their own needs.

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