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Latest University News

Steven Cole Hughes stands in the middle of the studio theatre and joins the audience in clapping for the cast after their performance of his musical 'Singletrack!'.
News

Western Playwright Debuts ‘Singletrack, the Musical’ in Gunnison

After four years of writing in his spare time, Western Colorado University’s Director of Theater, Steven Cole Hughes, is ready to roll out his latest…
Delta Upsilon Fraternity takes a group photo outside of Six Points Thrift Store in Gunnison.
News

Delta Upsilon Brings Fraternity Life Back to Western Colorado University
Beaupré hangs a trail camera on a tree to monitor wildlife.
News

New Study Shows the Impact Trail Recreation Has on Deer, Elk in the Gunnison Basin
Mountain and forest view
News

Public Input Sought for GMUG Forest Health Projects
Aspen forest burnt by a highline fire.
News

Research Shows Aspen Forests Slow Wildfire Spread
Julian Rubinstein accepts his award on stage.
Press Release

“The Holly” Wins National Emmy

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Explore past stories that highlight Western's milestones, achievements, and moments that shaped our community.

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Western professor wins Dragon Award for his latest contribution to sci-fi series Dune

Western professor wins Dragon Award for his latest contribution to sci-fi series Dune

International bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson recognized at DragonCon GUNNISON, Colorado: Professor Kevin J. Anderson, Publishing Concentration program director at Western Colorado University, won the…
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Western Earns Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

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…
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Pride Month, Tokenism, and Being Queer at Western

Pride Month, Tokenism, and Being Queer at Western

A Testimony from Natalie Edwards Pride Month Origins The first declaration of Pride Month was made in 1999 when President Clinton named June Gay and…
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Highlights from The Westerner Alumni Magazine

Verzuh Ranch
Verzuh Ranch field under Crested Butte Mountain.

Rooting for the Planet

Inspired by their Colorado heritage, Wynn and Ryan Martens embraced regenerative ranching and gifted Verzuh Ranch to Western as a living laboratory for land stewardship.

Verzuh Ranch
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A historic photo of Mountaineer Bowl.

Mountaineer Bowl Through the Years

From championship games to community celebrations, Mountaineer Bowl has been a Western icon for 75 years—now reborn as part of the Rady Family Sports Complex.

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Discover Belize
A student digs for artifacts in the jungle of Belize.

Dispatch from Belize

For over a decade, Western students have joined Dr. David Hyde in Belize to unearth ancient Maya history—and their journey continues at the monumental La Milpa site.

Discover Belize

Dive Into the Story

Go beyond the headlines with videos that bring Western’s stories to life.

Join Western Anthropology students as they study abroad at the summer Field School. They’ll accompany Professor Dr. David Hyde on an archaeological dig to uncover Mayan ruins in Belize. Experience life at the camp in the jungle and see the discoveries they make along the way.

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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.

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Western In the News

August 10, 2025

7 Most Beautiful College Towns In Colorado

WorldAtlas

Gunnison, home to Western Colorado University, was named one of Colorado’s seven most beautiful college towns for its breathtaking surroundings and abundant outdoor recreation. Students can enjoy hiking and biking at Hartman Rocks, boating at Curecanti National Recreation Area, and exploring the nearby GMUG National Forest as part of everyday life.

 August 8, 2025

Join award-winning authors at Grand Writers Symposium this weekend

Western Slope Now

Western Colorado University is proud to spotlight the inaugural Grand Mesa Writers’ Symposium, unfolding August 8–10 in nearby Cedaredge at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center—bringing together award‑winning novelist Shelley Read, historian Timothy C. Winegard, and poet Wendy Videlock for readings and engaging workshops rooted in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. This unique gathering invites our community to deepen its creative craft through both immersive sessions and intimate “Office Hours” with these celebrated regional and Western Slope authors.

 August 8, 2025

Promoting and Sustaining a Growth Mindset in Online Classrooms

Faculty Focus

At Western Colorado University, we know that fostering a growth mindset in online classrooms helps students see intelligence as something that can be developed through effort, leading to greater persistence and resilience. By normalizing struggle, providing supportive feedback, encouraging resourcefulness, and building community, our faculty help students approach challenges as opportunities for growth.
In the News