In the News

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.

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.

We’re proud that our researchers at Western’s Clark School, in collaboration with Colorado State University and the U.S. Forest Service, have provided concrete evidence showing that aspen-dominated forests—those with at least 25% aspen—can slow wildfire spread to just about a third of the rate seen in landscapes with minimal aspen cover, and that aspens often appear at fire perimeters, effectively acting as natural firebreaks, even under extreme fire weather. This insight highlights the potential for promoting aspen through land management strategies—including prescribed burns or planting—to safeguard communities while preserving habitat and aesthetic value.

Western Colorado University alumnus Ariston Awitan (’21, MBA ’24) has launched the IV Coffee Trailer, a mobile café serving the Gunnison Valley and Crested Butte, blending his love for coffee with a passion for community connection. Drawing on years of experience at local favorite Tributary Coffee Roasters, Awitan and his partner, artist Bailey Nickel, are building a loyal following while creating a welcoming space for conversation and camaraderie.

Research led by Western’s Clark School of Environment and Sustainability found that areas with aspen cover of at least 25% saw wildfire spread at roughly one-third the rate of those with under 10% aspen, and aspens frequently appeared at fire perimeters, highlighting their role in slowing or redirecting fire paths. These findings suggest that managers could use or restore aspen stands—through planting or prescribed burns—as natural “green fuel breaks” to protect communities and sensitive landscapes.

This summer, Western student Katherine Woolley—serving as a naturalist intern with the Cable Natural History Museum—sparked delight upon discovering two forked fungus beetles nestled in a polypore on a paper birch stump during an evening forest walk. These elusive creatures, found east of the Mississippi, overwinter in or on shelf fungi, where generations may remain for up to nine years, and their larvae burrow extensive tunnels, sometimes even cannibalizing pupae within.

Western graduate researcher Chloe Beaupré and her team found that elk in the Upper Gunnison Basin strongly avoid areas near trails, especially when human traffic increases, with elk activity declining significantly within about 655 meters of trails. In contrast, mule deer were more often found close to high-traffic trails—highlighting how different ungulate species respond uniquely to recreational disturbance, and underscoring the need for thoughtful trail planning to balance wildlife habitat needs with human recreation.

Western Colorado University alumna Virginia Rankin (MA, Elementary Education) built a 46-year teaching career after defying expectations to pursue higher education, inspiring generations of students to embrace reading. Now retired in Florence, she continues to lead a vibrant life—devouring over 1,000 books since 2022, engaging in community organizations, and encouraging others to travel the world, whether in person or through the pages of a book.

We celebrate Western’s own Eloïse Armour and fellow scholar Malia Naumchik as 2025 recipients of the prestigious Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship, both advancing vital national forest research—Eloïse examining fire suppression strategies, and Malia exploring plant‑pollinator community dynamics to inform adaptive management despite challenges facing the Forest Service. Their projects embody the next generation of conservation leadership, aiming to strengthen wilderness ecosystem resilience across the American West.

Western’s Director of Theatre, Steven Cole Hughes, is presenting his original two-act musical Singletrack, The Musical for its debut performance on August 1 in Taylor Hall Studio Theatre—a high-energy, ‘80s-inspired sports-drama musical following Mae, a high-school mountain biker torn between winning a pro sponsorship and staying true to herself. Drawing on Hughes’s love of both theater and mountain biking, the show features eight original songs crafted with longtime collaborator Jessica Jackson and includes performances by professional actors alongside Western students.

Western Colorado University is among the grant recipients in Gunnison County from the inaugural round of opioid settlement funds. The Southwest Colorado Opioid Regional Council (SWCORC) allocated $1.5 million for community grants in 2025–26—spanning prevention, treatment, harm reduction, recovery, and law enforcement—with Gunnison Sanctuary Housing receiving $140,000 for a sober living home and WCU also securing funding for its own initiatives.

Researchers at Western Colorado University, in collaboration with CSU and the U.S. Forest Service, have quantified what many have long suspected: aspen forests significantly slow wildfires—fires spread at about one‑third the rate in areas with 25% or greater aspen cover compared to those with less than 10% aspen. The findings also show that aspens are more common at fire perimeters, suggesting they can act as natural firebreaks—highlighting their potential as strategic “green fuel breaks” for protecting communities and sensitive landscapes.

Our collaborative study with Colorado State University and the U.S. Forest Service shows that aspen forests—thanks to their higher moisture content, elevated canopies, and less flammable composition—can slow or even halt wildfires, acting as natural protective barriers. This phenomenon was notably observed during the 2023 Lowline Fire in Gunnison County, underscoring the potential for using aspen groves as strategic green fuel breaks in fire-prone landscapes.

After four years of creative development, Western’s Director of Theatre, Steven Cole Hughes, is premiering Singletrack, The Musical on August 1 in Taylor Hall Studio Theatre—an energetic, ‘80s‑inspired sports‑drama following Mae, a high school mountain biker torn between securing a sponsorship and staying true to herself. With eight original songs and a blend of professional actors and Western students, the production aims to reignite live theatre in the valley while celebrating Gunnison’s mountain-biking spirit.

Western Colorado University alumna and former professor Shelley Read, author of the internationally acclaimed novel Go as a River, will visit the Wilkinson Public Library in Telluride on August 11 for the annual One Book, One Canyon event. A fifth-generation Coloradan who taught at Western for 27 years, Read draws deeply on her Gunnison roots and love for Colorado landscapes in her writing, and is currently working on a second novel set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Our research confirms what many have observed anecdotally: stands of aspen trees significantly slow the spread of wildfires—fires in areas with at least 25% aspen cover move at roughly one-third the speed compared to areas with less than 10% aspen cover. Furthermore, aspens frequently appear along fire perimeters—suggesting they not only decelerate fires but can also redirect or stop their progression—making them promising candidates for natural “green fuel breaks” in wildfire management strategies.

Gunnison is often overlooked, yet it stands out as a vibrant college town where a rich arts culture, local creativity, and Western Colorado University converge with extraordinary access to outdoor adventures—from artful festivals to mountain biking in Hartman Rocks and floating the Gunnison River. This blend of cultural and natural experiences makes Gunnison an unforgettable and understated destination well worth exploring.

Western graduate student Chloe Beaupré—alongside Western faculty and Colorado Parks & Wildlife partners—led a rigorous camera‑based study in the Upper Gunnison Basin that reveals elk avoid high‑traffic trails, exhibiting a significant drop in presence within ~600–655 meters, whereas mule deer tend to appear more frequently near busy trail corridors, likely benefiting from a “human shield” effect. This research highlights WCU’s leadership in science‑based recreation planning and underscores the importance of trail design, seasonal closures, and wildlife‑friendly management to preserve healthy ungulate habitat in Gunnison Valley.

Western researchers from the Clark School of Environment and Sustainability, in collaboration with Colorado State University and the U.S. Forest Service, analyzed over 300 wildfire incidents across the Four Corners region and demonstrated that in landscapes where aspen trees composed at least ~25% of vegetation, wildfires spread approximately one‑third as fast as in areas with less than 10% aspen. The study confirms that aspen stands—due to their moisture-rich foliage, elevated branches, and less flammable chemistry—can serve as natural firebreaks, offering a science-backed strategy for land managers and fire planners to encourage aspen growth as part of wildfire mitigation efforts.

A study led by Western graduate Chloe Beaupré found that elk are far more sensitive to trail-based recreation than mule deer, avoiding areas within 655 meters of high-traffic trails. With support from Western faculty and students, this research underscores the university’s leadership in informing wildlife-friendly land use and sustainable recreation planning across the West.

Western will host a music-infused adaptation of Romeo and Juliet on July 19, blending Shakespearean scenes with contemporary songs in the Quigley bandshell. Featuring Western students, alumni, and community members, the performance reflects the university’s commitment to accessible, interdisciplinary arts experiences that connect campus and community.

New research co-led by Western Colorado University’s Clark School of Environment and Sustainability confirms that aspen forests significantly reduce wildfire spread—even under extreme fire conditions. With key contributions from Western faculty and alumni, the study strengthens the case for using aspen as a natural firebreak and showcases the university’s leadership in climate-resilient forest science.

Western Colorado University’s MFA faculty member Erica Reid will join fellow award-winning poets at the upcoming “Poetry Rodeo” in Fruita, celebrating voices of the American West. Reid’s participation highlights Western’s strong presence in the national literary scene, with back-to-back Donald Justice Poetry Prize winners from the Western Slope.

Kathy Lockhart, an alumna of Western Colorado University, was named one of the Top 50 Women Chief Accounting Officers of 2025 by Women We Admire. As CAO of Noodles & Company, Lockhart brings decades of leadership experience and credits her foundation at Western for helping launch a career that continues to impact the finance world.

Holly Rios, a Western alumna in Printmaking, is making her mark as both an artist and educator, blending social commentary with bold visual storytelling in screen prints and etchings. Her creative journey—rooted in perseverance, authenticity, and a deep commitment to the arts—highlights the resilient spirit fostered at Western.

A collaborative study led by Western Colorado University and partners reveals that aspen forests can dramatically reduce wildfire spread, even under extreme conditions, making them valuable natural firebreaks. With contributions from Western faculty and alumni, the research strengthens Western’s role in advancing wildfire resilience and sustainable forest management across the West.

New research co-authored by Western Colorado University’s Clark School of Environment and Sustainability confirms that aspen forests can significantly slow or even stop wildfires, making them a powerful natural firebreak. With contributions from Western faculty and a recent graduate, the study reinforces the university’s role in advancing science-based strategies for wildfire resilience and forest management.

Western alumna Jolene Phillips credits a $10,000 state grant with helping her earn her teaching license and launch a new career as a special education teacher after nearly two decades as an aide. Her success story highlights the impact of Colorado’s Educator Recruitment and Retention program—and the supportive pathways Western provides for aspiring educators across the state.

Western Colorado University alumna Jolene Phillips is helping address Colorado’s teacher shortage after earning her special education license with support from a $10,000 state grant. Her journey from longtime paraprofessional to licensed teacher reflects both the impact of the Educator Recruitment and Retention program and the strength of Western’s pathways for adult learners and rural educators.

Western is proud to support future educators like Jolene Phillips, whose journey from paraprofessional to licensed special education teacher was made possible through Colorado’s $10,000 Educator Recruitment and Retention grant. Programs like this not only reduce financial barriers but also empower Western graduates to help meet the critical need for teachers across Colorado, especially in high-demand areas like special education.

Western celebrates student-athlete Dean Noble, who made history as the first Mountaineer and first RMAC men’s wrestler to be named RMAC Man of the Year. A standout both on the mat and in the classroom, Noble earned dual degrees while excelling as an NCAA All-American and academic honoree.

Western proudly congratulates Journalist-in-Residence Julian Rubinstein, whose powerful documentary The Holly won a national Emmy Award for Outstanding Regional Documentary. Rubinstein’s investigative storytelling not only brought national recognition to Denver’s complex social issues but also reflects the depth and courage he brings to his work with Western students.

Aspiring educators are stepping into Colorado classrooms thanks to a state program offering $10,000 retention grants—and Western is proud to be part of that journey. By supporting students like Jolene Phillips, who earned her teaching license at Western, this statewide initiative helps turn dedication into impact where it’s needed most.

At Western, we’ve seen firsthand how Colorado’s Educator Recruitment and Retention (ERR) program changes lives—like Jolene Phillips, who earned her teaching license through our online pathway after 20 years as a paraprofessional. Programs like ERR don’t just fund degrees; they open doors for passionate, experienced individuals to step into classrooms and strengthen Colorado’s teacher pipeline in communities that need them most.

Western is proud to announce that Claire Thompson and Lizbeth Bárcena, students in our Graduate Program in Creative Writing, are the first recipients of the Mari Sandoz Scholarship—honoring powerful, place-based storytelling rooted in the American West. Their work carries forward Sandoz’s legacy by exploring the landscapes, histories, and voices that continue to shape our region and its literature.

Western proudly celebrates the Mari Sandoz Scholarship recipients, Claire Thompson and Lizbeth Bárcena, who champion place-based environmental storytelling in our graduate Nature Writing program. Their work—from examining the Wenatchi Tribe’s displacement to exploring the desert Southwest’s ecology and diverse voices—honors Sandoz’s legacy of deeply rooted, evocative writing about the environments and peoples of the West.

A recent ecological assessment led by Western Colorado University and Conservation Science Partners reveals both concern and opportunity in Mesa Verde National Park—highlighting the dramatic decline of the rare Cliff Palace milkvetch, the rise of non-native plants, and warming threats to the Mancos River. The study emphasizes the need for collaborative stewardship and targeted restoration, reinforcing Western’s role in advancing conservation science and protecting Colorado’s most iconic landscapes.

Western Colorado University’s Forest Mannan has received the 2025 Early Career Teaching Award from the Mathematical Association of America’s Rocky Mountain Section for his student-centered, innovative approach to teaching mathematics. Mannan, who began teaching at Western in 2019, sees the award not as a final milestone but as encouragement to keep growing and deepening his impact in the classroom.

Western is humming this summer, hosting 35 camps, conferences, and academic programs that are expected to bring nearly 7,000 visitors to campus between June and July. From high-profile football and wrestling camps to music ensembles, teacher trainings, and creative writing workshops, these events not only foster outreach and experiential learning, but also support the local economy—hotel stays, dining, retail—by showcasing Western and Gunnison Valley life during its vibrant peak season.

Western Colorado University community leaders are exploring the creation of a local Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for Gunnison to support downtown revitalization and strengthen small businesses—seeking to follow the success of neighboring towns like Delta and Montrose. By coordinating efforts across the city and county, the EDC aims to attract new job opportunities, stabilize critical infrastructure funding, and fuel sustainable economic growth in the region.

Western is proud to see faculty leader Julie Nania helping launch the 2025 Crested Butte Public Policy Forum Summer Speaker Series with a critical conversation on the future of the Colorado River. As executive director of the Coldharbour Institute and a champion for water stewardship in the Gunnison Valley, Nania brings deep expertise to this free, community-wide discussion on one of the West’s most pressing issues.

Western Colorado University recently welcomed students from Northern New Mexico College for the first-ever Trades Culture Bootcamp—a weeklong immersive experience in timber framing, electrical work, and solar installation. Designed to elevate the value of hands-on trades alongside academic learning, the project resulted in a permanent outdoor structure on campus and laid the groundwork for a growing partnership that blends craftsmanship, sustainability, and collaboration.

Saunas and steam rooms both raise your core temperature to extend the benefits of a workout, but the key difference lies in climate—saunas deliver dry, very hot heat while steam rooms offer lower-temperature, high-humidity warmth. Experts—including Western Colorado University’s Dr. Lance Dalleck—highlight cardiovascular boosts like improved circulation and blood pressure regulation for saunas, while steam rooms excel at skin hydration, congestion relief, and soothing muscles.

Western Colorado University’s nursing program is building real momentum with the hiring of founding director Beth Roten and major grant support from the Colorado Health Foundation and Opportunity Now. With a rural health focus, a successful CNA program already underway, and plans for both accelerated and traditional BSN pathways, Western is preparing the next generation of nurses to meet Colorado’s most critical healthcare needs.

Colorado ranked seventh nationally in 2023–24 for former college students completing credentials, thanks in large part to the state’s CORE (Colorado Re-Engaged) initiative. The program, which allows those with 70+ earned credits to receive an associate degree without re-enrolling, contributed to a 129% increase in completions—benefiting more than 2,100 Coloradans and helping improve earning potential without requiring full college reentry.

Western Colorado University student Ryan Huck is making waves in the whitewater world by mastering the art of solo rafting, or “R1,” on some of the Gunnison Valley’s most extreme rivers. What began as a first run on the upper Taylor River during his freshman year at Western has turned into a full-fledged pursuit of technical, high-stakes descents like Oh Be Joyful — proof that Mountaineer grit flows both in and out of the classroom.

Ross McGee (’13), a graduate of Western Colorado University’s Wildlife & Conservation Biology program, has been honored as Colorado’s 2025 Game Warden of the Year—recognizing his outstanding work in public engagement, conservation leadership, and expanding public access on over 4,500 acres as District Wildlife Manager in Meeker. McGee credits his success to Western’s small classes, field-based training, and strong faculty mentorship, which equipped him for a career rooted in community-focused resource stewardship.

Luis Benitez, a key figure in Colorado’s outdoor industry and a champion of Western Colorado University’s Outdoor Industry MBA, makes the case for elevating outdoor recreation in government with lasting infrastructure, academic support, and federal leadership. In Higher Ground, he shares how state-level wins—from growing Colorado’s recreation economy to launching higher ed programs like Western’s—could serve as the blueprint for a national office that treats trails, rivers, and parks as essential to both our economy and public health.

A humble treehouse called the Bean Pod at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) has become a symbol of a century-long legacy of women scientists who’ve shaped research in Colorado’s high alpine valleys. From early pioneers like Ruth “Scottie” Willey and Harriet Barclay to modern leaders and students, RMBL’s inclusive and collaborative environment has empowered generations of women to lead, innovate, and inspire in the field of ecological science.

Facing a drop in winter visitors and changing economic pressures, the Tourism and Prosperity Partnership (TAPP) is adjusting its summer marketing approach to highlight the affordability and logistics of visiting the Gunnison Valley. With leadership transitions in motion and sustainable tourism messaging intact, TAPP also continues to promote local innovation through partnerships with Western Colorado University and RMBL to strengthen long-term economic vitality beyond tourism.

Jolene Phillips spent 22 years as a classroom aide before finally becoming a licensed special education teacher, thanks in part to Western’s Adult Degree Completion program and the $10,000 Educator Recruitment and Retention grant. Now thriving in her own classroom in Cañon City, Phillips is changing lives every day—offering the kind of patient, firm, and compassionate teaching that helps students like Isaac not only catch up but leap ahead.

Western biology professor Patrick Magee is sounding the alarm on the future of the Gunnison sage-grouse, a rare bird found almost exclusively in Colorado whose survival is threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, and proposed rollbacks to the Endangered Species Act. With fewer than 4,000 individuals left, Magee and other experts emphasize that protecting this species means protecting the entire sagebrush ecosystem—before it’s too late.

Western celebrates longtime supporter Butch Clark for being honored by Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) for his extraordinary investment in technical trades education. Clark’s commitment has not only transformed NNMC’s hands-on training facilities but also sparked a new partnership with Western—funding a summer boot camp where Northern students will live on WCU’s campus, gain solar construction experience, and work alongside Western’s engineering students to reintroduce trades to the Gunnison community.

Gunnison’s iconic town ditches are more than just irrigation—they’re a living legacy that transformed a dusty frontier grid into a vibrant, green haven. With deep ties to Western Colorado University and the local community, these flowing waterways support everything from shady trees and backyard gardens to fire prevention, water conservation, and even the legendary “freshman ditch” lore shared by generations of students.

Concurrent enrollment courses offered through Western Colorado University are helping high school students like Francis—who’s headed to Brown University—earn college credit, save money, and build confidence before graduation. Teacher Garfield Warren advocates for expanding access statewide by increasing funding, supporting teacher certification, and diversifying instructors.

Western’s Nursing Education Program is accelerating its impact with the hiring of inaugural director Beth Roten and $560,000 in new grant funding from The Colorado Health Foundation. With a focus on rural healthcare, the program is building from the ground up to train nurses who understand—and are prepared to serve—the unique needs of underserved communities across Colorado.

Rooted in the Gunnison Valley’s unique ecology, the new Gunnison Basin Chapter of the Colorado Native Plant Society is flourishing with support from Western Colorado University. Through faculty involvement, student engagement, and community collaboration, the chapter is cultivating a deeper connection to native landscapes and seeding a future of hands-on conservation and education.

Western Colorado University proudly celebrates CMarie Fuhrman, associate director of our Creative Writing graduate program, whose new essay collection Salmon Weather poignantly explores the threads of environmental change and human connection to place along Idaho’s Salmon River. Rooted in the Western landscape, her work blends personal narrative, Indigenous history, and ecological observation, reinforcing our university’s dedication to place-based storytelling and environmental awareness.

Western students are partnering with Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area to help secure long-term funding for the Every Kid in a Lifejacket program, which provides third-graders with lifejackets and water safety education. Their collaboration supports a growing regional effort to make outdoor recreation safer and more accessible for youth living near Colorado’s rivers and lakes.

Western Biology students marked Earth Day 2025 by calling for renewed focus on climate adaptation, ecosystem stewardship, and environmental policy reform—urging action at both the local and national level. Drawing from their studies and lived experience in the Gunnison Valley, the students emphasized the urgency of rising to meet climate challenges through science, service, and a deeper connection to the land.

Western’s Leslie J. Savage Library has secured a $10,000 American Library Association grant to enhance accessibility—especially for neurodiverse and caregiving students—by creating sensory zones, updating resources, and training staff to better support diverse learning styles. This award, part of ALA’s “Libraries Transforming Communities” initiative, will guide public listening sessions this summer and help the library become a more inclusive and welcoming hub for the wider Gunnison Valley.

Western alumnus Brayden Espinosa will showcase his vibrant, intuitive paintings alongside notable hip-hop artists in “Side Show, a Visible Planets Pop-up Exhibition” in Denver’s RiNo district April 12–13. The event, curated by Dan Drossman, offers a fresh blend of visual art, music culture, and community—highlighting the creative reach of Western graduates.

Western’s Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a new 36-unit housing development to support faculty and staff, addressing one of the region’s most critical barriers to recruitment and retention. Set to open by fall 2026, the project represents a major step forward in making Western—and Gunnison—a more accessible and sustainable place to live, work, and thrive.

Western is proud to host the 2025 Story Catcher Festival on April 9–10, featuring workshops, readings, and a keynote by acclaimed former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo. This spring gathering of celebrated writers and emerging voices honors the legacy of Mari Sandoz and invites the community to explore the power of storytelling—free and open to all.

Western’s John Hausdoerffer, a leading environmental philosopher and founder of multiple sustainability programs at Western, helped inspire the theme for Vogue’s PhotoVogue contest through his work on kinship and ecological interconnectedness. His influence highlights how philosophy and art can deepen our understanding of humanity’s relationship with the natural world—a vision shaped at Western and now shared on a global stage.

Western alumna Megan McGinnis is bringing joy to the Boulder community through her business, Hummingbird, which delivers curated gift boxes filled with local, artisanal products. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to spreading happiness reflect the values and creativity we’re proud to see in our Mountaineer graduates.

Western celebrates alumnus Ross McGee for being named Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Wildlife Officer of the Year, honoring his outstanding service, conservation efforts, and deep community impact in Meeker. McGee’s journey—from studying wildlife management at Western to becoming a respected leader in the field—exemplifies the passion, resilience, and dedication we strive to instill in every student.

Western is proud to partner with the University of Colorado Boulder to launch a new Biomedical Engineering program in Fall 2025, expanding access to high-demand STEM careers from our Gunnison and Montrose campuses. This collaboration reflects our commitment to hands-on, career-focused education that meets the needs of Colorado’s students and industries.

Western’s Kevin A. Nelson, Professor of Business Administration, was featured as an expert in WalletHub’s breakdown of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, offering insights into the value of premium travel rewards. His contribution highlights the real-world expertise our faculty bring into the classroom, preparing students to navigate complex financial decisions with confidence.

Western is proud to see alumnus Randy Kapushion leading the Salida High School track and field team with the same passion and purpose he showed as a student-athlete here. His commitment to building team culture and fostering unity reflects the values we instill in all our Mountaineers—on and off the field.

Western professor Jonathan Coop and fire researcher Clare Boerigter presented at the Naturalist Nights series on the benefits of human-ignited fire for forest ecosystems. Highlighting historical Indigenous land stewardship and modern fire management, they emphasized the need for prescribed burns to restore forest health and mitigate catastrophic wildfires.

Researchers at Western found that faster-spreading wildfires are causing more severe and lasting damage to forest ecosystems, reducing the likelihood of natural forest recovery. Inspired by Colorado’s East Troublesome Fire, the study highlights the urgent need for proactive forest management to protect the landscapes and communities that rely on them.

Western Nordic athletes Graydon Walker and Tyler Hippchen competed at the FISU World University Games in Italy after top finishes at college nationals. Racing against world-class competitors, they embraced the challenge, formed international friendships, and proudly represented Team USA on the global stage.

Western master’s student Cody Hinkley is leading a federally funded study on bighorn sheep in the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge, using motion-activated cameras to track population demographics. Partnering with federal and state agencies, the project aims to support conservation efforts, with Hinkley also securing a grant to produce a documentary highlighting the challenges facing Colorado’s bighorn sheep.

Western and CU Boulder are launching a biomedical engineering degree in Gunnison starting in fall 2025, expanding their successful engineering partnership. Focused on functional biomechanics, the program will equip students with hands-on experience in trauma recovery, sports science, and rehabilitation, preparing them for high-impact careers in medicine and engineering.

This heartfelt reflection from a recently disbanded U.S. Forest Service trail crew highlights the often invisible, undervalued labor of wilderness stewards—many of whom share Western’s deep commitment to public lands, sustainability, and interdependence with nature. As a university that prepares students for meaningful environmental leadership, we recognize the urgent need to honor and support those who dedicate their lives to preserving access to wild places.

Western’s research with the Gunnison Senior Center revealed significant mental health struggles and service gaps for the county’s aging population. The findings highlight the need for expanded support, reinforcing the senior center’s role in fostering connection and well-being.

A new study from Western finds that wildfires are moving faster, creating large treeless burn areas that hinder forest recovery and increase erosion risks. Researcher Jonathan Coop warns these rapid fires pose significant threats to communities, making evacuation and infrastructure protection increasingly difficult.

A recent study has validated the health benefits of the viral 12-3-30 workout, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness. This research provides scientific support for the workout’s role in improving overall health.

A graduate student from Western has conducted a study uncovering the historical relationship between plant life and wildfires, aiming to inform conservation efforts for the sage grouse. This research exemplifies the university’s dedication to impactful environmental studies that address pressing ecological challenges.

Students from Western have become the first to map ancient dinosaur tracks at a site in Colorado, contributing significantly to paleontological research. This achievement underscores the university’s commitment to providing hands-on, field-based learning experiences that advance scientific understanding.

Western researchers partnered with SaltStick to conduct a groundbreaking study demonstrating that FastChews can rapidly replenish electrolytes, with nearly 50% of the sodium content absorbed within the first 45 seconds. This research highlights the innovative role of FastChews in improving hydration and performance for athletes by leveraging buccal absorption for faster electrolyte uptake.