Kerry Tipper, the vice president of University Counsel and chief legal officer at the University of Colorado, discussed her personal and professional journey in a recent interview. Raised in Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States as the daughter of a teacher and a military veteran, Tipper said her upbringing influenced her approach to law and public service.
“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,” Tipper said. She added that early experiences with immigration law inspired her to become an advocate for others: “My early job as a Spanish translator at an immigration law firm exposed me to the real stories behind immigration and the difficult choices families make. 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.”
Tipper previously worked as city attorney for Denver and served two terms representing House District 28 in Lakewood’s Legislature. She explained that joining CU appealed to her because of its impact on the community: “I was serving as the city attorney for Denver and loved the combination of legal complexity, strategy and public service. CU offered something similar, but on a much larger scale. We are the third-largest employer in Colorado with a mission that directly transforms lives.”
She also reflected on education’s influence within 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.”
Describing her leadership style as collaborative and inquisitive, Tipper stated: “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 that leadership involves meeting people where they are rather than dictating from above.
Tipper clarified misconceptions about her role at CU: “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… My responsibility isn’t just to identify legal risks, but to help leaders understand operational, political and optical implications so they can make fully informed decisions.”
Outside work hours, Tipper spends time camping 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… that’s my joy.”
