Celebrating the Inauguration of Regis University’s 29th President, Shawna Cooper Whitehead, Ed.D.

On Sept. 17 and 18, 2026, Regis University celebrated the Inauguration of its 29th president, Shawna Cooper Whitehead, Ed.D. As Regis approaches its 150th anniversary, President Cooper Whitehead is launching the University into an era of shared and mission-first leadership.

Beginning with the Missioning at the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sept. 17 and concluding with a Community Picnic on Sept. 18, the Regis community joined in the formal rites representing our deep traditions as well as the laid-back, community-building festivities that make Regis so warm and welcoming to all. The Inauguration also coincided with Regis’ annual homecoming event, Blue & Gold Weekend, bringing together alumni, students and their families to celebrate the strength of the Regis community in this new chapter.

“I am grateful to the Regis community for walking with me during my Inauguration, representing the diversity of the Regis family that we all share in,” said President Cooper Whitehead.

Before leading Regis University, President Cooper Whitehead served as Vice President of Student Affairs at Boston College. President Cooper Whitehead has held leadership roles at fellow Jesuit institutions where she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to student success while deepening her own Catholic faith tradition.

In the spirit of the Jesuit value of cura apostolica – meaning “care for the apostolate” or “care for the mission” – President Cooper Whitehead calls the community to recognize the Inauguration not as a moment for her, but as a moment for the University.

“The Inauguration is not about me – it’s about Regis and our mission,” said President Cooper Whitehead. “This celebration solidifies our commitment to be a Regis community of students and alumni, and faculty and staff, that are rooted in mission and rising with purpose.”

As the 29th President, she believes in the mission of Regis University and the students that it has served in the Rocky Mountain West for nearly 150 years.

Celebrate this moment for Regis, support the vision of our new President and build opportunities for deserving students who will write the next chapter of Regis history with a gift today.

View more photos from the Presidential Inauguration here.

Read more from the Denver Catholic.