Colorado State University President Amy Parsons will resign on December 31, 2026. She announced her decision on October 28, with former provost Rick Miranda set to become interim president on January 1, 2027.
The university expects to begin searching for its next permanent president in spring 2027, with incoming CSU System Chancellor Rico Munn leading the process.
The CSU President to Resign announcement comes as Colorado State University continues its work in research, student success, fundraising, and athletics.
Outgoing president: Amy Parsons
Last day in office: December 31, 2026
Interim president: Rick Miranda, effective January 1, 2027
Permanent search: Expected in spring 2027
Key Facts About the CSU President to Resign Announcement
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Outgoing president | Amy Parsons |
| Announcement date | October 28, 2026 |
| Last day in office | December 31, 2026 |
| Interim president | Rick Miranda |
| Interim appointment begins | January 1, 2027 |
| Permanent president search | Expected in spring 2027 |
| Search leader | Incoming Chancellor Rico Munn |
| Reason for departure | No specific reason announced |
Who Is Amy Parsons?
Amy Parsons became Colorado State University’s 16th president in February 2023. She is a CSU alumna and previously held senior executive positions at the university and across the CSU System.
Before becoming president, she spent 17 years in senior executive leadership roles connected to CSU.
Major Developments During Amy Parsons’ Presidency
| Area | Key Development |
|---|---|
| Pac-12 Realignment | CSU joined the re-formed Pac-12 Conference, expanding its athletics profile and potential media reach. |
| Rural Community Expansion | CSU expanded its statewide presence through regional education hubs, cooperative extension offices, and agricultural research. |
| Campus Community Engagement | The university moved commencement ceremonies to Canvas Stadium to accommodate large gatherings. |
| Democracy Initiatives | CSU introduced civil discourse programmes to encourage open debate and discussion on campus. |
These developments form part of the university’s record during Parsons’ presidency. The next president will determine how CSU continues its priorities.
Why Is Amy Parsons Resigning?
Amy Parsons announced her decision in a message to the Colorado State University community.
In her statement, Parsons said:
“We have redoubled our commitment to rural Colorado and strengthened our land-grant mission of serving every corner of our state. We have created new traditions, including bringing our entire university community together for commencement in Canvas Stadium, and positioned CSU as a national leader in democracy. These accomplishments matter, but what makes me most proud is the people behind them.”
She also expressed gratitude for the university community and highlighted the work accomplished during her tenure.
Parsons has indicated that she and her husband, Jeff, will remain in Fort Collins and continue to be part of the community.
The CSU President to resign announcement does not include a stated reason for her departure, so claims linking it to a particular controversy or disagreement should not be presented as fact.
Leadership Transition at a Glance
| Role | Incoming / Outgoing Leader | Effective Date | Context / Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSU President | Amy Parsons (Outgoing) | December 31, 2026 | Steps down as 16th president after nearly four years in office. |
| Interim President | Rick Miranda (Incoming) | January 1, 2027 | Longtime administrator; previously served as interim president from 2022 to 2023. |
| CSU System Chancellor | Tony Frank (Retiring) | July 1, 2027 | Retiring after decades of high-level system leadership. |
| Incoming Chancellor | Rico Munn (Successor) | July 1, 2027 | Will oversee the national search for the permanent replacement. |
Why Rick Miranda Will Lead CSU During the Transition
Twelve minutes after Parsons published her resignation, CSU Chancellor Tony Frank announced Rick Miranda as interim president.
Rika Miranda served as provost for more than a decade and became interim president after Joyce McConnell left in 2022.
His familiarity with academic budgets, campus operations, and university funding could help maintain administrative stability during the transition.
Chancellor Tony Frank noted that Miranda’s deep institutional familiarity will keep academic goals on track while system leaders navigate upcoming executive transitions.
What to Watch Next
The decision for the CSU President to resign comes during a pivotal realignment phase for higher education institutions in Colorado.
University stakeholders will watch three critical developments over the coming months:
- Board of Governors Directives: Watch how the Board of Governors frames the candidate criteria for the 17th president. Faculty groups will likely push for a traditional academic scholar, while external stakeholders may favor fundraising and enterprise backgrounds.
- Athletic Transition Execution: Campus leaders must ensure athletic operations meet Pac-12 launch requirements without siphoning resources away from academic programs.
- State Legislative Session: Interim President Miranda will represent the Fort Collins campus during spring legislative budget hearings, advocating for higher education funding and capital investments.
This higher education leadership transition marks the conclusion of a rapid, consequential era for Fort Collins. With proven interim management stepping in, Colorado State University enters 2027 focused on stability, academic governance, and long-range strategic recruitment.
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