Kathay Rennels

Colorado State University

Biographical Abstracts

Almost immediately upon joining Colorado State University, Kathay Campbell Rennels was asked to work with the Governor’s Office to help bring Colorado’s 64 counties together in a regional planning effort. The longstanding respect for Cooperative Extension across the state and the trust placed in rural leaders created a foundation for a process and regional partnerships that still exist today. This work with the university system opened the door for statewide leaders to collaborate with the system governors and the chancellor, creating space to recognize both the challenges rural communities were facing and the opportunities to support them. The recognition of a lack of attention to rural Colorado, combined with clear and compelling information, led to an $8 million investment in a rural initiative along with increased and sustained outreach, and a growing sense of respect for the rural partnership. Many accomplishments have grown out of these two examples and would not have been possible without the university position.

Areas of Expertise

• Local policy and partnerships
• Educational pathways
• Rural relationships
• Working with youth in mentorship