Vice President and University Counsel Dan Wilkerson of the University of Colorado system and CU-Boulder Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson today announced the appointment of John Sleeman as the managing senior associate university counsel for CU-Boulder.
The appointment is effective March 15. Sleeman replaces Christine M. Arguello, who was appointed to the federal bench in Denver in October by former President George W. Bush.
The managing senior associate university counsel sits on the chancellor's cabinet at CU-Boulder and advises the chancellor, the cabinet and CU-Boulder's combined executive leadership on legal and policy matters. The position also reports to CU system legal counsel and supervises a staff of four attorneys and two support staff in CU-Boulder's legal offices.
Sleeman currently serves as the deputy attorney general for state services in the Colorado Attorney General's office. In addition to higher education, the State Services section is responsible for providing legal advice to the governor, treasurer, secretary of state, Judicial Department and many other areas of state government.
"I am delighted at the appointment of John Sleeman, who has played a key role in advising Colorado state government's senior leadership, to the role of managing senior associate university counsel here at CU-Boulder," said Peterson.
Wilkerson echoed the chancellor.
"John has a rare combination of experience in higher education law and a deep understanding of Colorado state government," said Wilkerson. "We look forward to having John bringing that expertise and leadership to the Office of University Counsel and the Boulder campus."
Sleeman served as the first assistant attorney general for the Attorney General's Education Unit from 1999 until 2007, where he has provided counsel to numerous state institutions of higher education. His background also includes 10 years of private practice focusing primarily on litigation.
Sleeman attended Brown University for two years and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts before earning his law degree from the University of Denver.
"It is a great privilege to serve the flagship university of the state of Colorado," Sleeman said. "I look forward to working with an outstanding CU-Boulder leadership team, a world-renowned faculty and a uniquely dedicated staff, in serving CU and in furthering my service to the people of Colorado. This is a marvelous opportunity."