UCCS professor identified as victim of deadly stabbing last week

It is with a heavy heart we share that Haleh Abghari, teaching professor in our Visual and Performing Arts Department, was found deceased by the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) on August 7. Due to the ongoing investigation, CSPD is not releasing any additional details. We can confirm that this terrible event did not take place on our campus and that the UCCS PD has verified that there is no threat to our campus community.

Haleh was an integral part of the music program in VAPA for nearly ten years, teaching voice, music ensembles, ethnomusicology, the interdisciplinary VAPA curriculum, and collaborations with theater. She was also dedicated to making an impact on a larger scale by serving on Faculty Assembly and other campus initiatives. Haleh was especially dedicated to mentoring struggling students, going beyond the call of duty to help them discover their talents and never quitting on them.

She was instrumental in supporting VAPA students following the tragic death of music student Sam Knopp this past February. Following that tragedy, she became an unstoppable voice to change gun laws and testified at the state capital.

Beyond all of this, her close colleagues will also remember her as an incredible artist. Haleh was an internationally renowned professional vocalist with a uniquely broad skillset in opera, contemporary music, experimental theater, and improvisation. She worked directly with the most elite professional ensembles, commissioned some of the top composers in the world, and was a Fulbright scholar in Hungary; she is a household name in the world of contemporary music and her loss has sent shockwaves across the art music world. A New York Times review describes her “expressive eyes, elastic face, intense poise and, yes, remarkable voice.” Her colleagues and friends will also dearly miss her razor-sharp wit and sense of humor.

“The VAPA family is devastated by the loss of our dear friend and colleague. Haleh was an immensely valuable faculty member for ten years whose positive impact on many students is immeasurable. She played no small part in helping to establish a national reputation for the music program and the thought of her suddenly not at our side is incomprehensible. She was an extension of our families, and, as a major talent, is simply irreplaceable.” - Dr. Glen Whitehead, VAPA Chair

The VAPA Department has had a very difficult year, grappling with the loss of Dr. Robert Von Dassanowsky in the fall of 2023, the loss of student Sam Knopp in February 2024, and now the loss of their colleague Haleh. We ask now that the entire campus wrap their arms around our students and colleagues in VAPA and offer thoughts, prayers, and support as they work through another very difficult time.

We will share information about a memorial service when it becomes available.