Kerry Tipper, the vice president of University Counsel and chief legal officer at the University of Colorado (CU), brings a diverse background to her role. Raised in Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States, Tipper credits her multicultural upbringing with shaping her perspective on law and public service.
Tipper described how growing up bilingual and bicultural influenced her career path: “I was born in Denver, but my childhood was spent largely in Costa Rica and Mexico, where my mother attended graduate school. Growing up bilingual and bicultural opened my eyes to how identity and experience shape opportunity.”
She noted that her early experiences inspired her interest in advocacy. “I always saw lawyers in books and on TV as people with agency and a voice, people who could help others, and that resonated with me from a young age,” she said. Her work as a Spanish translator at an immigration law firm exposed her to stories of families making difficult choices for better opportunities. “Seeing people risk everything to cross a desert for a chance at a better life solidified my desire to become a lawyer, not for prestige, but to advocate for those who need it most.”
Before joining CU, Tipper served as city attorney for Denver and completed two terms representing House District 28 in central Lakewood in the Legislature. She said the scale of CU’s mission attracted her: “We are the third-largest employer in Colorado with a mission that directly transforms lives.”
Tipper reflected on education’s impact on her family: “Education changed my parents’ trajectory, and mine, in a single generation. Being part of an institution like CU, whose purpose is to create that kind of generational change, was irresistible. I’m living proof of what access to education can do, and working at CU means I get to help ensure that opportunity exists for thousands of others.” She also cited her political background as valuable when navigating strategic decisions.
Describing her leadership style as collaborative and inquisitive, Tipper explained: “I want to understand the ‘why’ behind people’s perspectives and create space for honest insights… If we don’t surface concerns, we can’t solve problems.” She emphasized meeting people where they are rather than dictating from above.
On misconceptions about her role, Tipper stated: “Yes, I’m the top lawyer for CU, but legal expertise is only part of what this job requires. I serve as a sounding board and strategic adviser.” She compared aspects of her job to triage work in an emergency room—stabilizing issues before handing them off to experts—and highlighted the importance of providing information so leaders can make informed decisions.
Outside work, Tipper enjoys spending time outdoors with her family: “If it’s Friday afternoon, I’m probably trying to get out of Denver with my 1- and 5-year-old in tow. Camping has become our reset button… Getting my kids outdoors, spending time with them and my husband exploring different parts of the state – that’s my joy.”
