Murray Smith

Murray Smith earned a high school diploma from Boulder High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2015. His career experience includes working as a data scientist.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Murray Smith. I grew up in Boulder, graduated from Boulder High School, and earned my degree in Economics and International Affairs from CU Boulder in 2015. CU has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

I'm the only candidate in this race who went to CU, and the only one who graduated in this century.

Today I work as a geospatial data scientist at a local satellite imagery company, where I solve complex problems with data every day. I'm running for the CU Board of Regents because the university that shaped me can do even more for the next generation of Colorado students.

I'm running to make a CU degree more affordable and attainable by helping more students graduate on time, standing with the staff who keep our campuses running, and tackling the housing costs that squeeze students and workers alike. I'll bring a data-driven, problem-solving approach to the board, along with the perspective of someone who recently sat in those same classrooms.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Help more students graduate on time.

CU Boulder's four-year graduation rate sits around 62% (it should be 70% or above compared to peer institutions), and every extra semester means thousands more in tuition, housing, and lost earnings. By investing in academic advising and student support, we can push that rate toward 70%.

It's one of the most effective, common-sense ways to lower the true cost of a degree without raising tuition.

As a data scientist, I'll hold the board accountable to track what works and fund it.Stand with the people who keep CU running.

From advisors and researchers to the staff who maintain our campuses, CU's employees deserve a real voice in their workplaces. I support collective bargaining and organizing rights for CU's non-classified staff. Attracting and retaining the best employees by giving them a voice will help students graduate on time and with less debt.

I'm proud to be endorsed by United Campus Workers Colorado, CWA, and the Working Families Party, and I'll be a dependable partner for working people on a board that too often overlooks them.Make it so people can live where they work and study.

Housing costs in Boulder and across our campus communities are pricing out students and the workers the university depends on.

I'll push CU to be a genuine partner in expanding affordable housing for students and campus employees, so the cost of a roof over your head never stands between a Coloradan and the education or job they've earned.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Making college affordable and attainable

Workers' rights

Making it so people can live where they work and study

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

United Campus Workers Colorado

Communications Workers of America (CWA)

Colorado Working Families Party

Multiple elected leaders and CU professors