Powered by People, Grounded in Research, Connected to Colorado

Powered by People, Grounded in Research, Connected to Colorado

At UCCS, learning is purposeful, and it’s powerful. As the public research university of Southern Colorado, our students are taught, supported, and inspired by people who know them well: faculty and staff who lead with care and curiosity and create genuine belonging, and a community that partners with them as they explore what’s possible.

Anchored in the Pikes Peak region, grounded by our community, our identity is shaped by the place we call home. Our city challenges us to innovate with creativity and purpose, while the diverse communities of Southern Colorado call on us to serve, connect, and prepare graduates who will lead in a rapidly changing world.

Here, education extends far beyond the classroom. Students immerse themselves in applied learning and intellectual rigor that challenges them to think critically, create boldly, and solve problems with purpose. These experiences are grounded in research, discovery, community partnerships and service, and professional engagement. This foundation helps students clarify their paths, strengthen their confidence, and cultivate the adaptability and innovative mindsets that today’s world demands. 

Process

Over the past 15 months, we engaged in a robust and inclusive process to identify UCCS's differentiator. We aimed to gather broad input from campus and community stakeholders, analyze feedback across all groups, and develop themes that reflect shared values and aspirations for the university. 
 
 

Methodology

The Office of Strategic Initiatives conducted a qualitative research approach for analyzing focus group and survey data to evaluate and refine UCCS' differentiator themes.

Read about the research methodologies.

What's Next?

We invite you to follow the next steps and look for upcoming ways to engage during spring 2026 by following this page. Together, we are building a future that reflects the very best of UCCS. 

Working Together

graphic of mountain and uccs differentiator tagline

At the heart of every great university is a story; one that reflects its people, its place, and its purpose. Over the past year, we’ve worked together to tell ours. The Differentiator Project was a campus-wide effort to define what makes UCCS not just a university of choice, but a university of distinction. It was about capturing the essence of who we are and why we matter—locally, nationally, and globally.

This project was shaped by hundreds of voices across campus and beyond. From students, staff, and faculty to alumni, donors, and community partners, your insights helped us uncover the values and experiences that make UCCS unique. This is not a marketing slogan—it’s a reflection of our shared story, one that honors our roots and inspires our future. 

Resources

UCCS Strategic Plan Success 2030

Learn more about UCCS Strategic Plan Success 2030.

UCCS Strategic Plan Pillars

Learn more about the UCCS Strategic Plan Pillars.

UCCS Action Website

Visit the new dynamic platform, the Action Website.