While not the most shocking news in politics this week, an endorsement in Colorado Springs could prove significant to who becomes the region’s next regent on the University of Colorado’s governing board.

Republican Kyle Hybl, the current District 5 seat holder, threw his support behind El Paso County attorney Chance Hill. Hybl is term-limited after two six-year terms on the nine-member governing board.

In a statement Hybl said:

“Over the last decade I have been honored to serve as CU regent out of the 5th  Congressional District. During that time, we have been fortunate to have steady leadership and strong growth in the CU system despite challenging economic times.   We have worked and made progress on intellectual diversity, education costs, funding, and academic rigor among other issues.

The work continues and will continue after I term off the board in January 2019. With 63,000 students, 32,000 employees and a $3.8 billion budget, CU is Colorado’s largest institution of higher education and the state’s third largest employer.  A complex enterprise such as CU requires sound leadership as it moves into the future.

Fortunately for CU and Colorado, Chance Hill has decided to run for Regent.  I believe Chance will be an exceptional and principled regent.  I am wholeheartedly supporting his campaign and encourage you to do the same.   Please go to his website to learn more about Chance and to find out how to support him.”

Hill announced his intentions to run last month.

He is an employment lawyer in Colorado Springs, an Iraq war veteran and former CIA analyst and officer. He holds degrees from Dartmouth, Georgetown and the University of Michigan Law School.

Hill is the first announced candidate for the seat on the university’s governing board in next year’s election.

Last month he was named one of the Colorado Springs Business Journal’s Rising Stars.