Phil DiStefano (2023) - CU Athletic Hall of Fame - University of Colorado Athletics

Phil DiStefano

Induction:
2023

Dr. Philip P. DiStefano has had a long association with the CU athletic department that dates back to the 1970s, one of the longest affiliations by a faculty or staff member in the school’s history … An ardent supporter of all 17 of the school’s varsity programs, he attends many events when his schedule permits … He is in his 15th year as the chancellor at the University of Colorado Boulder, the longest tenure of anyone in the position in the school’s 146-year history … Prior to his appointment on May 5, 2009, Dr. DiStefano was the top academic officer at CU Boulder for eight years as the provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. He also served as interim chancellor twice during pivotal times in the university's history … DiStefano completed a two-plus year term in June 2020 as the chairman of the Pac-12 Conference’s CEO group and also served (August 2016-August 2021) on the Board of Governors of the NCAA representing the Pac 12 (within that role he was a member of the NCAA’s revenue distribution working group) … He served five years as the University of Colorado’s faculty representative to the Big 12 Conference, as he assumed the role on June 1, 2000, and held it until the spring of 2005 … In June 2016, was accompanied by athletic director Rick George to Italy to promote the university and the success of its international students … DiStefano co-chaired the steering committee for CU Boulder's visionary strategic plan, Flagship 2030, conceived with campus, community and statewide input, to guide the university for decades to come. Today, he is shepherding its implementation as Flagship 2030 has moved from vision to reality … DiStefano earned a bachelor of science degree from Ohio State University in 1968 and a master of arts degree in English Education from West Virginia University in 1971 … He arrived at the CU in 1974 as an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at the School of Education … His academic career flourished as he assumed a series of academic and administrative positions, including professor, associate dean, dean and vice chancellor. He was appointed provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs in 2001 … DiStefano was born in Steubenville, Ohio, and graduated from its Catholic Central High School … He has been very active throughout his career in the Boulder community, currently serving on the Boulder Community Health Board of Directors and previously on the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club … He received an "Honorary C" letter from athletics in 2010 … In 2015, he served as the official starter for the 37th annual Bolder Boulder, the city’s 10-kilometer race that is the fourth largest in the nation.