Published: July 2, 2015

Deb Coffin has been appointed as the vice chancellor for advancement, effective July 13, Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano announced Wednesday. The position is the chief fundraising officer for the CU-«Ƶ campus.

Coffin, who has served as vice chancellor for student affairs since 2011, replaces Aaron Conley, who was appointed to the post in 2014 and who is leaving the university to seek new opportunities.

“I want to thank Aaron for his service to CU-«Ƶ,” said DiStefano, “and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

DiStefano called Coffin “one of our most devoted and ablest administrators.”

“She is an accomplished fundraiser who has led our advancement efforts in Student Affairs with great success by building upon relationships with parents, donors and alumni that she worked hard to cultivate,” he said. “She will bring long experience, energy and vision to this important position.”

Prior to her service as vice chancellor for student affairs, Coffin served as associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students from 2008-11, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs and executive director of Housing and Dining Services from 2006-08 and executive director of Housing and Dining Services from 2001-2006.

Coffin also served in various housing leadership capacities at the University of Northern Colorado (1982-95; 1998-2001) and the University of Wyoming (1995-98).

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in community health education (1977), a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology education (1985) and a Master of Arts in human communication theory from the University of Northern Colorado. She also served in the United States Peace Corps (1977-78) in the Philippines.

“This is an exciting opportunity for me to further serve CU-«Ƶ’s dynamic community,” said Coffin. “I know well the importance of fundraising as part of the chancellor’s goal of increasing diverse sources of revenue for the campus, and I am eager to reach that goal by building a consensus for investment in CU-«Ƶ among our key stakeholders.”

CU-«Ƶ Provost Russell Moore announced that Christina Gonzales, the current associate vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students, will serve as interim vice chancellor for student affairs. Gonzales has served in her current role since 2012.

“Christina has demonstrated a strong affinity for working with students and serving their needs,” said Moore. “She will provide us with strong and capable leadership as we search for our next permanent vice chancellor for student affairs.”