The Colorado School of Public was developed by the Colorado School of Public Health Initiative. The Initiative began in 2002 with the recommendation to establish a collaborative, accredited school of public health to serve Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region.
The presidents of the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and the University of Northern Colorado signed a memorandum of understanding in October 2004 reflecting their commitment to pursing a mutually acceptable operational plan to create the Colorado School of Public Health.
A strategic planning process was initiated by the universities in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Over 60 faculty, administrators, and public health leaders designed a strategic plan based on:
Funding for the development process was a collaboration of private donors, community foundations, corporations, and the three partnering universities. The Colorado Health Foundation issued a $1.25 million challenge grant, which was met in June 2007.
In August 2007, the new school was unanimously and formally approved by the University of Colorado Board of Regents. Following approval, the Initiative continued developing the new school by recruiting the first class of students, hiring administrators and faculty, and naming Dr. Richard F. Hamman as founding dean in November 2007.