For more than 25 years, Laura Borgelt, PharmD, MBA, has been woven into the fabric of CU Anschutz. From her early days as a pharmacy student to stepping into the role of executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, provost & chief academic officer, her journey is defined by curiosity, collaboration and a passion for helping others thrive.
Borgelt’s connection to the university began long before she joined its leadership ranks. She completed her Doctor of Pharmacy at the former University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. For years, she practiced as a clinical pharmacy specialist while teaching and conducting research in women’s health and patient safety – work she still describes as central to her identity. “Being a professor is part of my DNA,” she said.
Her research and teaching have continued even as her leadership responsibilities expanded, work she hopes to remain connected to even as she transitions into her new role.
Strategic Initiatives, the Gates Institute and a Broader View of CU Anschutz
Borgelt served as associate dean of administration and operations at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences where she developed a deep, strategic understanding of how administrative excellence directly supports the school’s educational, research and clinical missions. She then served as the as the associate vice chancellor of strategic initiatives, where she led and implemented campuswide priorities. Later, she joined the Gates Institute as chief operating officer. These roles gave her significant insights into the power of aligning people around a shared vision.
When asked about her greatest achievement at CU Anschutz, Borgelt pauses. “I don’t know that there’s one single greatest.” Instead, she points to her ability to influence and support others – students, trainees, faculty and colleagues – through their best and hardest moments.
Graduation, unsurprisingly, is her favorite day of the year. “The air is just filled with such pride and anticipation,” she said. “This job gives me the opportunity to impact people’s lives – and that’s the most meaningful part of my career.”
As Borgelt settles into this new role, she’s spending her first months listening – and she sees clear themes emerging: strengthening CU Anschutz’s academic identity, clarifying priorities and making it easier for people to succeed. She envisions building a campus where collaboration across the six schools and colleges is easier, more intentional and more impactful. Areas like student onboarding, micro‑credentials, rural and global health, and coordinated recruitment are all areas of focus.
“I believe in the power of yes,” she said with a smile. “I want this to be the ideal place to grow – whether you’re a student, a faculty member or staff.”
Success, Borgelt emphasizes, isn’t hers to define alone. It will be shaped in partnership with campus leaders, faculty, staff and students.
“At the end of the day, I want to create a strong identity for the Provost’s Office so people understand who we are, what we do and how we support them,” she said. “From there, it’s about clarifying our strategic priorities so everyone knows what we’re working toward together.”
Life Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Borgelt is a self‑described “water animal.” Swimming is her passion – especially open water swimming. She travels frequently for swimming adventures, including “SwimTrek” trips, where participants swim from island to island each day. “It’s such a cool way to travel,” she said. “Adventure, connection and seeing the world from a totally different perspective.”
She also enjoys cycling, participating in triathlons and spending time with her three sons, her partner and her friends. Travel is a constant in her life, with trips to Spain and Hawaii next on her calendar.
What’s Next
Borgelt’s optimism is infectious. As she begins shaping the next chapter of CU Anschutz, she’s guided by curiosity, collaboration and a deep belief in the people who make the campus exceptional.
“If I were to pick one thing that’s kept me here for 25 years,” she reflects, “it’s the people. They’re intelligent, eager, innovative and committed. This campus is special – and I’m excited for what we can build together.”
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