Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, Communications, and Engagement Roger Smith holds an MBA in Organizational Leadership from the Keller School of Management and a BS in Management from Carroll University. With global nonprofit roots and experience working in thirteen countries, Roger brings an international lens to regional engagement and a deep appreciation for community partnership. His leadership journey includes serving as Senior Director of Advancement at Regis University, Vice President of Stewardship at the Air Force Academy Foundation where he led a modernization of donor relations, executive roles at the University of Denver and a senior role at Colorado College.
Learn more about Vice Chancellor Smith in the below Q&A.
What brought you to UCCS?
I was drawn to UCCS because of its unique role as both a regional anchor and a national leader with deep local roots. Having lived in Colorado Springs for nearly 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand how UCCS truly “walks the walk” of community engagement—from UCCS Downtown to partnerships in health, technology, workforce development, education, the arts, and beyond. UCCS and Colorado Springs share a uniquely symbiotic relationship, each fueling the other’s growth and vitality. As the largest university in Southern Colorado, UCCS provides the city with a steady pipeline of educated graduates, skilled professionals, and research-driven solutions that strengthen the local workforce and economy. In return, Colorado Springs offers UCCS students unparalleled opportunities for internships, careers, military and defense partnerships, healthcare placements, and cultural experiences that enrich their education beyond the classroom. Much like an aspen grove—where individual trees appear separate but are in fact connected by a shared root system—UCCS and Colorado Springs thrive because their roots are intertwined. The university serves as a hub for arts, innovation, and public dialogue through assets like the Ent Center for the Arts (and many more!), while the city’s thriving business, nonprofit, and military communities extend UCCS’s impact into national and global arenas. Together, they form an interconnected ecosystem where education, community, and opportunity are interdependent—ensuring that the success of one directly advances the success of the other.
What goals do you have in mind for the next year for your division?
Over the next year, my goals focus on stability, growth, and alignment:
-Strengthen philanthropy and engagement: deepen alumni and donor relationships by connecting passions with UCCS’s strategic priorities.
-Elevate communications: unify messaging across the university, expand storytelling, and advance UCCS’s brand identity.
-Foster organizational excellence: build structures, processes, and a culture of belonging that empower our Advancement, Communications, and Engagement team to thrive.
-Expand partnerships: continue to cultivate regional collaborations (with military, business, nonprofits, and government) that directly benefit students and the institution.
How did you get into the field of higher education?
I came into higher education through a deep belief in the transformative power of education and access. My career began with opportunities to connect donors to causes that changed lives, and I quickly realized that universities are uniquely positioned to serve as bridges between people, ideas, and communities. From launching a parent giving program at roles where I was privileged to help align donor passions with institutional priorities, every role reinforced my conviction that higher education is the most powerful tool we have to unlock human potential. I believe that when done right, higher education is the greatest investment in the development of human potential. It is a living laboratory for transformational experiences where students find their voice, transform their lives, and define their future. Exposure to diverse perspectives prepares them to thrive in a pluralistic society and to engage in dialogue across difference in ways that are constructive, respectful, and mutually enriching.
What makes you passionate about the work you do?
I’m passionate because this work is about people, purpose, and transformation. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a first-generation student walk across the stage at commencement, knowing that philanthropy, partnerships, and community made that moment possible. I believe trust-based relationships are the foundation of everything that matters — and I love being in a role where listening, connecting, and mobilizing resources directly change lives. For me, higher education represents the intersection of opportunity and responsibility: a space where transformational learning meets personal growth, where exposure to different perspectives cultivates empathy, and where students are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I love capturing life through photography and exploring Colorado’s mountain trails with my other half Allison, my three kids (20, 17, and 15), and our dog Lovey.
What is something fun or interesting that people may not know about you?
A couple of fun facts: I once toured internationally in a musical theater production, and I also played semi-pro football as a running back and kick-returner. Both experiences taught me the importance of performance, discipline, and teamwork. On the lighter side, I walk my dog Lovey past the UCCS Downtown campus nearly every week — and sometimes I’ll observe ping pong night. It’s a reminder that even serious work benefits from joy, play, and community.