The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is pleased to announce the hiring of Jennifer Almquist, Ph.D., as the university’s next chief of staff. Almquist, who comes to UNC with nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, will begin in her new role on June 23.  

“I am excited to have Dr. Almquist join our university community as my next chief of staff,” said UNC President Andy Feinstein. “Jennifer is an experienced strategic partner to executive-level leaders in higher education whose diverse skill set will be beneficial to me and our entire university community. Her passion for student success and diversity, equity and inclusion mirrors some of the priorities outlined in Rowing, Not Drifting 2030. Jennifer will be a great addition to my leadership team – I look forward to her arrival next month.” 

Almquist comes to UNC after serving as an associate director in the Office of Faculty Development, Diversity and Engagement at Stanford University. In this role, she directs all aspects of the office’s university-wide faculty engagement function, including strategy and planning as well as tactical event logistics, event administration and coordination to meet the needs of a diverse faculty.  

Prior to working at Stanford, she was at Oregon State University for 14 years, working in various roles at the institution. Most recently, she was the chief assistant to the president and assistant secretary to the board, a position she held for nearly five years. Prior to working in the Office of the President, she was a project manager for OREGON STATE ADVANCE, a multimillion-dollar research project funded through the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE program, whose goal is to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic science and engineering careers. Almquist also worked in the Office of Equity and Inclusion at Oregon State, where she was elevated to associate director of Equity and Inclusion, a position she held for four years. Almquist began her professional career at the University of Michigan, where she was an assistant director of the Spectrum Center, which provides support services for LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty at the university.  

“I am excited to join the University of Northern Colorado during a time of tremendous opportunity,” Almquist said. “As the university enters the second phase of its strategic plan, I look forward to working alongside President Feinstein and UNC students, faculty, staff and community partners in support of our shared vision for the future.” 

Almquist received her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Oregon State University. She earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies, an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, and a Ph.D. in Applied Anthropology. In her doctoral program, a focus on academic organizations equipped her with a strong command of the landscape of contemporary higher education institutions.  

As chief of staff at UNC, Almquist will support and advise President Feinstein in his work to advance the institution forward. She will provide organizational leadership and project management support to President Feinstein’s efforts to execute UNC’s strategic initiatives and other institutional priorities. She will be highly engaged with the university community, serving as the President’s primary liaison with faculty, staff, students, and external constituents.