Gary C. Pierson

Gary Pierson joined Western Colorado University in July 1998 as the Director of Campus Life.

Pierson began his career in higher education in 1982 and served in a variety of roles at colleges and universities across the country including Quincy University (IL), Pittsburg State University (KS), Kansas State University (KS), Portland State University (OR) and Adams State University (CO).

As a native Coloradan, Gary was always searching for the “dream job” of allowing him to live, work, and recreate in the mountains of Colorado. After an extended period of living and working in the Midwest, his aspirational goal of living in the mountains came to fruition when he landed his first position at Western in 1998. Pierson was promoted to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs (2003) and Vice President for Student Affairs (2009).  With twenty-five (25) years of service, Gary is currently working as the Dean of Students at the University. He has been involved in a variety of leadership positions in the Gunnison Valley and in addition to currently serving on the Gunnison Trails Board of Directors, Gary serves on the Tourism and Prosperity Project (TAPP) Board. He is an avid mountain biker and skier, a self-avowed endurance and adrenaline junkie, who is supported in his life journey by his wife Shelly, daughter Lily (20 years old), son Jack (16 years old), and dogs Bella and Bruno.