Office of University Relations

UCCS professor nominated as distinguished

Date: 2009-10-21

DENVER – A University of Colorado at Colorado Springs faculty member was recently nominated as a distinguished professor, the highest honor the university bestows on its faculty.

Donald Klingner, professor, School of Public Affairs, was one of three University of Colorado professors nominated for demonstrating outstanding performance in classroom teaching, research and service to the university and its affiliate institutions. The other candidates are William P. Arend and John Cambier of the University of Colorado Denver.

Klingner has taught at UCCS and two other universities more than 35 years, and is an internationally renowned expert on human resources management in the public sector. He is recognized across CU “as a leader in research, classroom teaching and professional service,” said UCCS Chancellor Pamela Shockley-Zalabak in a letter supporting the professor’s nomination.

Terry Schwartz, associate dean, School of Public Affairs, nominated Klingner, saying his designation as a distinguished professor “would bring honor to the man and the university.” Klingner has had a distinguished career that includes his experiences as a Fulbright Senior Scholar in Central America, a visiting professorship at UNAM, Mexico’s National Autonomous University, and numerous collaborations with the United Nations, the World Bank and the Interamerican Development Bank in the realm of public management capacity building."

Klingner recently completed a one-year term as president of the American Society for Public Administration, the oldest and most prestigious professional association in his field. An elected Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, he is the author of more than 100 articles in refereed scholarly journals, book chapters, and 12 books, including “Public Personnel Management,” published in 1980 and still a best-seller in its sixth edition. The book is available in Spanish and Chinese.

In addition to his scholarly work, Klingner co-edits “Comparative Technology Transfer and Society,” published by The Johns Hopkins Press, and he teaches a variety of core courses in the public affairs master’s program, where his students have lauded his ability to make his subject matter engaging.

“The School of Public Affairs gives students the tools they need to help improve the community,” Klingner said. “I'm fortunate to be able to work with students and colleagues around the world in support of good government and public service values.”

Klingner will present “An Insider’s View of Public Administration and Public Service: The National Scene” from 5 – 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at Dwire Hall. To attend, contact Cheri Lee, clee6@uccs.edu or call 255-4993.

After reviewing recommendations from colleagues and deans, a committee of distinguished professors recommended the trio to CU President Bruce D. Benson, who will send their names to the CU Board of Regents for confirmation at the regents’ November meeting. The regents plan to recognize two nominees at Anschutz Medical Campus during a November meeting and one at UCCS during a February meeting.

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in Colorado Springs, is one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The University offers 30 bachelor’s degrees, 19 master’s and five doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 8,500 students annually.