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The College of Music at the University of Colorado Boulder is thrilled to welcome Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives Kate Cimino who brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership and higher education, and a long-held passion for music. Cimino started her new role on Jan. 8. 

“The Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives is a key member of the dean’s cabinet,” says College of Music Dean John Davis. “I’m confident that Kate’s experience and expertise are perfectly suited to coordinate campus and unit-level initiatives, ensuring alignment and harmony between the college’s mission to develop universal musicians and the CU Boulder system-wide mission, vision and goals. 

“Especially, I’m looking forward to relying on Kate as a thought partner in establishing and executing strategic priorities.”

Cimino’s journey in higher education administration has been both impressive and impactful. For 13 years, she served the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs as assistant director of the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance. Simultaneously, she held the role of executive director of the Policy Fellows program, a nationally recognized professional development program bringing together mid-career leaders from business, government and nonprofit sectors. Cimino was honored with a superior civilian service award from the Minnesota Army National Guard for her work engaging its members in the Humphrey Policy Fellows program for over a decade.

Earlier in her career, Cimino worked in residence life at Creighton University. Most recently, she served for three years as executive director of the Citizens League, a nonprofit organization with a mission to engage people in nonpartisan public policy and community initiatives. Cimino also served for 10 years on the board of directors—including two years as board chair—at MacPhail Center for Music, the nation’s largest community music school.

“Even though I’m new to CU Boulder, coming to the College of Music feels, in a way, like coming home,” says Cimino, who’s also a bassoonist. “Music has shaped every phase of my life and the opportunity to work professionally in this capacity—to support the musicians and creative artists of the College of Music—is truly a joy.

“I’m excited to work alongside the dean and colleagues to advance the strategic and innovative efforts of the college, and to be part of the CU Boulder community.”

Cimino holds two master’s degrees: A Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) and a Master of Arts in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University. As an undergrad at Case Western Reserve University, Cimino minored in music; in graduate school, she played bassoon with the UMKC Conservatory Orchestra.

“Music is central to what it means to be human and I’m constantly amazed by the power of music to connect people, combat isolation and express sentiments beyond words,” adds Cimino, who—originally from Buffalo, New York—now calls Boulder home. 

Welcome, Kate!