Anderson College academic dean to step down, return to teaching

Shari Plantz-Masters, academic dean for the Anderson College of Business and Computing for the past three years, will step down later this year. A 27-year faculty member who previously served five years as academic dean of the former College of Computer and Information Sciences, Plantz-Masters plans to return to teaching in the college.

A national search for the next dean will be launched later this spring.

Under her direction, the colleges launched a Master’s in Data Science and the Center for Common Good Computing, achieved the redesignation as a Center for Academic Excellence by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency for the Center of Information Assurance Studies and the Master’s in Information and Cyber Security. Outreach to bring education to underserved populations included launching CoderDojo Denver, a partnership with TechNation that supports the education for employment of immigrant refugees to the Denver area, and a partnership with the Colorado Association of Black Professional Engineers and Scientists to educate youth into these professions.

In addition to the reaccreditation of undergraduate computing programs through ABET, Plantz-Masters successfully achieved acceptance of an Eligibility Application enabling the Anderson College to begin the process towards AACSB accreditation by developing a solid foundation anchored on the pillars of systems thinking, serving the common good, career preparedness, and data informed decision making.

Plantz-Master’s research interests focus on the impact of technology on society and organizations. Prior to joining Regis, she was a leader in the telecommunications industry where she and her teams developed innovative products and services that included voice messaging, a consumer broadband service, early entrance into consumer internet, and streaming video on demand. She holds a Ph.D. in educational technology from the University of Northern Colorado, and a master’s degree in telecommunications engineering and a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science, both from the University of Colorado-Boulder.

“I want to personally thank Dean Plantz-Masters for all of her work. These are challenging times, and she has led with dedication and integrity,” said Provost Karen Riley. “Administration, at its core is service, service to students, to peers, to the University and to the profession.  Shari is a thoughtful committed leader and we have benefited from her time as academic dean. I have a great deal of respect for Shari and again am grateful for her service.”

President Salvador D. Aceves said, “I am grateful to Dean Plantz-Masters for her thoughtful leadership and commitment to position the College for success. Launching new programs and centers of applied scholarship has helped the College maintain existing ABET accreditation and continue its path towards AACSB accreditation. After a well-deserved sabbatical, I look forward to welcoming Shari back to the faculty.”