Dr. Marks Joins Human Capital Education Board, Signals New Era for University Strategy

DENVER, CO – February 10, 2026 – Human Capital Education (HCE) today announced the appointment of Dr. Michelle A. Marks, a nationally recognized leader in higher education innovation, to its Board of Directors. The move is seen as a significant indicator of the deepening integration between university leadership and private-sector strategic partners as institutions navigate an era of unprecedented financial, demographic, and operational challenges.

Dr. Marks, the former Chancellor of the University of Colorado Denver, joins a firm that specializes in helping colleges and universities grow by providing data-driven strategy and operational expertise. Her appointment comes as the higher education sector grapples with a looming “enrollment cliff,” eroding public trust, and intense pressure to demonstrate value and align curricula with workforce demands.

“Michelle’s nationally recognized leadership in higher education makes her an important addition to our Board,” said Justin McMorrow, CEO of Human Capital Education, in the announcement. “As HCE expands the services we offer to our clients, we will leverage her depth of knowledge about how colleges and universities can innovate and thrive in dynamic environments.”

A Proven Architect of University Transformation

Dr. Marks brings over two decades of senior executive experience, during which she cultivated a reputation as an architect of institutional resilience and growth. In her most recent role as Chancellor of CU Denver, she spearheaded the university’s “2030 Strategic Plan,” a forward-looking initiative aimed at making education more accessible and effective for all. Under her leadership, the university strengthened its financial position, saw sponsored research awards climb by 50%, and earned federal designations as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.

Prior to her chancellorship, Dr. Marks served as Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Innovation at George Mason University. There, she was instrumental in launching the nationally acclaimed ADVANCE program, a streamlined transfer partnership with Northern Virginia Community College that The Chronicle of Higher Education lauded as a model for student success. Her tenure at Mason was marked by significant growth in online programs, diversified revenue streams, and expanded international enrollment.

This hands-on experience in guiding complex institutions through periods of profound change is precisely what HCE sought. “Michelle’s career reflects the kind of integrated, results-oriented leadership that aligns strongly with Human Capital’s mission,” noted Doug Kelsall, Chairperson of the Human Capital Education Board of Directors. “Her experience guiding complex institutions through transformation and growth will be invaluable as we continue to support our partners with scalable solutions.”

The Rise of the Public-Private Partnership Model

Dr. Marks' appointment underscores a pivotal trend in higher education: the increasing reliance on public-private partnerships (P3s) to drive innovation and efficiency. An expert in this area, Dr. Marks co-founded P3•EDU, a prominent national conference focused on successful collaborations between universities and private entities. This background is particularly relevant as more institutions turn to outside partners for expertise they cannot afford to build in-house.

A recent survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education and P3•EDU found that 74% of institutions anticipate an increase in partnerships with private companies. These collaborations are no longer limited to ancillary services like food and housing; they now extend to core functions such as strategic planning, marketing, technology integration, and workforce development. For many university leaders, P3s offer a viable path to navigate financial headwinds, modernize operations, and enhance their value proposition without taking on unsustainable debt or risk.

Human Capital Education’s Integrated Playbook

Human Capital Education itself is a product of this evolving landscape. The company was formed in 2025 through the strategic merger of Elsmere Education, an expert in launching and managing online programs, and Human Capital Research Corporation (HCRC), a firm with a 30-year history of data-driven institutional advising. HCE further expanded its capabilities in January 2026 by acquiring Kennedy & Company, adding deep expertise in strategic planning, financial modeling, and performance improvement.

This integrated model allows HCE to offer a comprehensive suite of services that mirror the multifaceted challenges universities face. By combining enrollment strategy, financial analysis, market research, and technology enablement, the firm aims to provide partners with holistic, actionable insights. Dr. Marks’ experience in leading large-scale strategic initiatives, fostering partnerships, and leveraging technology for growth makes her a natural fit for the board of a company built on this integrated philosophy.

In her own statement, Dr. Marks expressed her enthusiasm for the role. “I’m honored to join the Board of Directors at Human Capital Education,” she said. “Human Capital plays a critical role in helping institutions navigate complexity, act on insight, and grow with purpose. I’m excited to support the organization as it expands its impact across higher education.” Her transition from the chancellorship to the boardroom represents a powerful new chapter, one that places her extensive experience in the service of a wider array of institutions at a critical juncture for the entire sector.