Carrie Besnette Hauser '90
Since 2013, Carrie Besnette Hauser has served as president and CEO of Colorado Mountain College, a uniquely financed, dual mission, public institution enrolling over 15,000 students annually at 11 campuses in the central Rocky Mountains. As a proud alumna of the University of Arizona, Carrie has held many other leadership positions at various institutions of higher education.
In addition, she is an avid outdoorswoman having climbed to the Mount Everest base-camp and has summited Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Rainier, and 56 of Colorado’s highest peaks (14ers). She held the proud title of “Swamper” while working many summers for Hatch River Expeditions in Grand Canyon National Park near her beloved hometown of Flagstaff. She and her husband enjoy skiing, hiking, boating, biking and exploring the Rocky Mountain West and remote places around the world.
In this interview, she discussed important tips for all leaders to learn:
- Authenticity (believability)
- Genuine and unwavering commitment to a cause greater than yourself
- Have a sincere interest in engaging others
- Listen first
- Fortitude