Joe Blake

Joe Blake, the first-ever chancellor of the Colorado State University System, died Tuesday morning February 15 2022 at his Denver home. Blake, 86, died of cancer. Named chancellor in 2009, Blake helped to develop the institution’s first systemwide strategic plan. Under his leadership, the CSU-Global campus was launched. He also took part in creating Commitment to Colorado, a program that offers half-price tuition to lower-income students. A Colorado native, Blake graduated from Denver’s East High School. He went on to graduate from Dartmouth College and the University of Colorado School of Law. His career path steered him through diverse pursuits including FBI agent and real estate developer, he was part of the senior leadership team that created Highlands Ranch, and was president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Prior to becoming the CSU chancellor, Blake had served the chamber for almost a decade. He also served as co-chairman of Colorado Wants You, a statewide 501 (c)(3) organization created by business and civic leaders to support military operations and units, veterans and their families, in Colorado. Blake was appointed to CSU’s Board of Governors in 2006. In December 2019, Blake gifted $5 million to the university’s College of Liberal Arts. Blake was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth, in November 2007. He is survived by a son, Joe Jr.; his daughter, Annie; and four grandsons.