Jeremy Haefner

Dr. Jeremy Haefner is the University of Denver’s 19th chancellor, bringing more than three decades of leadership experience in higher education. Appointed chancellor by the University of Denver’s Board of Trustees in 2019, Dr. Haefner seeks to ensure that the institution flourishes during a dynamic time in higher education through its visionary strategic roadmap, DU Forward. Passionate about DU’s preeminent student experience, Chancellor Haefner leads and empowers DU to uniquely serve students as they prepare for future careers and meaningful lives. In the University’s faculty, he sees limitless potential and talent, believing that their ground-breaking research and scholarship will advance the creation of knowledge while their deep sense of caring for students reflects their commitment to exemplar teaching.

A hallmark of Dr. Haefner’s tenure is the implementation of the 4D Experience, a transformative educational approach that integrates intellectual growth, well-being, character development, and career readiness, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in a complex world. He also led the development of DU’s James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, an innovative outdoor learning environment that fosters well-being, resilience, leadership, and community engagement, along with providing access to the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. Under his leadership, DU earned the prestigious R1 research designation from the Carnegie Foundation.

Chancellor Haefner is deeply committed to free expression and pluralism, reinforcing DU’s role as a place where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and civil discourse flourishes. His leadership reflects a belief that higher education must prepare students not only for professional success but also for meaningful participation in a democratic society.

Before becoming chancellor, Dr. Haefner served as DU’s provost and executive vice chancellor. His prior leadership roles include serving as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, where he held various roles including dean of engineering and applied science, associate vice chancellor for research, and dean of the graduate school. He has held fellowships with the American Council on Education, the National Learning Infrastructure Institute, and the University of Murcia in Spain.

A mathematician by training, Dr. Haefner’s research focuses on integral representation and module theory. His research has been supported by the National Security Agency, the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and the government of Spain. He earned a BA in mathematics from the University of Iowa and a PhD and an MA in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin.

Dr. Haefner is also an accomplished athlete, having completed several marathons and 10 full Ironman competitions. These endeavors reflect his personal goals for character development, perseverance, and resilience—skills the University of Denver is committed to fostering in all its students. Chancellor Haefner and his wife, Maurin, have three adult children and reside in Denver, Colorado.