GSPA welcomes MacLachlan as new director

Recruiting students and getting the word out about the outstanding programs at the Graduate School of Public Affairs top the “to-do” list of Annie MacLachlan, new director of marketing, community outreach and alumni affairs.

“The priority is to maintain and increase the enrollment for GSPA programs,” MacLachlan said. “I’ll also be reviewing our Web presence to ensure its effectiveness with all our constituents.”

The school’s engagement in public affairs in the state of Colorado, an outstanding award-winning faculty, and a creative approach to the challenges that face the school and the state set GSPA apart from other public affairs programs.

“The strengths of GSPA include the diversity of its programs, faculty expertise and the connectivity with The Centers—taking theory and actively applying it to the communities,” MacLachlan said.

For MacLachlan, joining GSPA feels like coming home. She received her MPA from the school in May 2003. She received a B.A. in English, with secondary education certification, from the University of Michigan in 1996 and also attended the University of Denver.

Dean Kathleen Beatty sees MacLachlan as an important addition to the school and university. “She’s a wonderful person and will be a great asset to Graduate School of Public Affairs, the campus community and the community at large.”

Before joining UCDHSC, MacLachlan was director of American Humanics at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich. There she implemented a new campus chapter of the national American Humanics program, a process that included creating a strategic plan, recruiting students, forming partnerships with area nonprofits, improving campus-community relations and overseeing the annual budget. 

MacLachlan can be reached at annie.maclachlan@cudenver.edu.