Our History: From 2007 to Now

Launched in 2007, CSU Global is the first statutorily-defined, non-profit, online state university in the U.S.

From its first class of 200 students in 2008, CSU Global has graduated over 10,000 students, and has a current student population of 18,000.

Originally funded with a loan from the Colorado State University Board of Governors, CSU Global quickly obtained accreditation and was legally sanctioned as an independent university in Spring, 2009, when Colorado’s Governor Ritter signed Senate Bill 09-086, declaring CSU–Global Campus an online university within the Colorado State University System — not simply an extension of the CSU bricks-and-mortar campuses. On July 1, 2010, the CSU System formally appointed Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker as CSU Global’s first official president and CEO. On May 16, 2016, the Institutional Actions Council of the Higher Learning Commission granted Colorado State University Global full accreditation through 2025-26.

In recognition of the growing needs of nontraditional learners, CSU Global has spent the last decade innovating and refining digital education practices to ensure that the same rigorous academic standards found at traditional colleges and universities are observed in CSU Global’s online classrooms.

CSU Global has also innovated career-specific degree and certificate programs designed to help working adults stay on-point with fast-changing industry trends. By partnering with business and thought leaders, CSU Global continually strives to stay ahead of business trends and practices in multiple fields.

August 24, 2007

CSU System Board of Governors grants $12 million loan for the creation of CSU Global.

September 1, 2008

CSU Global commences its first academic term with 208 students.

December 18, 2008

Following its CSU Global site visit, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) grants extended accreditation from CSU-Fort Collins graduate degrees and CSU-Pueblo undergraduate degrees.

Learn more about the CSU-System.

Spring, 2009

State of Colorado Senate Bill 09-086 approved recognizing CSU Global as a separate entity with statutory authority.

December 30, 2009

CSU Global confers degree to its first class of graduates (14).

July 2010

CSU Global reports its first round of learning outcome data with 72% of CSU Global learning outcomes are met at the 85th percentile.

July 1, 2010

The CSU System formally appoints Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker as CSU Global’s first official president.

April 16, 2011

CSU Global holds its first independent graduation ceremony.

May 2011

CSU Global completes the approval process to offer online education in all U.S. states.

June 30, 2011

HLC’s Board of Trustees grant CSU Global independent accreditation.

May 2012

The university receives unanimous approval of House Bill 12-1220 to allow the university to have its own governance, student and faculty representation on the Board of Governors, and its own statute separate from the CSU System in the same manner as CSU-Fort Collins and CSU-Pueblo.

June 2012

CSU Global completes the repayment of its originating loan with interest to the CSU System.

December 2013

CSU Global hosts its first open house for leaders of the American Legion, local military base education offices, and military students.

May 2014

CSU Global receives state legislative approval of SB14-114 to allow the university to provide full bachelor’s degrees and accept first-time-first-year freshman.

June 2014

The university formally launches its competency based education program to reduce cost and time-to-completion for its bachelor’s degree students.

January 2016

CSU Global enrollment reaches 15,000 active students.

April 2016

CSU Global business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

May 2016

CSU Global receives reaffirmation of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission through the 2025-2026 academic year.

August 2017

CSU Global celebrates 10 years of success as a leading online state university.

March 2018

CSU Global receives state legislative approval of SB18-101, allowing the university to provide full Bachelor’s Degrees to all students no matter their age, location, or prior college experience.

June 2019

CSU Global completes a brand refresh, featuring a new, modern shield logo and Goldie spirit mark!

August 2019

CSU Global moves to new headquarters in Aurora through innovative partnership with APS.

October 2019

CSU Global inducted into the U.S. Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Program.

September 1, 2020

The CSU System appoints Pamela Toney as the second president in CSU Global's history.

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OUR HISTORY

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