President Theime with Jack Swigert

President Thieme served from 1969 to 1974.

Frederick Thieme was a strong leader who created the four-campus system and opened the University to minorities, despite the intense unrest of the times.

When he came to CU, Thieme faced campus unrest resulting from Vietnam, Watergate, and widespread social change. He worked a careful balance between enforcing rules and preserving academic freedom.

Thieme made profound changes and improvements on the Denver and Colorado Springs campuses. Chancellors were appointed for each campus, making Thieme the first President of CU as a multi-campus system.

Minorities protested for more accomodations from the University. Thieme’s work on their behalf is probably his most noted achievement. He developed the Educational Opportunity Program, which led to increased options for minority students and faculty.

President Thieme’s strong leadership often created friction. The Regents voted to discharge him.