Board of Trustees
Donald M. Bird, PhD (Chair)
Don Bird was a member of the Colorado School of Professional Psychology's (CSOPP) Board of Directors from 2001 and has Chaired the Board since December 2002. Bridgepoint Education, Inc. acquired CSOPP in September 2007 and renamed it University of the Rockies. Dr. Bird's PhD in Chemistry is from the University of Colorado, and for many years he has served as a chemistry professor at the US Air Force Academy. A retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Bird is also Chair of the Board of the Air Force Academy Federal Credit Union, and he is active in many civic and social organizations in the Pikes Peak Region. Among his notable accomplishments, Dr. Bird is a long time Consultant-Evaluator for The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Charlita Shelton, PhD (President)
Dr. Charlita Shelton's professional experience spans 20 years in higher education. She spent a number of years at one of the largest private universities in the country serving in such roles as Director of Academic Affairs, Regional Director of Academic Affairs, Associate Vice President for Campus Academic Affairs, and Organizational Diversity Officer. Throughout Dr. Shelton's career, she has received many accolades. In 2007, she was selected by the Arizona Society of Human Resource Management as “Diversity Champion” for the state of Arizona. In 2010, Dr. Shelton received national recognition as Diversity Champion of the Year, an award that was sponsored by Diversity Business.Com. In addition, Profiles in Diversity Journal has named Dr. Shelton as a WomenWorthWatching®. Dr. Shelton holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Western Michigan University, a Master's degree in Educational Administration from National University, and both a Master's degree and a Doctorate in Philosophy in Human Development from Fielding Graduate University.
Jeff Jensen, BA (Member)
Jeff Jensen is the Owner and Broker of a three-office Residential Real Estate firm with over 120 agents. Jensen also owns and operates three mortgage companies and a title business in Tacoma, Washington. Jensen works directly with his managers, agents, and loan officers as a mentor and leader with almost 20 years experience in the industry. Prior to Real Estate, Mr. Jensen worked for a regional office-interiors firm specializing in space planning, interior design, sales of systems, case goods, and high-end custom-built furniture. A native of Tacoma-Pierce County, Washington, Mr. Jensen graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a Business Minor.
Deborah G. Blue, PhD (Member)
Dr. Deborah Blue joined the Board in January 2009. Dr. Blue's career in K-12 and higher education spans over 30 years. She has served in educational administrative roles in a number of community college districts in the Northern California region. In addition, Dr. Blue was the Vice President of Policy and Research for the Accrediting Commission for Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Currently, Dr. Blue serves as Chancellor for State Center Community College District (SCCCD). She has presented in the area of community college accreditation and is also a published author in higher education. Dr. Blue holds a Bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Western Michigan University, and a Master's and PhD in Speech and Hearing Sciences from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Eric Lee, PhD (Member)
Dr. Eric Lee joined the Board in March 2011. Dr. Lee has been President and CEO of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce since April 2009. Prior to joining the Chamber, Lee served as the Assistant to the President at Suffolk University, where he was a member of the President's Executive Cabinet. Lee worked with the President and Provost on matters related to institutional research, information technology, strategic planning, and institutional diversity. He also taught in the Sawyer Business School and the College of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Lee earned his Bachelor of Science and Master's degree from Wayne State College (NE), and PhD from the University of Nebraska.
Gina Hernez-Broome, PhD (Member)
Dr. Hernez-Broome is a core faculty member for the Organizational Leadership Program at University of the Rockies. Prior to joining the University, Gina spent 12 years at the Center for Creative Leadership where she was Program Manager for the Design and Delivery Faculty team designing and delivering leadership development and coaching programs and was lead researcher for the Center's coaching research and evaluation efforts. She earned both her Doctoral and Master's degrees in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Colorado State University, and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado.