
Murray Smith
Why Running
"Born and raised in Boulder, CU Class of 2015, never a career politician. Lived campus experience. Independence to challenge the status quo.
As a proud 21st century alumnus, I bring a deep understanding of the modern student experience to the careful decision-making processes that regents must undertake.
I want all Coloradans to benefit from the same opportunities I was afforded at our premier higher education institution."
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Economics and International Affairs, CU Boulder, 2011-2015
Boulder High School
Professional Experience
Geospatial Data Scientist for a satellite imagery company for the past 8 years
Policy Positions
Student Success & Affordability: Set clear graduation targets, expand course maps, fix advising and course bottlenecks, and prioritize policies that cut excess credits and student debt so Colorado families see real affordability.
Worker Voice & Collaboration: Establish regular worker listening sessions with unions and campus leaders, integrate worker perspectives into Board decisions, and ensure graduation‑focused reforms are built with the people who deliver them.
Responsible Development & Affordability: Apply a strict “student and worker benefit” test to major non‑academic projects and limit large developments to those that expand affordable housing or directly reduce student costs, keeping CU’s resources focused on access and academic excellence.
Workforce Stability & Compensation: Advance transparent staffing plans and raise compensation for high‑impact roles—advisors, student‑success staff, and tenure‑track faculty—while supporting practical, negotiated solutions that strengthen the workforce and improve student outcomes.
Climate Leadership & Sustainability: Support CU’s research leadership in climate, energy, water, and conservation; align campus sustainability goals with measurable results; and ensure infrastructure decisions reduce long‑term environmental and financial costs while preparing students for Colorado’s clean‑energy workforce.
Academic Freedom & Campus Rights: Protect faculty from political retaliation, safeguard research independence and federal partnerships, and ensure students can express ideas and organize peacefully while upholding viewpoint diversity, safety, inclusion, and accountability to evidence and the public good.
Endorsements
Tina Marquis, Boulder City Council Member; Former President, BVSD Board of Education
Nicole Speer, Boulder City Council Member
Ariel Amaru, CU Law 2020; Former Co-Chair of Boulder Police Oversight Panel
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