Letters from Leadership

Letter from Janice Nerger

Jan Nerger

To our supporters,   

It has been a profound honor to serve as the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences for nearly 14 years.  This fall, I transitioned to a new position with the Colorado State University System, where I will be advising on strategic academic initiatives.  

As I step into this exciting new chapter, I find myself reflecting with pride on the incredible milestones we have reached together:   

  • We completed the construction of cutting-edge Biology and Chemistry Research buildings, significantly enhancing our research and teaching capabilities.  
  • We increased research expenditures by 42%, driving innovative discoveries across multiple disciplines.  
  • Our endowment more than doubled, ensuring long-term financial sustainability for the college.  
  • We welcomed over 100 tenure-track faculty members and more than 35 continuing and contract faculty, many of whom are now on long-term contracts.  
  • We made significant strides in fields such as Data Science, Neuroscience, Materials Science, and Science Education, solidifying our position at the forefront of cutting-edge research and academic excellence.  
  • Our student enrollment continues to grow, and we are now the largest enrolling college at CSU.  This growth reflects not only our strong academic reputation but also the increasing societal demand for excellence in STEM disciplines, which are critical to solving the most pressing challenges of our time.  

None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of our alumni, donors, friends, faculty, and staff.   

Throughout my tenure, I have been guided by core principles: leading with integrity, fostering authenticity, encouraging open communication, and cultivating a positive, inclusive environment. I hope you share the same sense of accomplishment in having embraced and upheld these principles alongside me.  

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Jacob Roberts, professor and chair of the Department of Physics, has been appointed as interim dean. With over 20 years of experience at CSU and a proven leadership track record since 2015, Dr. Roberts is highly qualified for this role. I have every confidence in his ability to continue advancing the college toward even greater success in the years ahead.  

As I move forward in my new role, I leave with immense gratitude for the experiences and relationships I’ve built during my tenure as dean, and with confidence that the College of Natural Sciences will continue to flourish and make lasting contributions to our world.  

With gratitude and best wishes,  

Janice L. Nerger, Ph.D.   
Advisor, Colorado State University System  

Letter from Jacob Roberts

Dear Alumni and Donors,  

It is an honor to serve as the interim dean of the College of Natural Sciences. I have been a member of the college leadership team through my appointment as chair of the Department of Physics for nine years and I am excited to serve this extraordinary college in a new way.  

As the interim dean, I will focus on supporting our faculty, staff, and students so that we can continue to excel in our areas of strength. I will also look for opportunities to advance our work in alignment with our tripartite mission of teaching, research, and service. 

I am endlessly impressed by the accomplishments and activities that happen on a daily basis in this college, and I am excited to share some of those stories with you through this issue of Elements. 

Jacob Roberts

I extend my deepest appreciation to Jan Nerger for her leadership and service to the college and CSU. Jan has been an amazing leader who has overseen tremendous growth across the college. We are positioned now to continue that trajectory.  

Your continued support is critical for the future of our college, and I look forward to meeting many of you in the near future.  

Sincerely, 

Jacob L. Roberts, Ph.D.  
Interim Dean of the College of Natural Sciences 

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