John Marshall, President, Colorado Mesa University
John Marshall serves as the 11th president of Colorado Mesa University (CMU), a Human Scale University located in Grand Junction, Colorado, that offers opportunity for a better life through education.
As an alumnus of CMU, Mr. Marshall is deeply invested in the institution’s mission to provide radically affordable and accessible education that transforms lives.
As a foundation of his tenure Marshall introduced CMU’s Human Scale University motif and values-driven strategic plan. Mr. Marshall has been instrumental in embedding the university’s core values -love, dignity, courage, curiosity, resilience, humility and power - into CMU’s daily operations and culture. Under his leadership, CMU has advanced its commitment to radical affordability, intellectual freedom and relevant education, ensuring students gain the tools and knowledge to achieve a better life.
In addition to his presidency, Mr. Marshall serves as an instructor in CMU’s early start programs and as a lecturer of political science. Prior to his current role, he served as vice president for student services, overseeing a broad range of student-focused departments including enrollment management, financial aid, residence life, campus safety and mental health services. Before that, he led the university’s development efforts as director of development — managing private fundraising and gift stewardship.
Mr. Marshall’s professional background also includes significant experience in public policy. He has served as a senior policy advisor to the Governor of Colorado and as assistant director of a state agency.
Mr. Marshall holds a BA from Colorado Mesa University and an MPA from the University of Colorado Denver. Active in the community, Mr. Marshall has served on the boards of the Business Incubator Center, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Mesa County, and Healthier Colorado, where he formerly served as board chair. He continues to serve on the board of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership.
A proud husband and father of four, Mr. Marshall resides in Grand Junction with his wife, Linde.