Candidate Profile: Callie Rennison For CU Board Of Regents

The 2020 election is heating up in Colorado and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but voters will also decide the outcome of state representative and senate seats.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Callie Rennison, a Superior resident, is running for University of Colorado Board of Regents District 2.

Age: 55

Party affiliation: Democratic Party

Family: Spouse Dave Vaughan; cat Pente; parrots Clover, Grace, Gabbie and Dewey

Occupation: Professor 20 years; before that I served as a Statistician at the Dept. of Justice in Washington DC.

Previous elected experience: none

Family members in government: Brother is an FBI agent in TX where I grew up in the Houston area. I formerly worked at DOJ in Washington DC at the Bureau of Justice Statistics

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Funding for higher education. I intend to work with the Board to educate the public of the problems with Tabor and Gallagher so we can again fund higher education.

Most are unaware that currently our state funding is near 2% - one of the lowest in the nation. This poor funding of this social good is appalling given the value our populace puts on education, and the need for an educated work force in the future. I also want to remove unnecessary costs associated with attending the university (e.g., admission fees, SAT, ACT, GRE requirements), and ensure the system is working as efficiently as possible. The burden of funding an education should not be almost solely carried on the shoulders of the families and students that attend CU. We can do better.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My belief that increased diversity and inclusion is not only necessary but beneficial. The understanding that we can and should do better. The idea that the time for talk is over, and the time for action on this important topic is now.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As Director of the Office of Equity and as Title IX Coordinator at the Anschutz Medical Campus and the downtown Denver Campuses, I've dealt with many of the thorny and difficult issues facing the CU system today including sexual misconduct, bullying, and discrimination. In addition, my research area as a professor includes the violent victimization of college students which is also a key issue faced by the CU System today. My history of fighting for the most vulnerable and making changes demonstrates I have what it takes to serve as Regent for all.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

The Regents have held tuition stable for the last two years. I hope the Regents are able to do the same in the future. Also, I hope the Regents can influence campuses to make wise decisions in regards to opening campuses. Currently we are seeing mixed success across campuses that have engaged in very different protocols for opening. We have to be a good community member to ensure the safety of our community as well.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?

I will continue the work I've long been doing. As a criminology researcher focused on violent victimization and victims' interactions with the CJ system, my publications and talks have long called for reform in the CJ system. The system is not fair and equitable, and those with particular personal characteristics are treated terribly. It has been this way for far too long and it's time to do better. I hope to bring forth the research evidence about what works to make the CJ system work equally for everyone in the hopes that we do better in the future.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

Transparency. The leadership of CU needs to operate in a more transparent fashion. We have seen the challenges that failing to do so brings including in the anger arising from the recent presidential search, and opening some campuses in the midst of Covid. We also need to toss aside the partisanship fighting and make decisions as a Board that are critical for the success of those at CU and those wanting to attend CU.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I will represent the working people of Colorado. As a first generation college student, and a community college graduate, and someone who worked their way through college (when it was even possible), I have lived many of the experiences of our current students. I have had to chose between food and text books. I understand the challenges our students face today. I want to be the voice of the everyday person on the Board.