Opening Colorado’s New Medical School: Governor Polis Cuts Ribbon for New College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado

GREELEY - Today, joined by University of Northern Colorado (UNC) President Andy Feinstein, the founding Dean of the new UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine Beth Longenecker, UNC leaders, and community members, Governor Polis celebrated the grand opening of Colorado's third medical school, the UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine.

"Colorado now has a new medical school, and 81 doctors-to-be start classes next week. Across the country we are facing a shortage of healthcare professionals and the grand opening of the UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine will help train the next generation of doctors and healthcare professionals. I was proud to sign legislation to make this new medical school a reality, which is attracting students from all over. Just over half of the students are Colorado residents. This medical school strengthens our healthcare workforce and helps ensure every Coloradan has access to the best-trained healthcare professionals to help us thrive," said Governor Polis.

Two years ago, Governor Polis signed HB24-1231, which made historic investments across the state in four Colorado institutions of higher education to bolster the state's healthcare workforce and support Colorado's students and caregivers. The bipartisan law invested $247 million to support Colorado's third medical school, the College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNC, as well as the Health Institute Tower at MSU Denver, the Veterinary Health Education Complex at CSU, and the Valley Campus Building Addition at Trinidad State. $128 million of the funding from this bill specifically helped fund construction of the new UNC medical school.

The Polis Administration has made major investments to strengthen Colorado's healthcare workforce and create pathways to careers in healthcare, which helps ensure every Coloradan has access to high quality care. In 2025, Governor Polis and the Department of Higher Education announced that more than 10,000 health care professionals in Colorado received free training through a technical or community college through Care Forward Colorado. Care Forward Colorado has awarded over 2,600 Certified Nursing Assistants, 3,500 Emergency Medical Technicians, and 1,100 Medical Assistants. Early employment data shows that over 90% of graduates are now employed in health care roles across Colorado, addressing critical workforce gaps in communities.

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