COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. — Robert K. “Rocky” Scott, former president of the Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation, will be a part-time executive director of the Institute for Science and Space Studies at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.
Scott, 58, of Loveland, will continue to work full-time for a northern Colorado real estate and development firm, McWhinney Enterprises. His position at UCCS will be approximately 12 hours per month.
Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak announced Scott’s appointment and outlined responsibilities for the position.
“I am pleased that Rocky Scott has decided to assist us in creating a vision for the future of space studies at the university and in this region,” Shockley-Zalabak said. “Mr. Scott is an experienced leader who understands the importance of bringing industry, the military and the university together.”
Scott will work closely with Shockley-Zalabak, UCCS faculty, and an advisory board, to set the institute’s strategic direction. He will also attend selected events, organize a retreat of the institute’s board of advisors, and assist with fund-raising.
Created in Dec. 2004, the Institute for Science and Space Studies coordinates UCCS education and research efforts aimed at homeland defense/homeland security, space studies, and science and math education. The institute has three centers, the Network Information and Space Security Center, the Center for Space Studies, and the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education.
Scott led the Economic Development Corporation from 1989 to 2005 and closely interacted with UCCS as well as local military, civic and industrial leaders. In May, he announced plans to work for a Loveland real estate and development firm. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Colorado State University, Fort Collins.
UCCS, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in northeast Colorado Springs, is the fastest growing university in Colorado and one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The university offers 25 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s and two doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 7,800 students annually.