Big name draws big wigs at the School of Public Affairs

Thanks to the generosity of private donors, the School of Public Affairs will be hosting its first scholar in residence this spring semester: Colorado Attorney General John Suthers.

Jan. 29 marked the milestone for the campus, as the Kraemer Family Library hosted the formal welcoming for Suthers, Colorado's chief law enforcement officer.  John Suthers told the audience of dignitaries, including community leaders like District Attorney Dan May and Chief Richard Myers of the Colorado Springs Police Department, that "Teaching is what I like to do.  I feel like I have a lot of knowledge to impart to the students."

Suthers was also careful to remind the audience that he does not know it all. "I am also here to learn. I know I will be able to derive a lot from the students," he said. "One of them has already pulled me aside after class to tell me all about medical marijuana," he added jokingly.

"It's a win-win for the school and the students," said Vice Chancellor Brian Burnett of Suthers' presence. "He is very knowledgeable; he has literally held all the possible positions for prosecutors in the state."

Students seem to agree. "He has got a wealth of experience," said criminal justice major Matthew Peterson. "When he talks about the material we are learning he brings up real life examples, an event that he has really been a part of."

School of Public Affairs colleague professor Paul Guidry echoed similar sentiments. "He brings to light legislative and judicial processes for the students," he said, "because he has so much experience in the area."

Suthers called his positions as district attorney of the Fourth Judicial District, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Corrections, and United States Attorney for the District of Colorado, "the legal trifecta."

Burnett, a personal friend and mentoree of Suther's, suggested to Suthers that he teach at UCCS. Suthers agreed to meet with Associate Dean of the School of Public Affairs Terry Schwartz. "It just took off" after that, stated Burnett.  With the funding for Suthers' paycheck coming entirely from private donors, Schwartz recounted that, "the only real challenge was working through all the paperwork."

According to Schwartz, "The greatest benefit is his experience. He will make sure students are exposed to all aspects of the legal system and get a well rounded perspective." His presence will, and has already, impacted students and faculty alike, added Schwartz.

Criminal Justice major Nicole Fordberg conveyed, "He is a great speaker; he presents material that may not be super entertaining, but he makes it fun. He also makes it stick; I can't wait to learn more." Guidry mentioned that he plans to attend a couple of Suthers' classes, sit in the back, and learn as much as he can.