Mark VanDriel

Mark VanDriel
University of Colorado

A fourth generation Coloradan, Mark VanDriel was born and raised in Greeley.  He studied physics at CU Boulder, then studied history at the University of Northern Colorado.  After three years of teaching, he moved to Columbia, South Carolina, to become a Presidential Fellow at the University of South Carolina.  While there, he earned a PhD in American History.  VanDriel’s research focuses on the political regulation and consumer culture surrounding childbearing and early childhood in the 20th century.  He won numerous awards over his 10 years as a history professor.

In 2021 VanDriel and his wife moved back to northern Colorado where he is currently a writer and educational advocate. In 2022 he won election to be the first CU Regent from the newly created 8th Congressional District.  As a Regent he has focused on University Affairs and Audit.

VanDriel met his wife Erika in 2010 in Greeley, and they married in 2014.  Erika VanDriel is a percussionist and music teacher – currently the middle school music teacher at Salida Del Sol Academy in Greeley.  She plays chamber, mariachi and jazz music across northern Colorado. They have four children. A passionate fan of the outdoors, VanDriel takes great joy in introducing his children to new trails and parks across Colorado.