governor and confirmed by the Colorado State Senate and serve staggered terms. The Colorado Mesa University Student Trustee is elected by the student body. The Senatus Academicus names a member from its ranks to serve as the eleventh member.
=== Presidents ===
Colorado Mesa University has had 11 presidents throughout its history, dating back to its beginnings as a junior college. Prior to 1937, the chief executive officer of the school was granted the title of dean rather than president.
== Academics ==
Colorado Mesa University offers programs leading to awards in five levels: technical certificates, associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, master's degrees and professional doctoral degrees. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. CMU offers 150 academic programs, including 44 technical certificates, 44 associate's degrees, 51 bachelor's degree programs, 9 master's degree programs, and 2 doctoral degree programs.
As of 2023, half the student body were first-generation college students.
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