Robert D. Coombe: Our 17th Chancellor
Born in Kansas City, Mo., Robert D. Coombe grew up in Denver and attended Denver public schools. He earned a bachelor's degree from Williams College and a doctorate in chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley. He was a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Toronto. After completing his studies, he started his career at the corporate research laboratory for Rockwell International.
Dr. Coombe began his long and rewarding association with the University of Denver in 1981, when he joined the DU faculty as an assistant professor of chemistry. Before assuming the role of provost in 2001, he served the University in numerous leadership roles, first as assistant dean and acting dean of graduate studies, later as chair of the chemistry department, and for six years as dean of what was then the Division of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering. In each position, he concentrated on developing the University's intellectual and material resources and on expanding opportunities for inquiry and discovery.
In his role as provost, Dr. Coombe served in two demanding capacities: as DU's chief academic officer and chief operating officer. He focused on building academic quality and intellectual intensity throughout the University's instructional and research communities. He was instrumental in shaping several far-reaching projects, including the Marsico Initiative, a five-year effort to enrich the undergraduate arts and sciences curriculum; the Cherrington Global Scholars program, which permits all eligible undergraduates to study abroad at no additional cost; and creation of the School of Engineering and Computer Science. Also during his tenure, the University enhanced its life sciences programs through the acquisition of the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, a leading research center specializing in human genetic diseases.
Dr. Coombe's work as a scientist has long focused on the dynamics of energetic, inorganic molecules. His research has applications in the development of new laser systems and in the semiconductor industry.
On July 1, 2005, Dr. Coombe succeeded Daniel L. Ritchie as the University of Denver chancellor. The University officially celebrated Dr. Coombe's inauguration on April 20, 2006. As the institution's chief executive officer, Dr. Coombe leads a doctoral/research institution with an annual operating budget of approximately $300 million. He is a member of the American Council of Education's Commission on International Initiatives. The commission, composed of leaders of universities and other prominent education organizations, advises ACE on its initiatives in international and global education.
The father of two grown children and an accomplished amateur musician, Dr. Coombe plays the cello, trombone, baritone and trumpet. He and his wife, Julanna Gilbert, a chemistry professor at the University as well as a talented violinist, enjoy playing in informal chamber ensembles.