“I truly am an introvert by every definition,” says Richardson. “As a military kid, I learned to push myself out of my comfort zone to meet new friends. I was also terrified to speak in public. I worked hard to overcome that fear. If I can do it, anyone can. I share this piece of knowledge with our students and I hope it helps them, too.” Previously Dean of the University of California-Irvine School of Law in sunny California, the move to head a liberal arts college in Colorado Springs would seem to be a big one.

“Yes, this move was huge, but as soon as I stepped onto the campus, and met faculty, staff, and students, I knew this was the right decision,” explains Richardson. “CC is a unique and extraordinary place. Our students, faculty, and staff are innovative thinkers who care deeply about democracy, equity, and access, and they are ready to address the issues facing our world today.”

One of three children of an inter- racial couple in the ‘60s, Richardson is passionate about her belief that everyone should have access to opportunities to be successful. “I was lucky,” she says. “My parents shielded my brothers and me from a lot of the racism they experienced when we were growing up. My passion and work ethic come from them. Together, they worked to provide amazing opportunities for their children – and we worked hard to take advantage of what was given to us.”

While CC felt like the perfect fit, Richardson was curious about the conservative reputation of Colorado Springs. “My husband and I are also an inter-racial couple. So, we were pleasantly surprised when we walked around downtown and encountered great diversity and great food. We are self-admitted foodies,” she says. “Colorado Springs is growing as a city and we need more diversity of not just people, but of ideas. That’s how we can truly change the world – with multiple points of view.”

“I love being involved with young people at the college level,” explains Richardson. “When I delved into CC’s history – its values, boldness and courageous moves over a century and a half – it spoke to me on a deep level because its values matched my own.”

“I was so impressed when I learned that this small liberal arts college was the first higher education institution in the Rocky Mountain region to achieve carbon neutrality and the eighth in North America,” comments Richardson. “And, CC made a commitment to anti- racism in 2018, well before the murder of George Floyd.” The arts were clearly important: The Fine Arts Center’s distinctive collection and programming, and the quality of CC’s Summer Music Festival concerts wowed her. And there was an obvious sense of empathy and humanitarianism. During pandemic lockdowns, students created CC Mutual Aid to help fellow students cover the costs of groceries and rent.

“I am very fortunate to be part of a community that doesn’t shy away from confronting challenging issues, asking difficult questions, and finding innovative and creative solutions – whether it’s transitioning quickly to remote learning or economics faculty and students publishing an article showing racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes,” she emphasizes.

Being humble about your accomplishments is one thing, but as Richardson points out, Colorado College needs to share more of its amazing achievements. Shining a light on this hidden gem in the middle of Colorado Springs is what energizes Richardson.
“Even the way we teach can be uncomfortable,” notes Richardson. “Block learning (and teaching) is intense. Immersing yourself in one subject for three and a half weeks is especially hard in this age of technology, limited attention span, and lack of concentration. This is why learning this skill is a superpower we are imparting to our students.”

Sitting in discomfort is a subject Richardson embraces, especially having practiced law. “If you want to convince people of a different viewpoint, you first have to see the world through their eyes,” notes Richardson. “Sitting in discomfort, being open and learning empathy are emblematic of what a liberal arts college does.”