Katherine "Katie" Runkel

Katie Runkel is a higher education leader and creative professional who brings both strategic insight and heart to student success initiatives. As Executive Director of Student Success at the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver, Katie oversees programs and services that support students’ academic progress, personal development, and overall well-being.

With a foundation in arts administration and years of experience in advising and student support, Katie is passionate about designing experiences that help students feel connected, capable and confident in their goals. Before joining Daniels, she served at the University of Northern Colorado, where she led efforts to strengthen mentorship, engagement, and outcomes for diverse student populations.

A lifelong musician and creative thinker, Katie brings an artistic mindset to her leadership—balancing structure with imagination and problem-solving with empathy. She’s known for building strong cross-campus partnerships, translating big-picture ideas into effective practice, and keeping students at the center of every decision.

Katie believes student success isn’t just about support—it’s about creating an environment where every student can find purpose, direction and the tools to lead with confidence.

Education

Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership, Anticipated Spring 2026
Colorado State University

Master of Music in Performance, summa cum laude, Spring 2013
Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
Emphasis: Vocal Performance
Primary Teacher: William Sharp

Bachelor of Music in Performance, cum laude; Spring 2011
Chapman University, Orange, California
Track: Vocal Performance, Minor in Italian Studies
Primary Teacher: Margaret Dehning

Academic Positions Held

• Executive Director of Recruitment, Retention and Academic Student Success, College of Performing and Visual Arts at the University of Northern Colorado, April 2024-July 2025
• Director of Advising, College of Performing and Visual Arts at the University of Northern Colorado, January 2021-April 2024
• Music Retention and Business Coordinator, School of Music, University of Northern Colorado – November 2015-January 2021
• Adjunct Faculty at the School of Music, University of Northern Colorado
• Student Coordinator for the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver, May 2013-November 2015

Awards and Honors

• Nominated by Lamont School of Music Director for the DU Staff Innovator Award in 2014
• Nominated for Professional Staff Member of the Year at the University of Northern Colorado 2024-2025
• Winner George Woodhead Prize in Voice Peabody Conservatory Baltimore, MD 2013
• Winner Recital Competition U of Miami at Salzburg Salzburg, Austria 2010
• Winner Steven W. Dunham Scholarship Chapman University Orange, CA 2010
• Winner Byron Rhodes Scholarship Chapman University Orange, CA 2009
• Winner Stanley Scholarship Chapman University Orange, CA 2008
• First Place Winner NATS – LA Collegiate Auditions Cal State Fullerton Fullerton, CA 2008
• Grand Prize Winner in the Spotlight Awards at the Los Angeles Music Center Los Angeles, CA 2006

Presentations

Engaging Gen Z: Advising Practices in the Arts
Presented at NACADA – COWY Regional Conference, May 2024

Hobbies/Interests

• Cleaning up after my young children
• Spending time with my husband and 2 boys
• Cooking
• Volunteering at church: programming music, running sound and managing the professional band