It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that I share the bittersweet news that Robert G. Moore, senior vice president for Finance and Administration, chief financial officer, and chief operating officer, will retire in the spring. I am grateful for his wise counsel and feel very fortunate to have worked closely with him since I became president in July 2021.
Robert’s influence on Colorado College has been transformative, as he led the college’s finances, Human Resources, Facilities, administrative services, and dining operations since 2009. His work has improved our physical campus, the compensation and benefits of employees, the college’s finances, and the student experience immensely.
“It has been a privilege to serve CC, its students, and employees throughout the past 14 years,” Robert said. “Colorado College is a rare place where the dedication and drive of the entire campus community make it possible to achieve, solve, and innovate every day. I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to build on CC’s strengths and to have a part in creating the unparalleled experience we provide for CC students.”
From July 2020 to July 2021, Robert served as acting co-president of Colorado College. As co-president, Robert provided steady guidance to both the campus community and the Board of Trustees on how to navigate the difficulties of COVID-19 while still providing the best CC educational experience possible under the constraints of the virus. He managed the financial challenges of the pandemic and ensured that there were no layoffs or staff furloughs.
Among his many impactful contributions, he oversaw an increase in the college’s financial aid to 35% of the college’s expenditures.
Through Robert’s leadership, the physical campus was transformed, and the college became the first in the Rocky Mountain region to achieve carbon neutrality. Major construction projects completed during his time at CC include the expansion and renovation of Tutt Library, the largest net-zero energy use academic library in the nation; the Adam F. Press Fitness Center and renovation of El Pomar Sports Center; the Ed Robson Arena; the Mike and Barbara Yalich Student Services Center; and the East Campus Housing Community. Renovations include Spencer Center, Rastall Dining Hall, Cutler Hall, South Hall, and the development of the Ahlberg Outdoor Education Center and Annex. He guided the expansion of the campus through strategic property purchases allowing for future building projects.
Additionally, Robert managed alliance agreements with the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Colorado Public Radio for KRCC, and he worked with state and city government on the agreement for Ed Robson Arena to be partially funded through the City for Champions project.
In his support for employees, Robert guided staff compensation projects that funded additional salary increases for staff. He oversaw substantial increases in minimum wages for college and Sodexo employees. The college’s retirement contributions grew to 10% and an ongoing assessment of workplace culture was implemented.
Robert was a crucial part of the college’s recovery from the financial downturn in 2009. Over his years at CC, the college’s bond ratings from both Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s increased.
Robert is a recognized national leader in his field, having served in 2020-21 as the Chair of the National Association of College and University Business Officers.
Prior to starting his career at Colorado College, Robert served as vice president for budget and finance at the University of Colorado and as the vice president for finance and operations at the Colorado School of Mines. He also has served as the deputy director of the Colorado Commission of Higher Education and the staff director for the Joint Budget Committee of the Colorado General Assembly.
Please join me as we thank Robert for his many contributions to the health and success of CC, congratulate him on a phenomenal career, and wish him the absolute best.
Sincerely,