About the Office
Previous Chancellors
Founded in 1864 as the Colorado Seminary, the University of Denver has been shaped by a distinguished group of visionary leaders.
Since 1880, the University has been directed by a chancellor working in conjunction with a board of trustees, as well as faculty, staff and alumni. Our previous chancellors include:
Chancellor |
Term(s) |
|---|---|
| Daniel L. Ritchie | July 1989-June 2005 |
| Dwight Morrell Smith | January 1984-July 1989 |
| Ross Pritchard | October 1978-January 1984 |
| Maurice Bernard Mitchell | September 1967-March 1978 |
| Chester M. Alter | August 1953-July 1966 |
| Albert Charles Jacobs | November 1949-March 1953 |
| Alfred Clarence Nelson, interim | October 1948-November 1949 |
| James F. Price | April-October 1948 |
| Ben Mark Cherrington | November 1943-February 1946 |
| Caleb Frank Gates | March 1941-November 1943 February 1946-August 1947 |
| David Shaw Duncan | September 1935-March 1941 |
| Frederick Maurice Hunter | July 1928-September 1935 |
| Heber Reece Harper | November 1922-January 1927 |
| Henry Augustus Buchtel | December 1899-September 1920 |
| William Fraser McDowell | 1890-June 1899 |
| David Hastings Moore | October 1880-June 1889 |
Note: Gaps in the chronology reflect periods when the University was led by an acting chancellor.