Cher Hendricks is expected to soon join the leadership team at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction as vice president of academic affairs.

Hendricks is scheduled to start her new duties July 1. She will bring to the position more than 25 years of experience in higher education, most recently as vice provost for academic and faculty affairs at the University of Akron. She also served as vice provost of academic initiatives at the University of Idaho and associated vice president for academic affairs at the University of West Georgia.

“Cher is a relationship-oriented leader whose values and mission are in alignment with the university’s,” said CMU President John Marshall. “Her commitment to students, faculty and staff is apparent, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to our incredible campus and to the Mavily.”

Hendricks said she’s looking forward to her new position. “I’m honored to join the Colorado Mesa University team with the goal of building on its strong foundation of exceptional teaching to support student success.”

Hendricks will succeed Kurt Haas, who served as vice president of academic affairs for 20 years. He will return to the classroom in the languages, literature and mass communications department.

“We are thankful for Kurt’s amazing service and are forever grateful to him for putting in the long hours during an unprecedented few years, where he led faculty through some challenging times,” Marshall said.