
One faculty member from each school and college has been selected to receive the first-ever TIAA Chancellor’s Urban Engaged Scholars award. Presented by CityCenter, this award recognizes the outstanding contributions of faculty to the Denver-metro region through community-engaged scholarship.
The first-ever TIAA Chancellor’s Urban Engaged Scholars are:
- Francisco Conejo, PhD, Senior Instructor of Marketing, Business School
- Andrew Guerrero, Instructor of Music & Entertainment Industry Studies, College of Arts & Media
- Antwan Jefferson, PhD, Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Relations, School of Education & Human Development
- Jeremy Németh, PhD, Associate Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Planning
- Kevin Rens, PhD, Professor of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Design and Computing
- Esther Sullivan, PhD, Assistant Professor of Sociology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Danielle Varda, PhD, Associate Professor of Public Affairs, School of Public Affairs

The research of the Urban Engaged Scholars addresses current urban issues in the Denver-metro region, while emphasizing community partnerships, local impact and student involvement. In addition to recognition of their scholarship, recipients of the Chancellor’s Urban Engaged Scholar’s award receive:
- Opportunities to share their research with the Denver community
- Coverage of their scholarship through university communication channels
- A monetary prize of $4,000
Congratulations to the first-ever Urban Engaged Scholars! Stay tuned for information on upcoming events highlighting the scholars’ research and to learn more about their impact on our city.