The campus had been discussing the merits of changing from a "college" to a "university." Adams State President David Svaldi explained the trustees determined such a change should be considered in light of the college's mission, recruitment goals, and long-term planning.

New revenue streams and a favorable bond market will help bring four campus improvement projects to fruition at Adams State College, according to Bill Mansheim, vice president for Finance and Administration. The projects, totaling $7.7 million, include construction of a community room, installation of energy saving fixtures, renovation of student housing, and creation of a campus green.

The college is pursuing refinancing of existing 2004 bonds, supported by Adams State housing and food service, through Building America Bonds issued as part of the Federal Stimulus Plan. Mansheim explained the municipal bond market is offering the lowest interest rates in 40 years.

"We expect to refinance these bonds at about four percent interest, which will allow us to borrow enough to support these exciting new projects," he said. "This is only possible through some creative partnerships that will produce additional revenue."

Sodexo, the college's food service provider, has agreed to contribute $100,000 a year to finance capital construction projects on the campus.

"Sodexo has made a 15-year commitment to support growth at Adams State," Mansheim said. "This will allow us to construct and equip a multi-use community room in the Residences at Rex, which is now under construction." Estimated at $700,000, this facility will provide community members with a venue for entertainment, special events, and socializing.

The Residences at Rex will be an innovative structure combining student housing with community facilities at Rex Stadium. Designed by the architectural firm Davis Partnerships Architects, the project will be completed by the end of next summer. The architects say it will be the most unique facility in Division II athletics, in that it encompasses a 3,000-seat stadium with, a multi-purpose room; a press box area; and 16 four-bedroom apartments that wrap the existing football field and track.

Joseph Lear of Davis Partnerships described the project: "The Adams State College Auxiliary Housing project creates a center for the athletic and student housing areas of campus and is the centerpiece of a new campus green. Its west face encloses the existing football stadium and track, while the east face completes a new dormitory and social activities quadrangle. Masonry towers, glass curtainwalls, and cantilevering roofs are woven throughout the project in order to wrap the complex programs within and to create a dynamic, yet complimenting campus building on the exterior."

Savings for sustainability

The college expects to cut its electric bill by $100,000 a year by adopting energy-saving measures identified through a campus-wide Technical Energy Audit conducted by Rocky Mountain Trane. The energy service company guarantees that resulting savings will cover project expenses.

Plans call for replacing and retrofitting more than 10,000 light fixtures and installing 592 occupancy sensors to turn off lights when not needed. Mansheim noted the savings will not only cover the project, estimated at $1.4 million, but also offset energy use anticipated by the Residences at Rex and new stadium lighting. The energy audit also found the college can cut its water consumption by 40%, saving 7.5 million gallons a year, by installing low-water-use plumbing and fixtures.

Attractive campus climate

Also planned is a $4.1 million renovation of two residence hall areas. In Coronado D Wing, suites with 105 bed spaces and associated bathrooms will be remodeled, as will 50 rooms and community bathrooms in Girault South Wing. Both buildings are located on Stadium Drive.

"Adams State has made it a priority to upgrade student housing to satisfy current students and remain competitive in student admissions," Mansheim said.

The refinancing will also support creation of a campus green, estimated at $1.5 million, in front of the Residences at Rex.

"This project will give us a more 'traditionally' landscaped campus and create an attractive area conducive to street dances, tailgate parties, community concerts, and other open events," Mansheim said.

More renovations on the horizon

Anticipating a continuing advantageous bond market, the college also plans to pursue financing for another phase of campus improvement. In March 2008, students approved a new capital construction fee to support these renovations. The Residences at Rex is also being funded by the capital fee.

"It appears that in March 2010, the college will be able to finance $20 million worth of renovations," Mansheim said. "This will include substantial remodeling of the ES building, Music building, and Leon Memorial Concert Hall, and developing a new parking lot on Richardson Ave."

More Construction News

The public is invited to learn more and discuss the situation with representatives from local government, public and higher education, and health care. The event is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served. Details are available by calling 587-7341.

Adams State President David Svaldi said, "It's likely Colorado will suffer even further drastic cuts to many services, not the least of which are education and health care. We want to help our community understand the impacts of these cuts."

Panelists for the forum will include Alamosa County Administrator Barry Shioshita, Alamosa City Manager Nathan Cherpeski, Alamosa School District Superintendent Robert Alejo, Trinidad State Junior College Interim President Felix Lopez, Adams State President David Svaldi, Adams State Vice President for Finance and Administration Bill Mansheim, Valleywide Health Systems CEO Marguerite Salazar, and San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Henry Garvin.

Recently revised projections of state revenue indicate Colorado is short another $240 million in this year's budget, in addition to spending cuts Gov. Bill Ritter made in August, according to the "Denver Post" What's more, legislative economists predict a shortfall of $189 million in the 2010-11 budget year. The "Post" reported Colorado has lost 110,700 jobs since May 2008, a 4.7 percent loss. Also contributing to state revenue reductions is a drop in sales tax revenues by 8.2 percent from fiscal year ending June 2008 to June 2009.

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." A college that changes its name to university should remain fundamentally the same.

By now readers may know that after 60 years of being called Adams State College, the college community is considering the question: "Resolved: Adams State College should become Adams State University."

Adams State's name has actually been changed twice in its 85-year history. It was founded as Adams State Normal School in 1921; this wording remains on Richardson Hall. In 1930, the name was changed to Adams State Teachers College (since like you, folks were confused about what a "normal" school involved). Finally, in 1945, the named was changed to Adams State College.

Each change was intended to more clearly communicate the purpose and functions of the college. In the early years, two years of study could lead to a lifetime teaching license; there were no other major courses of study. But as secondary content areas for teachers were added (math, geography, social studies, etc.), the beginning of a liberal arts course of study was brought to the college. Recognition of this growth and expansion of academic disciplines prompted the last name change.

What has changed about ASC that engenders the discussion for this new change? Most obvious is the addition of graduate programs. The addition of graduate programs began in the 1950s, and new graduate programs have been added, while some were discontinued (a specialist degree created in the 1960's was discontinued sometime later). By Carnegie Classification (the leading framework for describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education for over 30 years), Adams State is a Masters I Comprehensive University. Eighty-four percent of Masters I Institutions across the country are called universities. In some sense, if we decide to change our name, we will be clarifying our role and function and aligning ourselves with a national classification. In many areas of the country, the term "college" denotes a two-year institution -- I have been asked on numerous occasions if Adams State College is a two-year or a four-year institution.

But we have not yet decided this question. I am not going to recommend changing Adams State's name after 64 years based upon a brief discussion and some evidence that the university name "markets" better.

We are gathering data and opinion by using blogs, surveys, electronic voting, interviewing, and by arguing with one another. One thing there is never a shortage of on a college (or a university!) campus is differing opinions. (We welcome input on our blog.)

I promise our students, staff, alumni, and community that whatever we ultimately call ourselves, Adams State will remain true to its values: small classes, instruction by tenured professors who care about their students (at the undergraduate and graduate level), a full liberal arts program of study, many co-curricular activities, a vibrant outdoor program, a great (and newly remodeled) residential campus, and the best value in four-year higher education in Colorado. We will still smell sweet.

Adam State is one of only ten Hispanic-serving colleges and universities across the country sharing in nearly $6 million offered through HUD's Hispanic-Serving Institutions Assisting Communities (HSIAC) Program. This is the fourth grant Adams State Community Partnerships has been awarded by HUD's Office of University Grants over the past decade, for a total of about $4 million, including leveraged and matching funds, Hoffman said.

Announcing the grant award, U.S. Congressman John Salazar said, "I am proud to have helped bring this funding to Adams State College. The HOPE program will be an innovative three dimensional program that will help our young people and the disabled community reach the American dream."

Mary Hoffman, executive director of ASC Community Partnerships, explained, "We'll be partnering with a variety of organizations to fulfill the goals of this program, including Vocational Rehabilitation, the EPA Regional Office, and community financial professionals." Community Partnerships works to connect college and grant resources with the community in order to increase the quality of life for all residents of the San Luis Valley.

"The HSIAC HUD Grant is indicative of the hard and real work Mary Hoffman has done both for ASC and the local community over the last few years," said Adams State President David Svaldi. "I am very pleased that current activities will continue in these hard budget times. Kudos to Mary and her staff!"

HOPE entails three separate, but related programs:

The Hispanic-Serving Institutions Assisting Communities Program is one of several initiatives administered by HUD's Office of University Partnerships (OUP). Eligible colleges and universities must have a student enrollment that is at least 25 percent Hispanic. Adams State's student body is more than 29 percent Hispanic, with a total of 38 percent from diverse backgrounds.

Community Partnerships

Adams State College is breaking records with the highest enrollment in its 85-year history: 3,159 total students, Adams State Provost Michael Mumper reported to the college trustees at their meeting Aug. 27-28.

"This is a historic year for Adams State - the first time enrollment has exceeded 3,000," he said. "Our enrollment growth, the start of new construction projects, and the success of new academic and sports programs are all creating a lot of excitement."

Total enrollment is up 17.5 percent from the same time last year, with undergraduate enrollment at 2,511 and graduate student enrollment at 648.

"This is our highest graduate enrollment ever, and that number should grow as more students complete registration. Undergraduate enrollment is the second highest in our history," Mumper said. In 1970, the college's total enrollment was 2,978, with an undergraduate population of 2,524.

"We owe this to the fine leadership and planning of Dr. Mumper and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Frank Novotny," said Adams State President David Svaldi.

Mumper attributed the growth to several factors, particularly improved recruiting and retention. The 2009 freshman class totals 534, a 9.2 percent increase over 2008. "Eric Carpio and his Admissions staff did an incredible job and exceeded our goals," Mumper said. "The past two years we have admitted freshman classes with higher academic profiles, and we are finding now that those students are performing better and are staying in college at a higher rate. There are at least 150 more returning undergraduate students this fall than last year."

The college's Office of Student Engagement and Success, dedicated to helping at-risk students, also contributed to better student retention. New academic programs and the addition of new athletic teams and club sports added to the growth, as well.

Upward trend

Adams State enrollment began an upward trend last spring, with a 6 percent increase in students returning from the fall semester. The growth continued in the summer session, which recorded an undergraduate enrollment increase of almost 19 percent.

"Summer 2009 was successful beyond our wildest dreams," Novotny said. He explained that revision of the course schedule gave students more options and flexibility, allowing them to take more classes.

Among the college's new academic programs is a Master's of Business Administration (MBA), which has 59 students. Overwhelming success of the summer cohort stimulated creation of a second cohort for the fall, according to program director Liz Thomas. A number of students are already committed to beginning in the spring semester, as well.

Adams State recently broke ground on the Residences at Rex, its first new residence hall in over 40 years, and began extensive renovation of existing student housing. The new building will increase the capacity of campus housing by adding apartments for 65 students next fall, according to Dean of Students Ken Marquez. All campus residence halls are currently full, he noted.

"We could well see our highest undergraduate enrollment since 1973, once all students are registered," Mumper said.

As of August 19 data, total enrollment is 2,850, an increase of 19.5 percent over the same time last year. Of those, 2,045 are undergraduates, a 12 percent increase, and 591 are graduate students, an increase over 47 percent. Those figures include Adams State's distance undergraduate programs, which show an increase of almost 30 percent. To date, there is a 15 percent increase in Colorado resident students and a 5 percent increase in non-residents.

Mumper said several factors have contributed to the enrollment growth, particularly the increase in registrations by returning students.

"The past two years we have admitted freshman classes with higher academic profiles, and we are finding now that those students are performing better and are staying in college at a higher rate," Mumper said.

Adams State has also introduced new academic programs and new athletic programs. For example, 46 students are enrolled in the new online Master's of Business Administration program. Intercollegiate teams for men's golf, men's soccer, and women's swimming and diving have also attracted new students. In addition, Adams State is adding club sports for climbing, men's soccer, men's golf, and women's rugby.

"The new sports, the new clubs, the new academic programs, and new construction on campus are building excitement among students. We are expecting a historic year here at ASC," Mumper said.

The college recently broke ground on its first new residence hall in over 40 years, and began extensive renovation of existing student housing.

There is still time to register for the fall semester at Adams State. Students may do so online. The One Stop Student Services Center is open in Adams State's Student Union Building, corner of First St. and Stadium. Questions may be directed to the One Stop toll-free, 866-344-1687, or at 587-7306.

A college president never lacks for advice. Many genuinely concerned individuals in the community, on campus, and across the country are willing to share their opinion -- invariably accompanied by the inference that, in not grasping their simple truth, I must be less than bright. Within one recent 24-hour period, I received a complaint about watering our campus too much, as well as several questions from another individual wondering why we have so many dry spots. (If the State hadn't cut the $1 million final phase of our irrigation upgrade, neither situation would have occurred.)

A local newspaper columnist recently insisted I do away with sports in order to increase support for the liberal arts; she also declared ASC must "hate museums," due to inadequate support of the Luther Bean Museum.

The last time ASC did not have sports teams was immediately after WWII, when total campus enrollment was less than 500 students. Our revenue comes from state support and tuition. This math is easy to do: more students equals more money; money allows us to pay our faculty and staff and, in good years, provide raises. Without our athletic teams, our enrollment would drop by at least 600 students - more than 25 percent - and we would be faced with cutting our faculty and staff in half. Moreover, our student athletes stay and graduate at a significantly higher rate than non-athletes. These students also patronize Alamosa stores, restaurants, and other venues. Every dollar they spend generates another 70 cents in economic impact within the community. What's more, for every two jobs at the college, another is created in the community. Eliminating our athletic teams would cost the college and community dearly, as I could have explained had I been interviewed regarding these issues.

I do agree that support for our museum is inadequate, but the same is true for virtually every campus office and activity. ASC is grossly underfunded, as evidenced in the NCHEMS (National Center for Higher Education Management Systems) study and by the Department of Higher Education's analysis that ASC should receive a 40% increase in state funding. And that was before the recent round of budget cuts. We are even worse off now. Nevertheless, we have remained committed to our primary mission of educating students through classroom and laboratory instruction. We made ancillary budget cuts without directly laying off any employees; this is a testament to the hard work of many good people across the campus.

The Luther Bean Museum is a very important part of our campus, and in fact, ASC is supporting it at the highest level ever. If we eliminated classroom instruction, we could not continue to call ourselves a college. Valuable as it is, the museum is not as central to our mission.

A little careful research can clarify seemingly incongruous situations; grey areas aren't as evident from afar. A college president must balance competing interests while placing highest priority on benefits for the college and its students.

But what do I know. . .

At a special meeting convened July 16, the Board of Trustees for Adams State College voted to continue the contract of Dr. David Svaldi to serve as college president through June 2010.

Board Chair Tim Walters said, "Dr. Svaldi has provided Adams State College with competent leadership during his tenure. David's leadership has allowed this institution to move forward when most higher education institutions are faltering. To not renew his contract would be a huge disservice to this institution, the students and faculty, community, and the State of Colorado."

Svaldi was appointed to the post on June 9, 2006, after serving in an acting and interim capacity since July 2005.

Svaldi is in his 24th year at Adams State, having joined the faculty as an associate professor of communications in 1986. He served as Provost of the college since late 2002. He was named Vice President for Academic Affairs in June 1998, after filling the post on an interim basis for one year.

Svaldi earned a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from Northwestern University in 1983, and master's and bachelor's degrees from University of Northern Colorado in 1972 and 1970, respectively. In 1968, he completed an Associate of Arts degree at Mesa State College, which honored him with a 2004 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

About 100 campus and community members celebrated as Adams State College broke ground July 9 on the first new residence hall to be built on campus in more than 40 years.

"This ceremony symbolizes a new beginning for ASC's north campus," said President David Svaldi. "It will be transformed into a center for student life that is inviting, comfortable, and green: green both for the ASC colors, as well as for utilizing green and efficient energy."

The centerpiece of the current $22 million construction project is the Residences at Rex: a four-story complex that will include 16 four-bedroom student apartments, as well as a new stadium facility. Renovation on Coronado Hall (housing) began simultaneously; a new parking lot west of Neilsen Library will be completed this fall.

All new buildings will incorporate energy efficient design, according to Erik van de Boogaard Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, Design & Construction. The college is exploring development of solar and geothermal energy sources. An intense energy audit of the entire campus is also underway that will result in a more sustainable campus.

"This project is a huge step forward for our college. Our dream has finally come true," said student trustee Robin Pryor, who joined fellow trustees in tossing the first shovelfuls of soil to initiate the project. She was active in gaining student approval of a new fee to support campus improvement, and participated on the Campus Renewal and Planning committee, which has been to fleshing out plans for the last year.

"Some upperclassmen actually want to move back to campus just to move into the new building. A lot of the underclassmen and incoming students - their faces just light up with excitement when you tell them we're getting new dorms," Pryor said.

"Over the last dozen years, we focused on our academic buildings on the southern portion of campus: a new science and mathematics building, a new theatre, and renovated facilities for art and business," Svaldi said. "Students told us it is time to similarly upgrade the north campus, where they spend most of their time. They overwhelmingly approved a new fee to make that happen. The fee will also finance substantial renovation of existing student housing and the ES and Music buildings. This will be the most ambitious building endeavor on our campus in nearly 50 years: between $40-50 million worth of improvement over the next five years.

The fee was proposed in response to continued cuts in state funding. "We must cultivate alternate revenue. We can increase tuition income by recruiting and retaining more students - creating a more appealing campus is part of that strategy," Svaldi said.

More information and construction diagrams are available on the Construction News website.

"We have launched a new era of campus renewal, which was kicked off this spring with completion of a $12 million remodeling of Plachy Hall," said Adams State President David Svaldi.

The Residences at Rex project will feature 16 four-bedroom student apartments, as well as a new stadium complex. The 16,250 square-foot (approx.) facility will be built on the western portion of the stadium parking lot. Plans include new home seating for the stadium, a locker room for visiting or community teams, a community room, and restaurant.

Also included in the $22 million project are construction of a new campus parking lot west of Nielsen Library on First Street and extensive renovation of the Awing of Coronado Hall. "This is the most ambitious building endeavor on our campus in nearly 50 years. A student approved capital construction fee will fund between $40-50 million worth of campus improvements over the next five years," Svaldi said.

More information and construction diagrams are available on the ASC Construction News website.

President Barack Obama recently named Adams State College Trustee Bruce Oreck as the U.S. Ambassador to Finland. A founding partner of the Boulder law firm Oreck, Crighton, Adams & Chase, Oreck has served on the college Board of Trustees since November, 2007.

Oreck served on Obama's National Finance Committee. He is a member of Colorado's Climate Action Panel and is very active in environmental issues, having founded The Zero Carbon Initiative. He is also on the board of trustees for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Oreck formerly practiced law in New Orleans and for a number of years chaired that city's Historic Districts Landmarks Commission. He also previously served as Vice President and General Counsel for The Oreck Corporation.

Read related article in Boulder Daily Camera.

A month ago, Adams State hosted the grand opening of our new, improved athletics facility, Plachy Hall. More such campus celebrations are definitely in our future. Next week Adams State breaks ground on the first new student residence hall in over 40 years: the Residences at Rex. This project is stimulated by student need and made possible by student support. It will help us build student enrollment.

Plachy Hall's remodel kicked off a new era of campus renewal. Over the last dozen years, we focused on our academic buildings on the southern portion of campus: a new science and mathematics building, a new theatre, and renovated facilities for art and business. Students told us it is time to similarly upgrade the north campus, where they spend most of their time. They overwhelmingly approved a new fee to make that happen, like the fee they passed in 1992 to renovate the College Center and create the Rex Activity Center. The new fee will also finance substantial renovation of existing student housing and the ES and Music buildings. This will be the most ambitious building endeavor on our campus in nearly 50 years: between $40-50 million worth on improvement over the next five years.

These projects will not only upgrade the college's infrastructure and make us more competitive in recruiting students, but also bolster the local economy. For example, about one-quarter of the $12 million Plachy project went to local subcontractors. Every dollar Adams State spends generates another $1.70 in the community. Out-of-town contractors also spend locally for supplies, lodging, food, entertainment, etc.

Investing now in college growth will help assure the future of Adams State and the entire San Luis Valley. Continued cuts in state funding mean we must cultivate alternate revenue. We can increase tuition income by recruiting and retaining more students - creating a more appealing campus is part of that strategy. We are building great momentum: enrollment this past spring and summer was higher than in 2008; undergraduate enrollment for the fall semester is up more than 14 percent. Growth will continue from new academic programs, like our online Master's of Business Administration and four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and from five new athletic programs coming over the next two years.

The Residences at Rex project includes 16 four-bedroom apartments for 64 students, as well as a new community stadium. It will be built on the western half of the current Rex Stadium parking lot. The stadium portion of the building will feature new home seating, a locker room for visiting or community teams, a community room, and restaurant. Stadium lighting will be installed to allow night games for regional high school games or tournaments. We have held public meetings to describe our plans and discuss construction impacts. More such meetings will be scheduled as our progress continues. (More information and construction diagrams are available on our website.)

Dr. Fred Plachy - ASC's third president and the namesake of Plachy Hall - was known for his philosophy: "The greatest power on earth is the power to grow." Adams State's Ten-Year Campus Master Plan provides an outline for deliberate, sensible growth. This is a flexible, a living document that plans for the future and responds to new opportunities. Our Master Plan proposes adjustments in traffic flow around campus, as well more on-campus parking. Along with the Residences at Rex, we also will shortly begin construction of a new parking lot west of the Neilsen Library on First Street, and the first phase of housing renovation in Coronado Hall. We hope to create a more pedestrian friendly campus that enhances student life by closing Stadium Drive between First St. and Sunset. This will permit development of a campus green, a pedestrian walkway, and additional parking.

Adams State looks forward to a continued partnership with our neighbors and the City of Alamosa as we build the future.

Applications from prospective freshmen are up 14 percent from last year, with admissions up 9 percent, according to Adams State Director of Admissions Eric Carpio. In addition, transfer student applications are up 31 percent, with admissions up 37%.

This continues a trend set in Adams State's current Summer Session, with enrollment at 858 students, an increase of 12 percent over last year. The total includes 485 undergraduates and 373 graduate students.

Undergraduate summer enrollment is up more than 16 percent, with an even greater increase in student credit hours: 27.5 percent.

Summer graduate enrollment was boosted by Adams State's new Master of Business Administration program, with 37 students who recently participated in the program's inaugural four-day residency. The remainder of the two-year MBA course work is offered online for the convenience of working professionals in any location.

MBA Program Director Liz Thomas said applications are being accepted for a potential cohort to begin this fall; a minimum of 25 students is necessary. A spring cohort will definitely be enrolled. For more information on the MBA, contact Thomas at 719-587-7477.

The sessions will be held in the first floor banquet room, A130, of the ASC Student Union Building, near the First St. entrance. Two sessions are planned:

The sessions will review construction plans and impacts on parking and traffic flow. Comments and questions from neighborhood residents are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

Ground will be broken July 9 for a new student apartment/stadium complex on the site of the current Rex Stadium parking lot on Stadium Drive.

Questions may be directed to the President's Office, 587-7341.