Meet Ilana Spiegel
With Ilana’s help, the University of Colorado provides clinical care for students at Traverse Academy, the first of its kind in the country youth and adolescent mental health day treatment facility run by a school district
For over 30 years, Ilana Dubin Spiegel has been a bold, tireless advocate for public education — in classrooms, on statewide committees, and now as a leader on the University of Colorado Board of Regents.
From urban classrooms to rural campuses, Ilana has shown up and delivered. She began her academic journey at Wellesley College, earning degrees in Economics and English, and went on to earn a Master’s in Education from Columbia University. But her real education came from listening — to students, teachers, and families — and turning their needs into action.
A Champion for Public Education
Ilana has spent her career working to:
- Improve college access for working families and first-generation students
- Center inclusion and equity across all levels of education
- Resist political interference in classrooms and defend academic freedom
- Protect mental health and wellness for students, including student-athletes
She’s served on dozens of statewide education boards and committees, earning widespread respect as a collaborative leader and solutions-driven policy expert. Today, she continues this work as a trusted advisor to education organizations that are transforming schools and campuses across the country.
Leadership on the CU Board of Regents
Since her election to the CU Board of Regents, Ilana has led with courage, competence, and clarity. She’s:
- Chaired both the Audit and Governance Committees
- Served on the University Affairs Committee
- Helped guide major financial and policy decisions affecting 60,000+ students
- Served on the CU Foundation Board of Directors to strengthen community and donor partnerships
She’s also a vocal advocate for student-athletes, pushing for expanded mental health support and academic resources so they succeed both on the field and in the classroom.
A Leader Who Won’t Back Down
Ilana isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo — or to speak truth to power. She’s stood up to political extremists trying to censor what students learn, fought to make college affordable, and insisted that CU reflect the full diversity of Colorado — not just those with privilege or power.
Ilana leads with her values — inclusion, transparency, and courage. And she delivers results.
A Mom and a Fighter for the Future
Ilana and her husband of 28 years, Dr. Jeff Spiegel, are proud parents of four grown children — including a proud Forever Buff. She brings the same fierce energy to CU that she brought to raising a family and defending every student’s right to learn, grow, and thrive.
Ilana Spiegel isn’t just a Regent. She’s a mom, an organizer, and a relentless believer in public education as a force for equity and opportunity.