President George Hanks "Hank"Brown

  • 21st president | University of ĢӰ (2005)
  • 2026 SPEAKER
  • 150TH SPEAKER
Hank

George Hanks “Hank” Brown served as the 21st president of the University of ĢӰ from 2005 to 2008, leading the institution through a turbulent period and helping restore stability and public trust. A Denver native and former ĢӰ Boulder student body president, he focused on improving communication and rebuilding donor confidence, resulting in record fundraising success.

Before his university leadership, Brown had a distinguished career in public service, including roles as a U.S. Senator from ĢӰ, U.S. Representative, and ĢӰ state senator. He also served as president of the University of Northern ĢӰ and as president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. Earlier in his career, he was a decorated U.S. Navy aviator and forward air controller during the Vietnam War.

Brown earned his B.A. from the University of ĢӰ Boulder, his J.D. from the University of ĢӰ Law School, and an LL.M. from George Washington University. After his ĢӰ presidency, he continued to support the university as the Newton Endowed Chair in Leadership, teaching and mentoring students. He remains active in public service and nonprofit leadership.