In the News

In 2023, Western Colorado University’s Math and Computer Science Department partnered with the BLM to enhance public land stewardship. Under Professors Nere and Weber, students are developing tech solutions like sensors to monitor shooting activity and using geophones and machine learning to count trail users. These projects aim to optimize trail maintenance for all.

Western hosts the fifth annual Disability Film Festival, which highlights inspiring stories of individuals living with disabilities and promotes inclusivity in our communities. This year’s festival, featuring a selection of nine impactful films, aims to raise awareness and foster understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by people with disabilities.

Gunnison, a charming town at the southern end of the Gunnison Valley, serves as a gateway to the stunning Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and offers year-round outdoor adventures. Home to Western Colorado University, Gunnison features a vibrant downtown with diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options, making it a perfect destination for both visitors and residents alike.

Sage Yazzie, a wide receiver at Western, draws inspiration from his Navajo heritage and family legacy as he excels in football and community engagement. As he embarks on his senior year, Yazzie aims to give back to his roots by organizing youth football camps for the Navajo Nation and showing the beauty of his community through his photography business, Native Nature LLC.

Western is proud to celebrate Professor Julian Rubinstein’s Emmy win for his powerful documentary, “The Holly.” The documentary highlights the impactful stories of those affected by drug addiction in Denver.

Western is supporting the Cora community in Gunnison through the efforts of Cole Cooper, a master’s student in Rural Community Health, who is leading initiatives to address health disparities and cultural barriers faced by Cora residents. Collaborating with local leaders like Magdaleno Diaz, an interpreter and advocate, and Jennifer Birnie from Gunnison Valley Health, the university is working to bridge gaps in healthcare access by promoting cultural competence and exploring integrated health approaches that honor both Western and traditional Cora healing practices.

Western is proud to be acknowledged for having some of the top college dorms in Colorado. We are dedicated to offering a supportive and lively living environment for students. Our residence halls are equipped with modern amenities and foster a strong sense of community, providing an enriching experience. This environment helps students to succeed both academically and socially.

Western is excited to announce the elimination of application fees, making higher education more accessible to all prospective students. This initiative, driven by our commitment to inclusivity, aims to encourage more individuals to pursue their academic goals and join our campus community.

Western’s hometown of Gunnison ranks #1 in most liveable small towns in Colorado. Our vibrant community offers students an ideal blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and a supportive environment, enhancing their educational journey and overall well-being.

Western is supporting the development of a new Carpentry Program at Northern New Mexico College, made possible by Butch Clark III’s generous $153,000 donation, which will fund a faculty position for the program’s first two years. In collaboration with NNMC, we are also planning a Trades Boot Camp to be held in Gunnison in Spring 2025, aimed at enhancing technical skills and providing students with valuable networking opportunities while fostering a strong community connection between the two institutions.

Western revamped the campus security app, enhancing safety and accessibility for students and staff. This update fosters a secure campus environment, ensuring that everyone can feel safe and connected while pursuing their academic goals.

A new era at Western Colorado University will start on Sept. 7 with the grand opening of the newly renovated Mountaineer Bowl at the Rady Family Sports Complex. Mountaineer Bowl is the world’s highest collegiate stadium and will play an important part in life on Western’s campus.

To help meet the future engineering needs in Colorado and beyond, the Western Colorado University—University of Colorado Boulder Partnership Program is launching biomedical and aerospace engineering majors at the Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering.

Western is recognized among the top institutions offering exceptional adventure degrees for aspiring outdoor professionals. Our programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in adventure-related careers and outdoor leadership.

Western alumn Eric Ortoland is featured on the bike he will ride in the 2024 Colorado Trail Race. It was his “teaching demo” for a frame-building independent study he led at Western Colorado University as part of the Engineering Partnership Program with CU Boulder.

Western is part of a new class of network members for FirstGen Forward, a program dedicated to supporting first-generation college students. This opportunity will bolster the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment and providing valuable resources to help first-gen students succeed.

Western alumnus Bryce Swaim is set to publish his debut collection of poetry and prose next summer, showcasing the creative talents nurtured during his time at the university. This upcoming release highlights the strong literary foundation provided by WCU’s programs and the continued success of its graduates in the broader literary world.

A study conducted at Western Colorado University reveals that high-intensity functional training using AMRAPs is an effective way to increase daily energy expenditure – calculated by total aerobic and anaerobic expenditure – in minimal time.

A recent, two-year study conducted by the Behavioral Science–Rural Community Health Graduate Program at Western, in collaboration with the Gunnison Senior Center, seeks to understand the mental health challenges of older residents in Gunnison County.

CPR Radio featured Western graduate student Cole Cooper’s research project on the healthcare beliefs of the Cora community in Gunnison. Tune in to hear how Cooper is bridging the healthcare gap for the Cora community through the Rural Community Health MBS at Western Colorado University and Gunnison Valley Health.

Western Colorado University highlights a new report underscoring the heightened importance of addressing senior mental health in the post-pandemic era, emphasizing the need for community support and accessible mental health resources for older adults in Montrose and beyond.

Western’s collaboration with the town of Rico is advancing geothermal energy projects. The university is a key partner in developing and implementing sustainable energy solutions that could benefit not only Rico but also the broader state of Colorado in reducing carbon emissions.

In her latest novel, Colorado author and Western professor Laura Pritchett intertwines themes of wildfires and COVID-19, exploring their impact on characters and communities. Pritchett discusses how fiction can illuminate the complexities of these contemporary challenges, offering insights into resilience and human connections amidst adversity.

The Lake City Star Fest represents a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to engage in stargazing and educational activities. Western’s involvement underscores its commitment to promoting science education and fostering community interest in astronomy through events that celebrate the natural wonders of the night sky.

Poets in Western Colorado University’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing are getting a lot of attention from publishers and earning accolades from across the industry. This attention also illuminates the Poetry Concentration’s mission to foster a diverse faculty of award-winning writers who are actively publishing and working within the poetry community.

Western faculty member Dr. Chappelle recently visited Leadville, where she shared insights on the city’s architecture and history. As WCU promotes interdisciplinary engagement and community outreach, Dr. Chappelle’s visit exemplifies our commitment to fostering educational connections beyond our campus borders.

Western’s summer conferences are drawing thousands of participants, providing a significant boost to the tourism and hospitality sectors in the Gunnison Valley.

Western is integrating hands-on learning experiences into its science curriculum, extending education beyond the classroom. Through fieldwork and research opportunities, students gain practical skills and knowledge, enriching their academic journey and preparing them for real-world applications in various scientific disciplines.

Tips for planning a summer vacation on a budget, with insights from Western Professor Kevin Nelson.

Western graduate student Cole Cooper is collaborating with Gunnison Valley Health to research the specific healthcare needs of the local Cora community and enhance their access to comprehensive healthcare services.

A new scholarship has been established to support Western Colorado University’s graduate program in Creative Writing, aimed at providing financial assistance to aspiring writers pursuing their academic goals. This initiative underscores a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering literary excellence within the Western community.

Western Colorado University has introduced a “Little Free Earth Library” on its campus, inviting the community to explore and engage with environmental education materials. This initiative fosters a love for learning about the environment while promoting accessibility to educational resources.

Class is over on Friday afternoon at Western Colorado University, and student Jesse East is planning to spend his weekend playing in the backyard with a friend. But Jesse is not an ordinary college student, and this is no ordinary weekend. His “backyard” is the Gunnison Valley—two million acres of public lands and hundreds of miles of trails between Gunnison and Crested Butte, Colorado.

A new proposed legislation in Colorado would allow residents to claim a state income tax credit for tuition paid to public colleges or universities in the state. The bill aims to provide financial relief to families struggling with the rising costs of higher education. If passed, eligible taxpayers could receive a credit equal to 50% of their tuition payments, up to a certain limit.

In Colorado, innovative apprenticeship programs are emerging to address critical teacher shortages, offering aspiring educators hands-on experience and financial support. These initiatives aim to attract and retain talented individuals to the teaching profession, providing a pathway to address the ongoing challenges in Colorado’s education system.

“Men frequently play against women, and kids commonly play with parents and grandparents—dynamics not necessarily seen in other sports or activities, which definitely makes pickleball unique,” says Lance Dalleck, an exercise and sports scientist at Western Colorado University.

In the face of changing environmental conditions, wilderness fire management presents both challenges and opportunities. Balancing ecological restoration with public safety is complex, and climate change has significantly impacted wildfire dynamics in wilderness areas.

The renovation project aims to modernize the library, enhancing its functionality and creating a more inviting space for students and faculty. The proposed changes include updates to technology infrastructure, improvements in accessibility, and the addition of collaborative workspaces.

Thanks to the work of three Western Colorado University seniors, several low-income homeowners in the Gunnison Valley now have a ready-to-use guide to switch to a greener and more affordable heating system for just a few thousand dollars.

Among that generation of women working in motorsports today is Emily Miller. She is a longtime off-road racer and motorsports marketer, and a graduate of Western Colorado University. After spending years racing for Rod Hall Racing and producing events with the team, Miller formed her marketing company, Soulside Network, Inc. Through Soulside, she has worked with many major brands producing and marketing motorsports events. Her credits include 13 years working with King of the Hammers as media director and working on the Red Bull Supermoto Championship.

Recent research from Western Colorado University indicates pickleball provides a moderate intensity workout, comparable to hiking, yoga, and water aerobics. Additionally, players saw significant improvements in their cholesterol levels, blood pressure and maximal oxygen uptake, all measures of improved cardiovascular fitness. And don’t underestimate the benefit of stress relief.

This year, Cañon City native Allie Weatherill received Western Colorado University’s highest honor for graduating seniors at an awards ceremony on Friday, May 3. As one of only seven recipients of the 2024 Alumni Award for Excellence, Weatherill will join the ranks of some of Western’s most distinguished alumni and be remembered for her contributions to the campus community.

Previously, such altitudes “were too cold for the majority of the year. That short summer window wasn’t conducive to the life cycles of ticks and mosquitoes,” said Aquatic Ecologist Susan Washko, a lecturer at Western Colorado University. Based in Crested Butte’s Gunnison Valley, Washko works for Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), one of North America’s most historic high-altitude field stations for scientists from around the world, as the undergraduate research program coordinator.

Studies show that if you are making sure to push yourself at home, you can burn the same amount of calories at home that you might burn in a class. Take Zumba. One 45 minute in person class burns on average 360 calories, according to sports scientists at Western Colorado University.

This week, Matthew Harris of Divide will receive Western Colorado University’s highest honor for graduating seniors at an awards ceremony on Friday, May 3.

When John Hausdoerffer tells you to “take a hike,” it’s not a pejorative. As the environmental philosopher sees it, a brush with nature can be a competitive advantage in today’s business environment. In our latest in an occasional series of interviews with leading ethicists — meant to spur discussion about where ethical behavior begins and how to encourage more of it in the workplace — Alphy talked with Hausdoerffer, a professor at Western Colorado University who thinks, teaches and writes about the ethics of human behavior and its effect on the planet.

Rifle native, Brayden Kammers is being awarded the 2024 Alumni Award for Excellence from Western Colorado University, home of the Mountaineers in Gunnison, Colorado.

Julian Rubinstein is a journalist, author, and documentary filmmaker. His most recent nonfiction book and documentary, The Holly, was reported over eight years in a gentrifying community in Denver. The book was a New York Times Editors’ Choice and winner of the 2022 Colorado Book Award. The film won three awards at festivals and is streaming on Prime and Apple Plus. He is a visiting filmmaker at Western Colorado University.

Kevin J. Anderson has published more than 180 books, 58 of which have been national or international bestsellers. He has written numerous novels in the Star Wars, X-Files, and Dune universes. Anderson is the director of the graduate program in Publishing at Western Colorado University.

When John Hausdoerffer asks you what kind of ancestor you want to be, he’s only partly referring to what your kids and grandkids will think of you. There’s a bigger question being asked by the environmental philosopher and professor at Western Colorado University.

For more than 100 years, Western Colorado University has been serving students primarily in liberal arts and sciences.

But a massive historical collection of ancient artifacts sat hidden, tucked away in the back of the university’s closets and crawlspaces for decades…until about 1989, when Professor Mark Stiger came upon this forgotten lot.

Paul Rady is the CEO of Antero Resources, a natural gas producer based in Denver. He’s not just an alum of Western Colorado University in Gunnison, but also a hailed real treasure after his generous donation of $80 million to the college to engineer a brand-new engineering department.

President Brad Baca tells Western Slope Now since Western Colorado University constructed its new building, aptly named the Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science and Engineering in 2021, the school has partnered with CU Boulder to get engineering students their four-year degree all from here, without having to transfer.

Western Colorado University, in the small town of Gunnison, Colorado, has been serving students for more than a century. Now, a new program sits on the horizon – a full Nursing Bachelor’s Degree. Western Colorado University president Brad Baca tells Western Slope Now he’s excited to finally have the means to launch this program which has been in the works for years – the college recently received a seed grant from the State of Colorado to essentially stand up the program and begin to offer courses.

Western Colorado University recently led a $1.59 million overhaul of its lighting system, a project that will save more than 292,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity each year.

“Research shows clear benefits to regular sauna use, ranging from reduced risk of mortality from heart disease, to better glucose control to better mental health,”says Lance Dalleck, PhD, a Professor of Exercise and Sport Science and High-Altitude Exercise Physiology at Western Colorado University.

Western Colorado University’s graduate Poetry concentration, part of the Graduate Program in Creative Writing, is celebrating the achievements of its students, alumni, and faculty members with a series of prestigious awards and publications.

After over a year of alluding to a possible housing project, Western Colorado University shared developing plans of a 52-unit project next to the Aspinall-Wilson building, which houses the Western Foundation.

Western Colorado athletics has announced its Mountaineer Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024, an induction group that includes a trio of All-American and/or conference champion student-athletes, a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championship team, and a Lifetime Achievement honoree.

Governor Jared Polis, along with the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC), has granted Western Colorado University $100,000 for the completion of an Outdoor Industry Lab within the Rady School of Computer Science and Engineering.

Prospective Western Colorado University students now have an extra two months to commit to the university, following months of financial aid delays from the federal government.

This past week, Western Colorado University sent its Nordic Ski Team to Lake Placid, New York to compete in USCSA Nationals.

This investment will also support a growing collaboration between RMBL and Western Colorado University’s Rady program, with opportunities for mechanical engineers to assist with sensors, computational scientists to analyze the large volumes of data, and aerospace engineers to help prepare for new satellite technology.

Like a lot of kids who grew up in the Gunnison Valley, Brianna Rickert (MA Education, ‘25) was on skis as soon as she could walk. But before long, she was leaving the other kids behind and skiing to the tops of podiums at Nordic races around the state. Now, in addition to being a senior in Western Colorado University’s accelerated Elementary Education degree program, she’s a world-class Mountain Sports athlete dreaming of Olympic gold.

Rural regional colleges across the country have historically been underfunded in comparison to state flagships, but the challenges in Colorado have been exacerbated by the state’s routinely poor performance in per-student appropriations.

Adams State University, Fort Lewis College and Western Colorado University are asking legislature for $3 million each.

On Feb. 8, Western Colorado University president Brad Baca announced a plan to break down one of the biggest financial barriers students face in the pursuit of higher education. Through The Mountaineer Promise, Western students whose annual household income is less than $70,000 can receive grants and scholarships to cover tuition and have standard fees waived starting in the fall of 2024.

The Gunnison Valley’s Tourism and Prosperity Partnership (TAPP) is ready to start funding a new joint venture with Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) and the Rady School of Engineering at Western Colorado University (WCU). TAPP brought its proposal to Gunnison County commissioners in a work session Tuesday to discuss the possibilities and answer questions; commissioners showed support and appreciated the update, but agreed that it is TAPP’s previously allocated funds to manage, and therefore TAPP’s freedom to alter how those funds are dispersed.

Julian Rubinstein’s journey from being a New York-based journalist to joining the faculty at Western Colorado University this semester is a long one. It led through Denver and eight years of deep immersion into a world of gang violence and peace activism in a small community just outside of downtown.

The Gunnison-Crested Butte (GUC) airport terminal flipped the switch to activate its solar array this week, with a ceremony held on Tuesday afternoon, November 7. The solar array was built in conjunction with the airport’s massive $26.4 million renovation that wrapped up this year, and the array itself has been nearly complete for many months and waiting on one critical part due to chain supply issues. While the terminal renovation was covered entirely by federal grant funding, the array is the result of a partnership between the City of Gunnison, Western Colorado University and Gunnison County and a grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA).

Western Colorado University is returning the remains of 25 individuals to Native American tribes, a century after they were taken from their original resting place.

Western Colorado University will return 25 sets of remains to tribes, with the help of funding from the National Park Service.

The creation of a new strategic plan for Western Colorado University’s path forward lined up neatly for President Brad Baca, who got to work on the plan during his first year in the new position.

Targeting goals like degree quality, quality of life and enrollment growth, the five-year plan will be released to the public this fall and outline targets and initiatives that the university will strive to meet over the next half-decade.