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Students and faculty are using drone technology to conduct environmental research, map terrain, and capture aerial data, opening new opportunities in fields like environmental science, geology, and media production.
Western Newsroom
News
Master Drummer Fara Tolno Brings the Rhythm of West Africa to Western
Press Release
Western Colorado University School of Business Offers Free Tax Preparation Services
General
Bringing Water to the Desert
Press Release
Western Alum Rob Wright Pitches BoxBlayde on Shark Tank
Press Release
Fight Hunger Bags at City Market to Support Western’s Mountaineer Marketplace
Search the News Archive
Explore past stories that highlight Western's milestones, achievements, and moments that shaped our community.
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Geology: A landscape of learning
The last day of May was warm when geology professor Dr. Elizabeth Petrie and 10 students set out to start the third week of Western…
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Walking With Dinosaurs: Western Students First to Map 90-Million-Year-Old Tracks
While Paul and Mary Ann were out on an evening walk in central Utah, where much of the earth’s geologic past is laid bare, Mary…
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Western Earns Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission
Recognition demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence Western Colorado University is excited to announce that the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) voted at its July 18…
Highlights from The Westerner Alumni Magazine
Panels of Possibility
Panels of Possibility
Students partnered with Gunnison County Electric Association and Powerfield Energy to build a nearly 1 MW solar array, gaining hands-on construction, installation, and industry experience while helping advance clean energy in the Gunnison Valley.
CHESS Match
CHESS Match
Students teamed up with scientists to support the Colorado Headwaters Ecological Spectroscopy Study (CHESS) by collecting leaf, drone, and airplane-based sensor data that will help track water, soil, and vegetation changes across the West.
The Press Room
Your source for official news and media resources from Western Colorado University. Find recent press releases, access our media kit, view official statements, connect with experts and our communications team for interviews and inquiries.
Mountaineer Minute
Student news, all in one place.
From athletic wins to research projects, the Mountaineer Minute brings students the latest stories that matter. We’ve pulled together news from across campus, including student media, official university announcements, and video highlights, so you don’t have to hunt for what’s happening. It’s student-centered, easy to navigate, and updated regularly.
Western In the News
Meet Team USA’s First-Ever Ski Mountaineering Athletes at Milan-Cortina 2026
Powder Magazine
Team USA’s ski mountaineering team for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics includes Cameron Smith, a Western Colorado University alumnus who helped secure the United States’ first Olympic spot in the sport by winning the mixed relay at a World Cup qualifier. The article highlights Smith and teammate Anna Gibson as the pioneering American athletes representing the U.S. in ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut.
Here are the Colorado athletes competing in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics
9 News
Colorado athletes headed to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics include Crested Butte native Cam Smith, who will represent Team USA in ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut. A Western Colorado University alumnus, Smith reflects how the Gunnison Valley’s mountain culture and Western’s hands-on, outdoor-focused environment help athletes reach the highest levels of international competition.
Meet the Coloradans headed to the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics
The Denver Post
Colorado’s contingent at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics includes more athletes than any other state, with competitors across skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, bobsled, and other winter sports. Among them is Cam Smith, a Western Colorado University alumnus from Crested Butte who will compete in ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut—a testament to how Western’s mountain environment and opportunities help athletes reach elite international competition.