DENVER — Rebecca Chopp, former President of Swarthmore College, will replace University of Denver Chancellor Robert Coombe, who is retiring this year.
Chopp is a renowned scholar of progressive religious movements in America, a likely draw for DU, given the political and innovative history of its own theology program at the Iliff School.
Chopp believes “intentional academic communities are powerful incubators that create new ways to link knowledge, freedom, and democracy on a global stage,” according to her Swarthmore biography.
Prior to the Chopp announcement, which will be made officially on Friday morning, rumors circulated that DU was courting George W. Bush administration Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. DU has a long history with Rice, an alumna, and the George W. Bush administration — including a kerfuffle this time last year when the school moved to give Bush a humanitarian award, triggering protest from students and faculty.
[Rebecca Chopp giving a TedX talk. Photo by swarthmorephoenix]
