A casual, but strong leader, Roland Rautenstraus is credited with attracting research money to CU and insisting on fiscal responsibility.

Rautenstraus was another “Old CU” and the third alumnus to serve as president (CE ’46, MS ’49). In 1956 at 31, he became the youngest full-tenured professor. From teaching he made his way up through administrative positions.

In 1964, Rautenstraus was responsible for planning, opening and staffing the Denver and Colorado Springs extension centers.