The Department Chairs are more than just names on plaques. They take the lead on everything from department planning to the department’s outreach to students.
If you need to talk about your degree, or if you need help with classes in specific areas, the department chairs can help you out. So, it’s only fair to get to know them.
Shouhuai Xu (he/him)
Interim Computer Science Department Chair Shouhuai Xu has been with UCCS since January 2021.
Xu’s choice in computer science wasn’t always his first. Xu studied geology in college but gravitated toward computer science after seeing how technology has transformed over time.
Xu has over 1,500 PhD students and research projects to monitor, so he doesn’t find himself with a lot of free time. But when he does, he enjoys watching volleyball with his daughter.
Lori James (she/her)
Psychology Department Chair Lori James has been with UCCS since 2001.
James’ research focuses are cognitive psychology and aging.
When James was deciding on her major, she had a choice between atmospheric science and psychology. James’ curiosities aligned more with psychology.
In her free time, James enjoys doing her research, but she also likes the outdoors and hiking.
Stephen Carter (he/him)
English Department Chair Stephen Carter began his work at UCCS in 2013 and started out as an assistant professor.
Even before Carter had declared his major at Santa Cruz, he had always known that English was his calling. He enjoyed how English’s diverse background and applicability to other subjects.
Carter enjoys taking on small research projects to further his own knowledge when he has the time. Aside from his research, he enjoys spending time with his family, going to concerts with friends and gardening with his partner.
Each of these Department Chairs can be found on their respective department websites.
Dr. Shannon Johnson is the department chair for the Social Work Department. Photo by Anysia Hovel.