Thriving Institution Designations (HB26-1006)
Note: Information on this page is subject to change as the Department implements HB26-1006. Last updated July 30, 2026.
Latest Update: September 3, 2026
- Applications are now closed
- Advisory Committee on Thriving Institution Outcomes seat categories posted below
- First Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for:
- October 21, 2026: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- November 6, 2026: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- February 2027
- March (if needed)
About Thriving Institution Designations
House Bill 26-1006 was signed into law and takes effect August 12, 2026. It directs the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE, or the Department) to establish thriving institution designations on or before December 31, 2027, recognizing public institutions of higher education that demonstrate strong performance for historically underserved student populations, including Hispanic or Latino students, first-generation students, students with low incomes, adult learners, transfer students, and students attending colleges and universities in rural areas.
The bill summary states that the Department, with input from an advisory committee, must identify institutions that meet outcome and recognition standards, notify eligible institutions and request a response within ten calendar days, post designated institutions on the Department's website, and notify the General Assembly of institutions that earn a designation. A designation does not create an entitlement to state funding.
On or before January 1, 2027, the Department will convene an Advisory Committee on Thriving Institution Outcomes to provide input on the outcome standards, recognition standards, and continuous improvement approach used to inform designations. The Advisory Committee does not select institutions; that responsibility sits with the Department.
Advisory Committee on Thriving Institution Outcomes
The Advisory Committee consists of sixteen members across fifteen statutory categories (23-1-144(5)(b), C.R.S.), each appointed by the CDHE Executive Director. One appointee may satisfy multiple categories, and members may also serve on another council, commission, or stakeholder group. Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses.
Statutory Seat Categories
- A representative from a four-year university
- A representative from a community college
- A representative from a local district college
- A representative from a rural campus
- A representative from an institution that received a Hispanic-Serving Institution designation from the U.S. Department of Education on or before December 31, 2025
- A representative from an institution that received a First Generation-Serving Institution designation from CDHE on or before December 31, 2025
- A representative from an institution that received a Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institution designation from the U.S. Department of Education on or before December 31, 2025
- A representative from an institution with a Pell-eligible undergraduate population greater than the statewide average (as verified by CDHE data)
- A representative from an institution with a population of adult learners and transfer students greater than the statewide average (as verified by CDHE data)
- A representative from the Colorado business community with experience in workforce development or employer engagement
- Two individuals with research expertise in higher education or a closely related discipline
- A student currently enrolled at an institution of higher education
- A representative from an organization that provides program oversight and policy guidance for workforce development programs
- A student success representative with demonstrated experience in student affairs
- An individual with expertise in lawful data use and privacy compliance
- Committee Membership
Category/ Seat Appointee Institution/Organization 4-Year University Dr. Kauline Cipriani Colorado State University - Fort Collins Community College Dr. Krishna Pattisapu Front Range Community College Local District College Ana M Vega Terrazas Colorado Mountain College Rural Campus Dr. Rosana Reyes Lamar Community College HSI Dr. Manuel Del Real Metropolitan State University of Denver First Gen Institution Dr. Angela Marquez Community College of Aurora NASNTI Dr. Christine Nelson Fort Lewis College Pell Above Avg Abby Davidson Colorado State University - Pueblo Adult/Transfer Above Avg Dr. Enrique Romo Pikes Peak State College Business / Employer Engagement Dr. Jacinda Lay Colorado Adult Education Coalition Research Expertise (seat 1) Dr Cecilia Orphan Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges Research Expertise (seat 2) Dr. Sonia DeLuca Fernandez University of Colorado - Boulder Current Student Walat Gozeh University of Colorado - Colorado Springs Workforce Policy / Oversight Shannon Nicholas Colorado Succeeds Student Success / Student Affairs Karl Diaz-Sanders Colorado Coalition for Educational Advancement of Latines (CoCEAL) Data Privacy Expertise Dr. Charles Mathies Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) Questions should be directed to the equity.office@dhe.state.co.us.
- Advisory Committee Meeting Information
Following Colorado open meeting law requirements, meetings will be posted here as they are scheduled, including a public Zoom link, agenda, and meeting recording where applicable. All meetings links will be posted at least 24 hours before they begin.
2026-2027 Scheduled Meetings
Meeting Agendas Location & Recordings October 21, 2026 Agenda will be posted prior to meeting Zoom link (TBD) November 6, 2026 Agenda will be posted prior to meeting Zoom link (TBD) February 2027 Agenda will be posted prior to meeting Zoom link (TBD) March 2027 (if needed) Agenda will be posted prior to meeting Zoom link (TBD) - Communications and Documentation
Date Description Link August 2026 Call for Applications September 14, 2026 Roster confirmation Roster confirmation October 21, 2026 Meeting 1 agenda and materials TBD November 6, 2026 Meeting 2 agenda and materials TBD February 2027 Meeting 3 agenda and materials TBD March 2027 (if needed) Meeting 4 agenda and materials TBD
Questions and Feedback
For questions about the Advisory Committee or the application process, contact the CDHE Educational Equity, Workforce and Social Mobility (EEWSM) office at equity.office@dhe.state.co.us.
The Department and Advisory Committee intentionally work to make this site and posted materials accessible. If additional support is needed, contact accessibility@dhe.state.co.us.