This week, we’re pleased to feature a guest blog post from Rolfe Larson, the assistant academic program director for the Information Technology program and interim director of the Environmental Policy and Management program. Larson is a veteran professor and administrator at the College of Professional Studies, and has worked as a consultant to nonprofits/NGOs, and social enterprises across various sectors.

This is an interesting time to be human. AI can do many of the things that we thought only we could do. It is very good at writing code, assessing security risks, designing web sites, and personalized learning. Indeed, name almost anything an IT person (or an educator) does today in their job, and likely someone right now is looking for a way for AI to do it better, faster, cheaper.

Scary, eh?

Maybe, but there’s still plenty of space at the table for humans. While AI can process data faster—way faster—than any human, it also lacks many of the characteristics that we humans need and find so, well, human. And it’s unlikely to acquire them anytime soon. To be effective in our jobs and in our lives, we will continue to look to each other for connection, excitement, fear, sorrow, inspiration. Rarely is a technical solution complete without the personal element. AI doesn’t have those feelings and doesn’t (so far) do a great job of mimicking them. It doesn’t know how to struggle with a moral dilemma or how to make a difficult decision when emotions are part of the equation (which is almost always the case.

But will I lose my job to AI?

AI is certainly transforming the workplace. Unfortunately, as with any major change, some jobs will disappear, others will shift, new ones will emerge. The job you have right now might not have existed 50 years ago, or it certainly has changed over the years. So of course, the workplace will continue to evolve. Constantly update your skills and you’ll be fine. Employers will always need people with strengths in communication, judgment, empathy and imagination. Those capacities are not in AI’s wheelhouse, not now or in the foreseeable future.

Machines cannot replace our natural skills to care, to wonder, to dream. We are authentic in a way that AI cannot be. Technology can help us deepen our humanity as we learn to embrace our imperfections.

AI can never touch the one core thing that binds us together: our shared humanity.

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Guest post by Key Takeaways

• AI adoption succeeds when the human element—culture, engagement, learning—is prioritised alongside technology.
• Feedback loops and innovation spaces help employees feel part of the AI journey, increasing buy‑in and success.
• Leadership must make AI literacy and shared responsibility core to the adoption process for meaningful integration.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the integration of human-centric principles is critical to maximize AI’s full potential while building an AI-ready culture. The success of AI adoption hinges on people and the ways in which they work, far more than on technology alone. But despite a demonstrated potential for AI to turbo-boost productivity and revolutionize work, most organizations struggle to translate AI potential into reality. Gartner reports that , largely because organizations rush into AI initiatives without adequate planning, workforce training, or change management. About 80% of workers report that their organizations have not provided training on generative AI, leaving a widespread lack of guidance in navigating these advanced tools. The result? Wasted time, frustrated employees, and growing skepticism about AI’s real value. To build the skills necessary for successful AI integration, many professionals are turning to an information technology masters to gain a strong foundation in both technical and strategic areas. A concluded that successful early adopters of generative AI technology focus heavily on educating, upskilling, and reskilling staff to create a new mindset and culture that embraces AI. Here are three human-centered priorities for AI adoption that will improve AI project success and build a workforce that is better prepared for the transformative changes that are coming.

1.�������� AI Literacy as the First Step to AI Success

Leading companies are embracing AI literacy programs designed to equip employees with both technological knowledge and practical application skills. Instead of treating AI as a tool for a select few experts, successful organizations are making AI knowledge accessible to employees at all levels. Widespread AI literacy helps bridge the gap between IT and business staff by enabling good communication, and fosters the kind of employee confidence that reduces fear and resistance. Furthermore, it helps maximize effective AI use: when employees understand AI, they can better identify opportunities to apply it in their work.

2.�������� ��Upskilling and Reskilling Prepares Workers for Change

The World Economic Forum noted that , with more than 40% of companies foreseeing major job disruptions as AI automates some tasks. Companies that invest in upskilling and reskilling can take better advantage of new AI capabilities and retain productive talent rather than replace it. Organizations that only focus on AI literacy without acknowledging the need for more specific training may struggle to see real productivity gains from AI adoption. But companies that develop general AI knowledge while also preparing staff with focused AI training and new skills as workflows and business needs evolve will see more successful AI projects.

3.�������� Organizational Change Management for AI Adoption

Much like any technology effort, the likelihood of AI adoption success depends more on business process change and human behavior change than the technical deployment. Targeted and intentional organizational change management (OCM) is critical to creating the necessary understanding, desire, and action for change. Effective OCM will connect current AI projects to company strategy that has been communicated as part of overall AI literacy. This connection to the larger strategic direction can create better context and buy-in for incoming changes. Training that is unique to the project capabilities being introduced and that shows how this project relates to specific business goals can improve workforce performance and comfort. Reinforcement helps to prevent AI abandonment while building new habits that contribute to long term AI adoption success.

Other Considerations for Integrating AI

There are several other human-centered activities a company can implement to support AI integration and encourage creating a culture that is resilient during a time of change.

Continuing Education

Quality academic programs can empower company leaders to adopt AI solutions and be champions for change. For example, the University of Denver has career-focused AI programs through its College of Professional Studies that emphasize IT and AI skills for IT professionals, emerging leaders, and established executives. The master’s concentration and certificate program in AI Strategy and Application in IT was built for working professionals and delivers a powerful combination of industry-aligned skills and academic rigor. The combination of hands-on experiential learning and cutting-edge concepts from thought leaders and industry experts provides the core competencies students need to become knowledgeable and influential AI champions in their organizations to drive innovation and change in this era of AI disruption and opportunity.

Continuous Improvement Practices

Effective feedback loops can help reinforce the importance of the human side of AI adoption when feedback results in visible action. By embedding continuous improvement programs into company culture, organizations create a dynamic environment where employees feel valued, new tools are embraced, and the company is adaptive to the changing technology landscape.

Innovation Programs

Employees are more likely to embrace AI if they see it solving real problems. Innovation teams or programs where fresh ideas are welcomed will allow workers to take an active role in defining how AI fits into their work. A culture that is safe for employees to test AI-related ideas and encourages employees to become internal advocates for adoption can be more effective than top-down mandates.

Call to Action – What can Leaders and Employees Do Now

To bridge the growing gap between AI adoption and workforce readiness, organizations must take a proactive and structured approach that emphasizes the human side of AI adoption. Leaders must be intentional about fostering a culture of AI proficiency that empowers employees to use these technologies effectively. By making AI education and reinforcement a shared responsibility, businesses can foster a workforce that is not only AI-literate but also better prepared for the evolving technological landscape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Cloud computing has become central to speed, flexibility, and cost savings in modern organizations’ technology strategies.
• Guest expert Chad Eckles shares insights from 15+ years in cybersecurity and Department of Defense projects, emphasizing security, architecture, and cost management in cloud adoption.
• The article ties directly to DU’s Technology Leadership and IT programs, helping leaders make informed, secure cloud integration decisions.

�� This week, we’re pleased to feature a guest blog post on cloud integration from Chad Eckles, who has over 15 years of technical and leadership experience in the cybersecurity industry and with the Department of Defense. He will teach Technology Leadership in the Winter 2025 term in our IT program. Cloud computing has become a cornerstone for businesses seeking speed, flexibility, and cost savings. By lowering capital expenditures and reducing the need for additional overhead, cloud computing has become an integral part of nearly every technology executive’s long-term strategy. However, weaving cloud solutions into an organization’s technology fabric requires careful consideration of both security and cost management. In an ever-changing world of cloud technology, finding the right balance can be easier said than done. If you’re looking to deepen your expertise in this area, consider pursuing a masters in information technology to gain advanced skills and stay ahead in the field.

Developing a Clear Cloud Strategy

Traditionally, leaders have often approached the cloud journey similar to their legacy, on-premise datacenter. But cloud is different – scalability is almost limitless, a vast array of services become instantly available, and software integration shifts dramatically. All of this being said, a clear and well-outlined cloud strategy is absolutely foundational before traveling too far down the path. Start by thinking through specific needs of the organization and how the core business objectives could be better enabled via the shift towards cloud computing. Is the decision purely financial? Are you hoping to enhance operational effectiveness, improve performance, or have quicker access to more advanced tooling? Understanding the “why” behind the move will help shape and mold your cloud strategy in a way that is meaningful to the business. Additionally, gaining a firm grasp on your current environment’s inventory and technical landscape is paramount. Identifying mission-critical applications and supporting infrastructure, candidate systems for decommissioning, and any high-risk components of your architecture will help scope and prioritize cloud initiatives in a logical, secure, and purpose-driven manner.

Prioritizing Security and Data Protection

is a core tenet of doing business in the cloud and many of the traditional cybersecurity guardrails still are in play. First, encrypt data both in-transit and at-rest. Although many cloud service providers now include default encryption, it is advisable to implement key management solutions using customer-managed keys for the most optimal protection. Identity has become the primary focus of modern security. Experts now agree that, unlike the past emphasis on firewalls, securing identity is the new critical entry point that must be safeguarded. Security measures such as multifactor authentication (MFA), just-in-time (JIT) access, and role-based access controls should be a top priority. Learning from ransomware cases over the last decade, basics such as backups must not be forgotten. The power of cloud allows organizations to more easily replicate data to various regions to improve disaster recovery and business continuity. Lastly, many cloud vendors offer native intrusion detection systems (IDS), firewalls, and security monitoring solutions to address security threats. Collectively, these capabilities help the business better detect and respond to significant risks that could cause serious damage.

Monitoring and Optimizing Cloud Spend

Rapid deployment and scalability are exciting, but cost still must be managed wisely. Begin by monitoring and establishing a baseline for expenditures. Are costs continually fluctuating or staying relatively flat? While cost estimation calculators provide initial figures, ongoing monitoring aligns expectations with reality. It is also recommended to leverage cost optimization tooling to reveal where saving opportunities could occur. Evaluate the necessity of 24/7 server operation, use autoscaling for high-traffic periods, and right-size resources accordingly. These strategies effectively optimize spending and keep the budget in check. It is also important to recognize that your cloud journey will evolve. Regularly review and adjust cloud usage to align to strategic business objectives. Conducting periodic assessments focused on efficient resource utilization and cost-saving opportunities will provide up-to-date intelligence that enables better decision-making for the business.

Engaging Stakeholders

One item that unfortunately gets less attention than it truly deserves is stakeholder engagement. Even if the balance sheet looks healthier and advanced technology is enticing, we must not overlook how stakeholders and customers will experience it. Engaging stakeholders from across the organization, as well as external consumer groups, allow you to consider multiple perspectives. Communication is crucial to stakeholder engagement and embracing a growth mindset is encouraged. Regular updates and transparent communication not only build trust and make participants feel valued, but they also lead to a more robust and improved outcome than initially planned.

Conclusion

Integrating cloud solutions into your corporate technology strategy can provide massive benefits, but it can also present a plethora of risks as well. By educating yourself on these practices, along with other core lessons learned in DU’s technology-focused coursework in cloud strategy, cybersecurity, architecture, and data protection, you will set yourself up for success when navigating the many complexities of operating securely and effectively in the cloud. �� Chad Eckles (M.S., Regis University)��is a seasoned technology professional who currently leads the development and engineering of a large-scale cloud program at a prominent software development company. In this role, he builds security policies, designs technical architectures, and provides advisory services on security best practices. Chad has been teaching at the University of Denver since 2021 and has previously taught at Colorado Technical University, specializing in computer science and cybersecurity studies. With over 15 years of technical and leadership experience in the cybersecurity industry and the Department of Defense (DoD), he has supported a diverse portfolio of high-visibility projects. Additionally, Chad serves as a Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer in the Navy Reserves, where he helps lead Sailors across various cyberspace and intelligence mission sets to support national security.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Technology leadership requires linking tech initiatives to mission‑critical business goals.
• Managing talent effectively involves more than oversight — it means investing in growth and aligning roles with individual strengths.
• A dual focus on a clear mission and strong talent management enables tech leaders to drive meaningful, lasting impact.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. As a professional with experience in IT leadership, I’ve identified two key elements that can drive transformation within an organization: a clear mission and talent management. These are two pillars that I emphasize in the graduate-level Information Technology classes I teach at DU because they are so crucial to success at a leadership level.

Clear Mission

The foundation of successful technology leadership lies in understanding and articulating a clear mission, a roadmap ensuring that all efforts align with the overarching goals. In the context of IT, this means not only focusing on technological advancements but also understanding how these technologies can serve broader business objectives.

Many IT leaders fall into the trap of championing new technology initiatives that primarily benefit the IT department. However, to truly make an impact and secure a “seat at the table” with other executives, it’s crucial to present these initiatives as integral parts of the organization’s overall strategy.

For instance, rather than pushing for a new software implementation solely for its technical merits, an IT leader should demonstrate how the software will enhance efficiency across departments, improve customer experience, or contribute to financial growth.

By framing technology projects as organizational projects, IT leaders can better communicate the value of their proposals to non-technical stakeholders. This approach not only fosters buy-in from other departments but also positions IT as a critical partner in achieving the company’s mission.

Talent Management

The second crucial aspect of technology leadership is talent management. Notice that I say “talent management” rather than “people management.” The distinction is important because it shifts the focus from merely managing employees to nurturing their skills and potential.

Effective talent management involves identifying and leveraging the strengths of team members while also providing opportunities for growth in areas where they may need development.

This approach requires a keen understanding of each team member’s unique abilities and aspirations. By assigning tasks and projects that align with their strengths, leaders can maximize productivity and job satisfaction.

Conversely, by challenging employees with assignments that stretch their capabilities, leaders can help them develop new skills and expand their “toolbox.” This not only benefits the individual but also enhances the overall capability of the team.

A key takeaway for technology leaders is the importance of viewing their team members as assets whose skills and contributions are critical to the organization’s success. By focusing on talent management, leaders can ensure that the right people are in the right roles, ultimately driving the organization toward its goals.

Building Technology Leadership Skills and Ability

These two elements of technology management, and strategies for implementing them, are taught in depth in the Information Technology program at DU’s University College. The Technology Management master’s concentration is particularly designed for professionals who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level and learn to manage technology and teams, solve business challenges, and help their organizations achieve competitive advantage.

Technology careers need more than technical know-how. Our Information Technology bachelor’s major helps students build IT career skills tied to systems, strategy, leadership, problem solving, and business impact.

My understanding of these concepts was hard-won, but I know my students will take insights like these to launch productive leadership careers. Especially in the fast-moving field of technology, a leader must constantly strive to balance short-term decision-making with more long-term strategic thinking. Strengths-based talent management and a clear mission aligning with business goals are both key to making a lasting impact.

Al Gardner is an information technology executive with a nearly three-decade career marked by engineering expertise, visionary leadership and strong community engagement. Currently he serves as the Executive Director of General Services for the City and County of Denver. Previously he excelled in sectors including telecommunications, non-profit organizations, hospitality and healthcare. He is a Board Member of the Colorado Technology Association and has taught in DU’s Information Technology Program since 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Strong risk assessment skills improve strategic planning, resilience, and operational stability.

• Using structured methods helps professionals evaluate and respond to risks more effectively.

• Cross-sector applications make risk assessment a universally valuable competency.

It’s not your imagination – natural disasters are and . As the earth’s climate warms, the question is not if a disaster will hit your area, but when.

The U.S. has already seen a record number of billion-dollar disasters in 2023 so far. We’ve seen wildfire smoke blanketing the northeast, an uncommonly active hurricane season, and blistering heat across the southern U.S. There’s been flooding in California and New England, destructive hail in Colorado, and at least 1,000 tornadoes in the Midwest. Most devastating of all, a wildfire in Lahaina, Maui, killed at least 115 people. These increasingly frequent climate-related disasters highlight the urgent need for resilient health systems—something that professionals with healthcare masters degrees online are uniquely prepared to help develop and lead.

This new reality may soon become relevant in a place you wouldn’t expect – your workplace. Businesses are increasingly acknowledging the need to plan for disasters, mitigate their effects, and be part of the solution.

In the Environmental Policy and Management program at the University of Denver’s University College, we’re focused on business acumen and equip professionals to lead the way in addressing natural disaster risk.

For professionals seeking to build expertise in environmental emergency management specifically, our Emergency Planning and Response concentration teaches how to mitigate and respond to disasters and major environmental emergencies. You can study risk reduction strategies, learn to create and execute an emergency management plan, and build the skills to effectively respond to environmental incidents, from initial response through recovery.

For a wider scope, the Flex Path program allows you to tailor your course of environmental study, choosing eight courses for your master’s degree that are most relevant to your desired career path. This could include classes in environmental policy, sustainability, health and safety, or analytics.

Every organization, large and small, now must consider its natural disaster risk and response. For workers seeking to lead prevention and resilience efforts, the Environmental Policy and Management program at University College makes career and business sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This new field creates powerful learning experiences

There’s a surging job title in the U.S. that you may have never heard of. This is the role that thinks about how learning happens – no matter the topic.

Instructional design is the job of designing new learning or training experiences and developing effective curricula. Instructional designers might create e-learning courses, develop new employee training programs, or assess training modules to ensure they’re inclusive. They combine learning theory with the latest technology tools, making classes interactive and engaging in order to improve learning outcomes.

This is an emerging profession, but one that is already in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects about to open yearly over the next decade.

As more learning is done online due in part to the pandemic and remote work, there’s demand for learning experiences that are effective, engaging, and well-packaged. There’s also a demand for greater equity and inclusivity in learning design, and strategies that meet the needs of diverse adult learners.

Sought-after instructional design credentials

Typical job titles include training manager, learning experience designer, curriculum developer, or instructional technology specialist. Many of these roles require graduate education in the field.

That’s why the University of Denver’s University College offers high-quality master’s degrees and certificates in Instructional Design and Technology. These programs are designed for busy adults, so the learning works around your schedule. In just 6 months (for a certificate) or 18 months (for a master’s), you could earn a credential in a field that celebrates learning.

Our concentration in Adult Learning and Inclusive Design teaches students to cultivate an inclusive mindset and learn best practices for instructional strategies, assessment, and interventions. Many of our instructors are leaders in the field, so they can bring concepts to life with real-world examples and offer valuable industry connections.

If you’re interested in finding creative, powerful ways to design experiences that promote and deepen learning, explore our offerings in Instructional Design and Technology. It’s the perfect moment to unleash the power of learning in your future!

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Key Takeaways

• Healthcare leadership requires calm decision-making, empathy, and clarity, especially when teams face high stakes and constant change.
• Hands-on leadership can build trust because people see leaders who understand the work and support the frontline reality.
• Strong leaders create better environments for both teams and patients by focusing on communication, accountability, and steady culture.

As the world continues to evolve, you’ll find experienced, dedicated people on the front lines creating opportunities, meeting challenges head-on, and serving as an example to those they lead.

Sherri Hess, Chief Nursing Informatics Officer at Banner Health, and faculty member in the University College Healthcare Management program since 2011 (and recently the Health Informatics program), is one of those leaders.

With more than 30 years’ experience in healthcare as a registered nurse, including 21 as a healthcare IT leader, Hess currently serves as the strategic liaison between clinical leaders and IT. Banner Health and Hess are leading the charge when it comes to nursing informatics, addressing information and knowledge needs of healthcare professionals and patients to improve outcomes in quality, safety, and patient satisfaction.

Hess and her team also focus on improving efficiency for the clinical staff to give them more time with patients and less with paperwork.

This focus proved to be invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, as healthcare professionals found themselves needing more time to treat patients, spending less time on administrative tasks. Decreasing documentation and streamlining electronic health records for COVID patients became a priority.

“Initially, our focus was creating disaster documentation to prepare for the surge, decreasing what and how often our nurses and respiratory nurses had to document,” Hess related. “Since, they are caring for more patients, they do not have time to spend documenting. In Arizona, we are so full, we need all hands on deck to help our staff care for patients.”

Hess, a registered nurse, also takes the all hands on deck call seriously. In addition to leading nursing informatics efforts, she rolled up her sleeves and volunteered to vaccinate front-line healthcare workers, canceling her own holiday travel plans to help with the effort.

“That is why I became a nurse – to always step up when needed – no matter the ask,” she said. “I believe the only way to get this under control is to get everyone vaccinated. If I can take my holiday or weekend to assist, it’s my calling.”

According to Hess, who will continue to administer vaccines over the next few months, the Banner site she assists at has ramped up to vaccinating 1,700 healthcare workers per day. ��

University College Healthcare Management and Health Informatics programs are on the leading edge of the health industry thanks to dedicated people like Hess. Her experience and dedication are what helps to train students to become leaders.

“Sherri throws her whole heart, soul, and brains into everything she does. She is a dedicated leader, a cheerleader for the nursing profession, a glass ceiling breaker, an innovator, an educator and an all-around amazing human,” says Rachel Rogers, academic director for the Health Informatics program. “Sherri understands the value that technological innovation can bring to healthcare but also understands that in order to successfully introduce new technology into healthcare settings, the end-users need to be included in the implementation process from end-to-end. Like many nurses, she is willing to do whatever it takes to do what is right and best for patients and healthcare providers. She’ll advocate for bedside clinicians in high-level meetings and then toss on a pair of scrubs and give COVID-19 vaccinations.”

Interested in learning more about our Health Informatics graduate program (and taking a course from Hess)? Visit the University College website.

Photos courtesy of Sherri Hess.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Key Takeaways

• Grant writing builds business-ready skills like persuasion, structured thinking, and writing clearly for decision-makers.
• It teaches you to align goals, budgets, and measurable outcomes, which is useful for proposals, partnerships, and internal initiatives too.
• Strong grant writers learn how to tell a compelling story with evidence, which can elevate communication in almost any leadership role.

Grant writing is one of the most unique forms of writing. A successful grant writer needs to be able to tell a compelling story that resonates with an audience but also share facts, figures, and metrics in a digestible way. In the nonprofit world, grants can be the difference between launching a new program and laying off critical staff. Now, more than ever, organizations need grants—and strong grant writers—to keep their missions moving forward.

The Forbes Nonprofit Council has identified both key ingredients for a successful grant and the traits of successful grant writers. Winning grants are thoughtful, well researched, and paint a picture using data and impactful language. Grant writers should be driven by this data, as well as a passion for the cause. They should be process- and detail-oriented, organized, and strong writers. More importantly, the best grant writers can weave a compelling, impactful story in a clear and comprehensive way. They are able to connect to the reader through writing.

It takes a great deal of practice to become proficient in grant writing and to navigate the ins and outs of the process. What’s the best way to share data? How do I start gathering essential metric information? Who should I involve in the process? How much should I ask for? Where do I even search for grant opportunities?

The University of Denver’s Center for Professional Development is offering a live online grant writing course to help you answer all of these questions, and more! Join Dr. Sylvia Hall-Ellis, a consultant and grant writing expert, as she guides you through the start-to-finish process of preparing a comprehensive grant proposal. Classes begin February 3. Visit the for more information and to register.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Gothic, Colorado just outside of Crested Butte, was once a booming mining town teeming with prospectors bent on striking it rich in the surrounding ore-filled mountains. But when the silver ran dry and the miners packed up and headed on to the next claim, something just as valuable as the ore moved in: research.

For almost a century, the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), located at the Gothic site and the area beyond, has been a worldwide leader in climate and environmental research. Since it moved into the abandoned mining town in 1928, the internationally renowned research center has hosted thousands of scientists and students who have made the ecosystem one the most intensely studied in the world. More than 1,900 publications have come about as a result of RMBL research on climate, wildlife, ecology, and much more.

Because of the RMBL’s impact on our history, our present, and our future, it was recently granted a conservation easement by Colorado Open Lands, ensuring that the area is protected and research will continue unencumbered.

Critical to that designation was the use of Geographic Information Systems technology to map research plots, important boundaries, historic structures, and more to help prove the case for conservation.

Stacking Skills for Expertise

At the heart of the RMBL’s GIS data is University College at the University of Denver’s GIS program alumna and faculty member Shannon Sprott, who also serves as the RMBL’s GPS/GIS Coordinator. Her GIS experience, education, and enthusiasm helped to ensure that the RMBL will remain one of the world’s most diverse research centers for years to come.

Sprott is a perfect example of how taking an interest to the next level through stacking graduate credentials can take a career to the next level.

While studying undergraduate environmental biology and ecology at Western Colorado University in Gunnison, she took her first course in GIS in 2001. The course and her interest in staying in the Gunnison area after graduation led her to taking an GIS internship with Gunnison County in 2002, where she provided help with mapping.

Sprott initially taught herself to use ArcMap software and look for data sets that helped with a variety of county projects. Her internship eventually turned into a full-time position.

“I just ended up loving it. I’m a planner person, and I don’t like doing the same thing 8 hours a day. When I started doing mapping, I was doing something different every hour,” she said.

When the time came to advance in her career with the county, she sought out education to build more skills in GIS.

“The only way to move forward was to get more education, and I decided to take the University College GIS graduate certificate program online,” Sprott said, adding that earning the certificate from DU in 2006 helped her get reclassified to a higher position with a better salary.

It also laid the foundation for her to quickly earn her Master’s in GIS when the University of Denver started up the online master’s program in 2009.

“I was one of the first people to take the online master’s program,” she said. “My GIS certificate credits transferred over into the master’s program because I stayed with the University of Denver. Because of that, I only had just over a year left of classwork.”

Sprott was also able to immediately apply skills she learned from her courses to her career. As part of her capstone course, she created a 911 addressing database for Hinsdale County, a mapping project that hadn’t existed prior, was very needed in the area for quick emergency response, and which the county ended up purchasing from her for use.

Today, it has all come full circle for Sprott, from student to instructor. In addition to her work at the RMBL, she started teaching a variety of courses at University College in 2012, including Intro to GIS and Geodatabase Applications. In her role as an instructor, she gives students a chance to hit the ground running with the technology through her years of experience in the field.

“I just want people to get more comfortable in dealing with data and organizing data, as well as working with new software. It’s not easy throwing yourself into something new,” she said.  

Using GIS in Support of Science

Thanks to Sprott’s love and knowledge of GIS, not only has she made an impact on her students but she also has made an impact on the scientific community of RMBL. She began working with the RMBL on special projects while still working with Gunnison County, and eventually took an employee position with the research center, allowing her to teach courses at DU and Western State. 

 Sprott creates maps for virtually everything on the Gothic property. For example, she has mapped out improvements, like sewer and septic lines, that help with maintenance of the property. She can even map out where butterflies have landed during a pollinator study using data from researchers’ GPS units.

Currently, there are around thousands of research sites that have been mapped out with more being added all the time. Because the studies have very specific environmental needs, Sprott uses the vast amount of data collected at Gothic to map out the plots that will meet those requirements.

“We have a very extensive data base, including maps and data sets that date all the way back to 1928,” she said, adding that the year-round caretaker of Gothic, billy barr, has himself been collecting climate data there for decades. “It’s all about research, it’s all about science and it’s all about sharing that with the public.”

Preserving Gothic for Generations Through GIS

Research done at Gothic has influenced legislative policy, management best practices, and understanding of ecological processes across the world. Not only is new research happening regularly, the site has also generated decades and decades of data from the same studies, which is a rarity in science.

Research on acid deposition was used during revision of the National Clean Air Act. Pioneering research on pollination began at RMBL in the 1970s with scientists who continue to research in Gothic every summer. 

But the land is valued for more than just its wealth of research opportunities. It is also in a sought-after area in the state, is bordering Crested Butte winter recreation areas, making it vulnerable to real-estate development.

Seeing how decades of past and future research and data were at stake, the RMBL was able to protect Gothic and the entire 270-acre site under a conservation easement with Colorado Open Lands in the summer of 2020.

Getting the easement required proving that there was enough ecological and conservation value to preserve Gothic forever. That is where GIS played a critical role. Using the years and years of RMBL data, Sprott was able to create a variety of maps, including topography, soils, natural features, facilities, wetlands, as well as buildings of historical value, long-term research plots, and more.

Thanks to those maps and the hard work of RMBL staff, research can now take place indefinitely, keeping science alive in well in the high country of Colorado without the threat of development.

 “People say a picture is worth a thousand words, but I say a map is worth 1,000 pictures,” said Sprott.

To learn more about the University of Denver GIS graduate offerings (and to take a course from Sprott), please visit the program’s website. You can learn more about Gothic and the research there on the .

Photo courtesy of RMBL.org.

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Key Takeaways

• The article explores how social media has become central to brand communication, political messaging, and stakeholder engagement, raising complex ethical and governance questions.
• It highlights the importance of media literacy, transparency, and strategic communication for leaders navigating public opinion and political dynamics online.
• College of Professional Studies positions professionals to understand these intersections through thought leadership and programs in communication, leadership, and ethics.

As social media becomes an increasingly prevalent means of distributing information, advertising products and services, and communicating with stakeholders, questions arise regarding the politics and ethics that inform its use.

What are the potential consequences of using social platforms to disseminate political ideologies? How has the use of LinkedIn affected workplace politics and changed professional networking? Does professional success require the use of social media, or can it do more harm than good?

These are just a few of the many questions arise navigating the professional, political, and online worlds. To provide professionals with the skills to successfully inform social media use and decisions, the Global Community Engagement program at University College is offering a Politics and Social Media course.

The Global Community Engagement program focuses on helping people navigate globally connected and culturally diverse environments that are crucial for professional success. The new reflects that mission, teaching students to:��

• Distinguish between social media and traditional mass media to identify benefits and drawbacks of each.
• Analyze the ways in which social media enhances or impedes effective workplace communication.
• Evaluate consequences of using social media in the context of politics.
• Describe cultural considerations that facilitate or impede the effective use of social media.

“These skills are critical for anyone who seeks to be culturally informed and keep up with the changing demands of a 21^st century workspace,” said Arianna Nowakowski, Global Community Engagement program academic director.

Interested in learning more? Enroll before you apply for a degree or certificate, and start the this September—just in time to follow along and understand the 2020 election.

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