Matthew S. Makley, Ph.D. is a seasoned faculty leader and scholar with nearly two decades of experience at MSU Denver. Since April 2025, he has served as MSU Denver’s Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Prior to January 2025, he served as chair of the History Department and completed three terms as Faculty Senate president. He also co-chaired the University Strategic Planning Committee, which developed MSU Denver’s 2030 Strategic Plan.
As Provost, Dr. Makley works closely with leadership and faculty and staff members to assess academic priorities and collaboratively chart a strategic path forward for Academic Affairs. He focused on fostering continuity and partnership across Academic Affairs as well as advancing initiatives that support student success and excellence.
Born and raised at Lake Tahoe, Dr. Makley has lived in Golden, Colorado, since 2007 and is a frequent speaker on water history across the state and the West.