A 13 percent increase in graduate students is fueling a 5 percent overall increase in Adams State's enrollment for the spring 2012 semester, compared to last spring. This marks the tenth consecutive semester in which the college achieved enrollment growth, according to Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Program Development Michael Mumper.

Total enrollment this spring is 2,909, including 828 graduate students.

Adams State's biggest graduate program is the online master's in Counselor Education, which now enrolls 452 students. The MA in Higher Education Administration & Leadership (HEAL) nearly doubled its enrollment, to 32; while the MA in Humanities - history emphasis, increased by half, to 30 students. A new MA in music education that begins next fall brings the college's master's degree programs to a total of nine.

"Another positive point is that undergraduate students have increased their average credit load," Mumper added. "We have been encouraging students to take at least 15 credits each semester, in order to graduate within four years." While on-campus undergraduate enrollment grew by 2 percent, the total number of student credit hours grew by more than 4 percent.

The top three undergraduate majors are business administration (376), human performance & physical education (213), and nursing (178), all of which have grown significantly since last year.

New freshman persisted from the fall to spring semesters by nearly 83 percent, slightly above last spring's rate.

Hispanic students account for 32 percent of on-campus undergraduates, and about 15 percent represent other racial or ethnic minority groups. Fifty-five percent of the undergraduate student body is female.

Friday the thirteenth is an auspicious day this month, as Adams State launches its new and improved website (adams.edu).

The college's Communications staff has been working for over a year to redesign and reorganize the site. The current design was established in 2004.

"Because prospective students overwhelming rely on websites to learn about colleges, the adams.edu site is a crucial recruitment tool," said Dr. Michael Mumper, senior vice president for enrollment management and program development. "Other site visitors - from alumni to legislators - will also find it easier to use."

The site features unique admission pages for graduate & distance education students, as well as undergraduates. Primary objectives for the redesign were to streamline site navigation and to incorporate more functionality, according to Director of Communications, Mark Schoenecker.

Consulting firm Noel-Levitz assisted the college in conducting user testing and graphic design. A study of users' responses to various options guided revisions to the site's organization and design, Schoenecker said. Prospective students were the primary subjects of the study. The site now features improved pathways to commonly accessed information and functions.

The new design is bolder, cleaner, and fills a larger portion of the computer screen, which permits showcasing of images. The homepage now has only two primary menus, instead of three, as well as specific links for prospective students to inquire, visit, or apply for admission. The dominate graphic on the homepage features rotating college highlights, as well as more prominent current news items.

"The new design is more image-centric. We are increasing the presence of videos on our site, and are revising key messages," Schoenecker added. "The redesign also gives us tighter integration with existing social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube. It will also prepare us to move the site to utilization by mobile devices. It's estimated that in 2012, more than 50% of broadband content will be delivered to mobile devices."

He said the bulk of the redesign and programming work was completed by Web Applications Developer Mike Henderson and Web Content specialist Jen Stoughton. Significant input and assistance was also proviced by Enrollment Management Project Manager Karla Hardesty, IT Professional Cameron Miller, Graphic Designer Amy Kucera, and work study students Lace King and Trâm Phạm.

Opinion by Dr. David Svaldi, President, Adams State College

As we enter a new year, it is fitting that the Colorado legislature will soon consider a bill proposing a new name for Adams State College: Adams State University. Over the nine decades since its founding, Adams State has evolved from a "Normal School" through three additional name changes, as the range and quality of our academic offerings expanded. With more than one-quarter of our students now enrolled in graduate-level programs, changing to "University" is a natural progression. The change was approved by our Board of Trustees in August because Adams State is already operating on the level of a university, and our name should reflect that role.

Through it all, the "Adams State" portion of the name has remained stable, to demonstrate our enduring commitment to providing a high quality college education to rural Coloradans, particularly in the San Luis Valley and Southern Colorado. University status will not change Adams State's essential character and values. We will not suddenly (or even gradually) morph into a large, impersonal, expensive institution.

Adams State will continue its mission as a moderately selective institution where access and student success are paramount. A change in our name in and of itself will not necessitate a change in admission standards. Small class size fosters better student-faculty interaction and enhances students' learning experience. University status will strengthen Adams State's crucial work as the state's first federally recognized Hispanic Serving Institution.

With record-breaking enrollment the last three consecutive years, Adams State is nearing capacity in on-campus undergraduate enrollment. More growth is expected in online and distance education programs. The change to "university" will increase Adams State's competitiveness in these important markets, as well as in recruiting undergraduate students in several states where "colleges" offer only two-year degrees.

Tuition and fee rates will continue to revolve around state appropriations-not the name of the institution. Given the current higher education funding situation, tuition will inevitably increase at every state college and university in Colorado. While our 35% increase in enrollment over the last four years has been a boon to our financial situation, it is not enough to offset the 15% decrease in state funding- a loss of $2.3 million, or about $1,700 per student.

The Adams State Trustees and administration are determined to keep tuition and fee increases to a minimum. To offset increases, we implemented significant academic scholarships for both incoming and continuing students. All fees (except the capital construction fee, which supports our campus renewal) have been frozen for the last two years.

According to a recent study, most of Adams State's constituents favor the change to "university." Graduate and undergraduate students, alumni, faculty and staff, and high school counselors all believe the name change is justified and would enhance Adams State's competitiveness.

Once the Colorado 2012 legislative session begins, State Senator Gail Schwartz and House Representative Ed Vigil (Adams State Class of 1986) will introduce a bill proposing the name change. The bill will then be voted on by the entire legislature and, if passed, signed into law by the governor. If approved, the name change would take effect Aug. 7, 2012.

Whatever its name, 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.

Gov. John Hickenlooper today announced two appointments to the Board of Trustees for Adams State College. LeRoy J. Salazar of Manassa was reappointed, and Valentin "Val" Vigil of Thornton will replace Trustee Gigi Darricades, whose term expired Dec. 31. Both will serve three-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2015.The appointments must be confirmed by the Colorado Senate. The board makes policy for the college and oversees its operation.

"Trustee Darricades has been a huge asset to Adams State during her time on the ASC Board," said Adams State President David Svaldi. "She is committed to the San Luis Valley and all its citizens, as was clear in her constant support for all ASC students, faculty, and staff. I look forward to continuing to work with Ms. Darricades in her role as CEO of Valley Wide Health Systems, as we partner on a variety of projects."

Entering his third year as a city councilman for Thornton, Vigil has operated Vigil & Company, Financial Consultant, since 1971. A realtor and accountant, he provides tax return and business consulting services. He is also a licensed consultant for on-call business development and financial accounting assistance for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Supportive Services Program for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).

Vigil earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and secondary education from Adams State in 1971. He served as a Colorado state representative from 1999-2006, sitting on the Appropriations Committee, Education Committee, Information Technology Committee, and Legislative Audit Committee, including a term as chair.

Previous positions include ten years as revenue manager/auditor of the City of Northglenn, two years as district custodial coordinator for Adams 12 Five Star Schools, and seven years with Parks College, where he was an instructor of business, business program supervisor, and Dean of Student Services. Vigil's public and professional service include being a founding member of the Adams 12 Five-Star Schools Hispanic Advisory Council and the Norwest Bank Hispanic Advisory Committee.

"My family has a history with Adams State - two of my brothers also are alumni - and that has given us a lot of advantages," Vigil said. "Also, in high school in Costilla, NM, it appeared about 70 percent of my teachers had attended Adams State. I've always been an advocate of education, and I wanted to give some of my time back to my alma mater."

Vigil is an "Adams State Great Story," Svaldi said. "I welcome him as Adams State's newest Trustee. He has been a loyal ASC alumnus, and I look forward to working with him as we move ahead."

Salazar completed an earlier term as trustee for Adams State beginning in 2003, when the college was authorized to form its own board, independent of the other state colleges. He most recently completed a partial term due to a vacancy on the board.

He farms and ranches in Conejos and Costilla counties in the San Luis Valley. He is also president of Sweetgrass Co-op, formed to help ranchers of organic, grass-fed, and natural beef to market their products.

Salazar was president and CEO of Agro Engineering, Inc., from 1982-2000 He has served as a member of the Colorado Agricultural Commission, as director of Citizens for Colorado Water, and on the North Conejos School District Board of Education, with several years as its president. He is vice president of the Hope for Children Foundation and a board member at the San Luis Valley Federal Bank. He holds a master's and bachelor's degrees in agricultural engineering from Colorado State University, earned in 1977 and 1974, respectively.

"I am happy that LeRoy has been appointed to one more term as an Adams State Trustee," Svaldi said. "LeRoy is a quiet leader who brings a passion for and commitment to all Adams State students."

The Board of Trustees for Adams State College voted to support Ballot Proposition 103, following a presentation at its Sept. 30 meeting on campus by the proposition's sponsor, State Senator Rollie Heath (D-Boulder).

Heath explained the proposition would restore state tax rates to 1990s levels for five years, in effect creating a "time out" from education funding cuts. It would increase state sales tax from 2.9 percent to 3 percent and state income tax, from 4.63 percent to 5 percent. It is estimated the measure would bring Colorado nearly $3 billion in new revenue to spent solely on public pre-school, K-12, and higher education.

"This doesn't fix the problem," Heath noted. "It's a band-aid to stop the bleeding while we work on solving the problem created by our budget and tax structure. We've got to educate our folks."

Trustee Arnold Salazar said: "I think this actually has a very good chance of passing."

Trustee Buffie McFadyen, a former state representative from Pueblo, pointed out: "It is very telling that there is no organized opposition to this ballot measure. That is huge. Sometimes silence speaks very loudly."

Evans purchase agreement approved

The Board also voted unanimously to pursue a lease/purchase agreement for the Evans Elementary school property. Pending similar approval by the Alamosa Board of Education at its Oct. 3 meeting, Adams State will lease and ultimately purchase the property at 108 La Veta Ave. by Jan. 1, 2014, for a total amount of $1,750,000. The parties have set a tentative closing date of Oct. 28, 2011.

Trustees give Svaldi an "A"

The trustees finalized their evaluation of President David Svaldi, giving him a grade of "A," according to trustee Mary Griffin, who chairs the evaluation committee.

Svaldi said: "That grade is shared by all who work with and for me." Griffin said Svaldi "has provided steady leadership and direction in the face of uncertain budgetary conditions. He has participated in economic development and other community issues, and understands the college's role in this community."

In view of the positive evaluation, the board authorized giving Svaldi a 10.8 percent salary increase, to $205,000 a year. Trustee Arnold Salazar noted this would still not bring his salary to parity with those of other college presidents in the state. "You have done an exemplary job and earned our confidence and trust. The community looks up to you as a leader," he said.

Svaldi requested the board defer his increase until salary increases could be given to the rest of campus employees, who have not had increases for four years, due to state budget cuts.

At their upcoming respective meetings, The Board of Trustees for Adams State College and the Board of Education for Alamosa School District RE-11J will vote on a lease purchase agreement for Evans Elementary School.

Under the agreement, Adams State will lease and ultimately purchase the property at 108 La Veta Ave. by Jan. 1, 2014, for a total amount of $1,750,000. The parties have set a tentative closing date of Oct. 28, 2011.

School Board President Bill Van Geison said, "The School Board was committed to finding the best possible tenant for the Evans building, in order to maintain stability in the neighborhood and keep home values stable."

The Adams State Trustees will meet Friday, Sept. 30, to consider a resolution approving the lease purchase. That meeting will be held at 10 a.m. in the Luther Bean Museum, located on the 2nd floor of Richardson Hall on campus. The School Board meets Monday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. in the School District Building on Victoria Ave.

"This agreement is a win-win-win: a win for ASC, a win for the school district, and a win for Alamosa," said Adams State President David Svaldi. "This purchase is simply another milestone in the partnership Adams State has developed with the school district, its board, and Superintendent Alejo. We will continue to seek ways to work together to provide excellent learning opportunities for Alamosa and ASC students."

Chair of the Adams State Trustees Steve Valdez called the agreement "An extension of a long-term relationship between the college and school district for the good of educating students in our community."

Alamosa Superintendent Robert Alejo agreed, noting many Alamosa High School graduates go on to become Adams State alumni. "The Alamosa community invested their tax dollars the original structure, and now, as Adams State invests in the building to further its educational mission, that in turn invests money back into the school district and the community," he added.

Adams State Trustee Tim Walters pointed out that former education buildings in urban areas are often removed or repurposed. "Here, we can maximize the value of the Evans building for the highest and best use. For Adams State to build a comparable facility from scratch would cost about $7 million."

The college will develop a program plan for remodeling the building to fit its needs.

Situated on 2.7 acres just two blocks east of the college campus, Evans School includes 35,067 square feet of floor area. The college is holding 79 classes in the building this semester, until the remodeling of McDaniel Hall (formerly ES Bldg.) is completed later this fall.

"Beyond our immediate need for more classrooms because of our growth and construction, we anticipate needing flexible space to house administrative offices. It appears that state funding for a $20 million remodel of Richardson Hall may become available in the next couple of years," said Adams State Vice President for Finance and Governmental Relations Bill Mansheim.

When it was constructed in 1954 as Evans Junior High School, the building was the largest contract ever awarded to a single local contractor in Alamosa. The F.W. Oellien Construction Company also built Boyd School. Later used as an elementary school, Evans was named in honor of life-long educator Edmund Evans, who served as superintendent of Alamosa Schools from 1942-1957.

Dear Students of Adams State:

For more than two years, Adams State has been contemplating changing its name to Adams State University. At the start of this academic year, our Board of Trustees set the debate to rest, voting 8-1 to pursue this name change. As Trustee Charles Scoggin said, "It is appropriate that Adams State's name reflect the depth and breadth of our graduate and undergraduate missions."

This is the rationale behind the school's four name changes to date. In fact, the original legislation authorized the establishment of "Alamosa State College," but by the time the college was opened in 1925, it was named Adams State Normal School, to honor Governor Billy Adams. Adams worked his entire government career to establish colleges in rural Alamosa, Greeley, and Ft. Collins.

In 1929 the name was changed to Adams State Teachers College of Southern Colorado, and then shortened in 1938 to Adams State Teachers College. The current name, Adams State College, was adopted in 1946 to reflect the broader offering of undergraduate liberal arts programs and the expansion of graduate degree programs.

Recognition of the range and quality of our academic programs, along with changes in the marketplace, is driving the effort to now become Adams State University. It is a natural progression. The bottom line is that Adams State is already operating on the level of a university, and our name should reflect that role. We have more graduate students than Colorado Mesa University (formerly Mesa State College), Colorado State University-Pueblo, Western State College, and Metro State College combined - and Metro is making a push for their own university status.

Once the Colorado legislative session begins in January, State Senator Gail Schwartz and House Representative Ed Vigil will introduce a bill proposing the name change. The bill will then be voted on by the entire legislature and, if passed, signed into law by the governor. The change could be approved by March, at the very earliest.

Preserving what matters most

University status will not change Adams State's essential character and values. We will not suddenly (or even gradually) morph into a large, impersonal, expensive institution. At right about this time in 2009, I wrote a letter promising that, whatever its name, Adams State would 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. To quote the Bard: "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

I realize and appreciate that construction delays are inconveniencing faculty and students, but this is a very temporary state. The renovation of McDaniel Hall has resulted in more spaces for smaller classes, as well as new offices for every full-time faculty member. McDaniel Hall will soon boast state-of-the-art classrooms, the best in Colorado. The Music Building's new practice rooms and remodeled classrooms are likewise superior. We will certainly have classrooms and offices on a par with any university. Moreover, ASC's acquisition of the old Evans school in the longer term will provide room for additional offices and classrooms at 15% the cost of building a new facility.

It's unlikely any cafeteria can prepare food equal to what you mother can make, but the recent cafeteria renovation and the new restaurant in the Residences at Rex, Vistas, provide dining environments equal or superior to any university in Colorado.

When the current fiscal crisis is over, we plan to hire additional faculty in growing programs and to provide cost-of-living raises for faculty and staff, who have gone without raises for three years.

Tuition Concerns

I understand concerns that university status could prompt tuition increases, since the largest tuition increases in Colorado this year tended to occur at universities. But, given the current higher education funding situation, there is no doubt that tuition inevitably will increase at every state college or university in Colorado.

The Adams State Trustees and the administration are determined to keep tuition and fee increases to a minimum. While ASC tuition increased this year, at the same time we implemented significant academic scholarships for both incoming and continuing students. All fees (except the capital construction fee, which supports our campus renewal) have been frozen for the last two years.

As students, if you wish to keep tuition increases under control, you need to become involved in the political process and demand that the legislature appropriate more funds for higher education. ASC alone has lost $1,700 in state funding for every student in the last year. While our 35% increase in enrollment over the last four years has been a boon to our financial situation, it is not enough to offset the 15% decrease in state funding, a loss of $2.3 million. Recently we were told to prepare for another reduction in state funding. Tuition at ASC will increase, regardless of what we call ourselves.

ASC should become ASU-you deserve it, and future ASU students deserve it.

Adams State College has smashed enrollment records for the third year in a row and welcomed its largest freshman class in more than 40 years. As of the fall census date, Sept. 8, total enrollment for fall 2011 is 3,701, up 6.6 percent over last year, according to Dr. Michael Mumper, senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Program Development.

Over the last four years, enrollment at Adams State has grown 34 percent, Mumper said. "We have experienced the second highest growth rate of all four-year institutions in the state."

In 2009, Adams State's enrollment grew a whopping 17.5 percent over the previous year, a record that was broken in 2010 by 2.9 percent. The previous enrollment record was set in 1970, during the Vietnam War.

Adams State President David Svaldi said: "Congratulations to Dr. Michael Mumper and all of the admissions and enrollment staff for their excellent work. Our faculty also deserve praise for their part in improving our undergraduate retention. Students universally praise their ASC professors for their caring approach."

Across-the-board growth

Mumper said this continuing success is across the board, with a record number of graduate students - 819 - as well as increases in undergraduate, transfer, and distance students. This year's freshman class numbers 579, a 4 percent increase over 2010, according to Eric Carpio, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management.

Adams State's total undergraduate enrollment is up just about 5 percent, with 2,301 on-campus students and 581 enrolled in Extended Studies courses through distance education.

Graduate students number 819, up 13.5 percent over last year. The majority of that growth is in the college's online Master's in Counselor Education program, which grew 56 percent to a total of 427 students. Enrollment in the master's program in Higher Education Administrative Leadership has nearly tripled, with the addition of a new cohort to this online program geared to staff of Hispanic Serving Institutions.

Growth also continues in several undergraduate programs. The number of students majoring in sociology is up 28 percent, followed by business administration, up 20 percent; biology is up 13 percent, and HPPE (Human Physiology and Physical Education) is up 12 percent.

Improving both quality & quantity

"We are particularly pleased to achieve this growth while increasing the overall academic profile of our student body and maintaining our commitment to student diversity," Carpio said. "We are also extremely proud to have ten Colorado high school valedictorians in our new freshman class." Valedictorians receive an automatic Adams State scholarship of $1,000.

Hispanic undergraduate enrollment at Adams State this semester is nearly 33 percent, with an additional 14 percent of students identifying as members of other ethnic/racial minority groups. Female students account for more than 54 percent of the undergraduate student body - similar to national trends.

Adams State's 2011 freshman class is 34 percent Hispanic, and more than 30 percent are graduates of San Luis Valley high schools, Carpio added.

Since 2007, the proportion of new Adams State freshmen with CCHE admission indexes above 99 has grown from 24 percent to nearly 35 percent. (The Colorado Commission on Higher Education - CCHE - calculates a student's index based on high school grade point average and ACT score.) These students automatically receive merit scholarships of $1,000 and $1,500.

"It's also clear that our recent campus improvements have made Adams State more attractive to students," Mumper said. By the conclusion of 2011, the college will have completed $62 million in new construction and renovation since 2008, including creation of the Residences at Rex, the campus' first new student residence hall in more than 40 years.

Several years ago I received a phone call from a Hispanic gentleman living on the Front Range. He was concerned about the term "Hispanic Serving Institution" that appeared in a news release about Adams State's award of a Title V Grant from the U.S. Department of Education. As he put it, Adams State should serve all students, not just Hispanic students. Of course he was correct, but his concern demonstrates the on-going confusion that sometimes surrounds the term "Hispanic Serving."

The term, coined fairly recently in 1992, is a federal definition for post-secondary institutions in which 25 percent of undergraduate students identify their ethnicity as Hispanic. Adams State was the first college in the state to earn Federal HSI designation. Founded to serve the San Luis Valley and southern Colorado, Adams State has always enrolled a high percentage of Hispanic students. Those numbers have grown in recent years - Hispanic student enrollment at Adams State this semester is up slightly, to 33 percent, with an additional 14 percent of students identifying as members of other ethnic/racial minority groups.

The Title V grants Adams State has received over the years - more than $8.6 million - have been successful because we have identified areas and services to strengthen so all Adams State students can be better served. No federal (or state) funds can ever be used to give one group of students an advantage over another-rather, the thinking is that a rising tide raises all boats. Title V grants have allowed us to raise awareness of diversity issues and needs on campus. We've made significant improvements in resources, facilities, and teaching. The results benefit all students.

Challenges cross ethnic lines

The obstacles faced by Hispanic students are common among the entire Adams State student body: low income, gaps in high school preparation, and geographic isolation. Thirty-seven percent of Adams State undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college; among Hispanic students, that rate is 47 percent. More than half of Adams State students are considered low income, with family adjusted gross income averaging $17,818. Therefore, all Adams State students are benefiting from measures designed to mitigate these challenges.

The irony is that students who need the most help often attend institutions with the least resources. Adams State's students are generally low income, and we have historically kept our tuition and fees low to allow for their access. In the past, we may have received a somewhat higher state reimbursement per student than urban institutions, but this is increasingly not the case because of state budget reductions. Moreover, Hispanic Serving Institutions receive only 60c on the federal dollar, compared to large research institutions. This includes Pell Grant awards that accompany low-income students.

The rapid growth of our country's Hispanic population means their academic success is crucial to meeting President Obama's objective of increasing American graduation rates over all to the highest in the world by 2020. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 37 percent of the 44 million Hispanic U.S. residents are under the age of 20, and by 2020, Hispanics will make up 22 percent of the nation's college-age population. It's predicted America's Hispanic population will double by 2050. Latino youth are the fastest growing demographic group in Colorado, yet it is estimated that only 44 of every 100 Hispanic children in Colorado will complete high school; 24 will enter college, but only 6 will graduate college; and only 2 will pursue post-graduate education.

Adams State is becoming a leader in HSI advocacy, regionally and nationally. We are part of the Southern Colorado Education Consortium, which includes ten higher education institutions working to expand higher education success for Hispanic students. In 2009, only nine percent of southern Colorado high school graduates went on to pursue a higher education. The consortium's goal is to increase that number by two percent by 2014. The group is working on ways to improve access and college completion for first generation, under-represented, and low income students. This effort will include ways to eliminate barriers perceived by many students and parents. The Consortium's work is funded through a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE).

To be a Hispanic Serving Institution is to provide a pathway for our Hispanic students and all of our students. When an institution can give all of its students an equal hope and chance that they can succeed, then it is truly serving its students.

Read more about Adams State's work as a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper recently appointed Adams State College President David Svaldi to the new Governor's Trade and Tourism Ambassador Program.

Svaldi will serve on the Mexico Ambassador Group. Administered by the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the program was established to further Colorado's interests in key strategic international markets and create a stronger economy.

Hickenlooper said the program's objective is to "establish a new public and private sector collaboration to promote the export of Colorado goods and services, persuade foreign investors to establish or expand operations in Colorado, and to draw more tourists to the state's year-round attractions."

Svaldi was appointed president of Adams State College in June, 2006, after serving as Acting and Interim President for the previous year. Svaldi is in his 26th year at Adams State, having joined the faculty as an associate professor of communications in 1986.

Svaldi was recently named chair of the Southern Colorado Education Consortium and serves on the El Pomar Foundation's San Luis Valley Regional Council. He also serves locally on the boards of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley and the Area Health Education Council.

The Board of Trustees for Adams State College voted 8-1 at its Aug. 26 meeting to initiate the process of changing the institution's name to Adams State University.

Trustee Ann Rice summarized the board's decision: "We've had a lot of conversation about this. I don't think the timing could be better. The reality is that younger people consider the university name to be important. We've reached a milestone with our campus renovations, and there's a new energy and vitality on campus. This is the perfect time to crown all that with a name that seems more current and applicable to the people who attend the institution."

The topic has been under discussion for some time, and last year the board requested the question be considered in an enrollment growth research project conducted by consulting firm Noel-Levitz. The study explored how Adams State is perceived by its various constituents and what impact the name change would have. Study results were presented to the board Thursday.

Noel-Levitz found the name change is supported by strong majorities of all constituent groups, including:

"Somewhere, Billy Adams and Dr. Ira Richardson (first president) are toasting ASC, along with our third president, Dr. Fred Plachy. Mr. Adams valued education above all things and worked his entire governmental career to bring a college not just to the San Luis Valley, but also to Greeley and Ft. Collins," said Adams State President David Svaldi. "Changing our name to university will better represent the high quality of Adams State's academic programs. We have very experienced and qualified professors, excellent new facilities, and a stellar record in sending graduates on to graduate school."

Student trustee Ken Scally, a nursing major, has discussed the matter with many students and said, "I have not heard one person who doesn't want to change to a university."

Trustee Charles Scoggin, M.D., made the official motion: "Given that Adams State is a community of teachers and scholars providing excellent quality of instruction and research in a variety of disciplines and granting certificates and degrees to students throughout Colorado, the United States, and the world, it is appropriate that its name reflect the depth and breadth of our graduate and undergraduate missions. I move that The Trustees of Adams State College direct and empower President David Svaldi to take necessary actions to change the name of 'Adams State College' to 'Adams State University.'"

Once the Colorado legislative session begins in January, State Senator Gail Schwartz and House Representative Ed Vigil will introduce a bill proposing the name change. The bill will then be voted on by the entire legislature and, if passed, signed into law by the governor. Vigil, a 1986 Adams State graduate, said: "I am proud to sponsor this bill. Adams State is a great institution, and I think changing the name to Adams State University reflects what it's already doing."

Eric Carpio, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management, noted that in many states where Adams State recruits (Arizona, Texas, Wyoming, Kansas, and California), all public institutions that award four-year degrees are called "universities," while in these and other states, "colleges" only award two-year degrees.

"Being called a university will clarify Adams State's four-year mission to prospective students and more accurately reflect our growing graduate and distance-education programs," he added.

Nationally, the number of public and private four-year institutions called universities has increased since 1990, while those called colleges have decreased.

Names changes reflect institutional growth

Founded 90 years ago to prepare public school teachers for rural Colorado, the institution opened in 1925 as Adams State Normal School. In 1929 the name was changed to Adams State Teachers College of Southern Colorado, then shortened in 1938 to Adams State Teachers College. The current name, Adams State College, was adopted in 1946 in recognition of the broader offering of undergraduate liberal arts programs and the expansion of graduate degree programs.

"It is a natural progression to change Adams State College to Adams State University," Svaldi said. "As Trustee LeRoy Salazar said, 'The citizens of Alamosa and the greater San Luis Valley deserve a university.' I am certain Mr. Adams, Dr. Richardson, and Dr. Plachy would agree. I only wish Mr. Adams was here to help us work the legislature to approve the necessary legislation to make this happen."

The trustees' lone dissenting vote came from board vice chair and Adams State alumnus Arnold Salazar, who said: "I think it's a change that's not necessary. The college is thriving incredibly, in spite of the fact that we don't have university distinction. The things we've done on campus have nothing to do with a name change. We are experiencing bigger growth than ever before. Being named a college is not precluding our enrollment growth."

The college has broken enrollment records for the third year in a row, increasing 9 percent over 2010, in part due to increased enrollment in graduate and online programs, according to Dr. Michael Mumper, senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Program Development. Adams State also set a new record for graduate student enrollment, now at 811.

"This is higher than the combined graduate enrollment at Colorado State University-Pueblo, Metro State, Mesa State, and Western State," Mumper noted. "Twenty-five percent of our enrollment is graduate students. This is third highest percentage in the state, behind only University of Colorado-Denver and Colorado School of Mines."

The Noel-Levitz study also found a large majority of students are "satisfied or "very satisfied" with their Adams State education: 87 percent of undergraduates and 85 percent of graduate students. Specifically, students value the academic quality of their programs and appreciate that professors are supportive and willing to work with them individually to help them succeed.

Grand Opening Party Ahead

Adams State College invites campus and community members to the Grand Opening celebration of the North Campus Transformation on Thursday, Aug. 25.

A Luau Dinner, facility tours, entertainment, and a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held 4-7 p.m. The evening concludes with a free concert by Martini Shot, to be held in the stadium beginning at 7 p.m.

The seed that grew into Adams State's North Campus Transformation was planted at a campus-wide Day of Reflection in 2007, when students made one request loud and clear:upgrade campus housing.

Both the college and students have followed through. Administration developed a plan to not only upgrade existing housing, but to build the college's first new residence hall in more than 40 years. The plan also promised "extreme makeovers" for the Music Building, Leon Memorial Concert Hall, and ES Building (now McDaniel Hall). They were the only academic buildings that hadn't been recently replaced or remodeled. Students made an unprecedented commitment in spring 2008, when they voted to approve a new capital construction fee to finance the projects.

On July 9, 2009, Adams State broke ground for the North Campus Transformation. "This ceremony symbolizes a new beginning for ASC's North Campus," said President David Svaldi at the event. "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."

Last fall, 67 students moved into the Residences at Rex -- the most sought-after housing on campus. Sited just east of Rex Field, the 62,000 sq.-ft. facility is unique in that it integrates student housing with community stadium facilities. The apartment area has secure entrances that are separate from the stadium access.

The Rex Stadium portion of the facility was recently completed, with new seating on the east side to accommodate 3,000 home team fans, including a special section for the Grizzly Club. The building's third floor features Vistas restaurant, operated and funded by Sodexo (college food service contractor).

Spectators enter the stadium from the North Campus Green, which was developed by vacating the southern portion of Stadium Dr. This measure was approved by the Alamosa City Council in March, 2010. A pedestrian walkway flows southward from Plachy Hall, through the student housing area to the Student Union Building and across First St. to link with academic buildings along the South Campus walkway. Landscaping on the green and along the walkway creates a welcoming, natural space and creates continuity with the South Campus, noted for its broad lawns and majestic trees.

Positive living environment supports learning

"ASC's student housing improvements will not only help recruit and retain more students, but keep them in campus housing - which improves their level of engagement and the likelihood of finishing a degree," noted Dr. Michael Mumper, senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Program Development. Research shows that students who reside on campus form stronger relationships with each other and become more involved in extracurricular activities that complement their academic work.

Most of the Residences at Rex's 18 four-bedroom apartments overlook Rex Stadium, with terraces that are perfect for cheering on the Grizzlies and game-day grilling. Large windows give views of both the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges. This light-filled residence hall has become both incentive and reward for academic achievement: students desiring to live there are selected based on a matrix that considers grade point average and number of credits completed. Three wings in Girault and Coronado Halls were extensively remodeled, as well, with carpeting, new windows, plumbing and lighting fixtures, and finishes. The Coronado rooms include in-suite bathrooms.

Strategy for sensible growth

"Despite the discouraging economic climate, Adams State is more vibrant than ever, thanks to the vision and confidence of our students. Creating a more appealing campus is part of our enrollment growth strategy," Svaldi explained. "By building enrollment to fulfill the capacity of our campus facilities - we'll never become a college of ten thousand - Adams State can blunt the impact of continued state funding cuts. We can increase tuition income while keeping tuition rate increases to a minimum. Today more than ever, Adams State's affordability allows many students to achieve the dream of higher education."

That strategy is already succeeding. Adams State broke enrollment records for the third year in a row this fall. Enrollment growth is also supported by new academic programs and student support services; growing graduate, distance, and online education programs; and new intercollegiate sports, JV, and club teams.

North Campus facilities welcome community

ASC's North Campus Green is conducive to street dances, tailgate parties, community concerts, and other open events that bring together community members and students. The stadium's restaurant offer additional venues for entertainment, special events, and socializing.

Rex Stadium now boasts a 25-foot x 14-foot video display scoreboard, made possible by community donors. Stadium lighting will illuminate night games and other special events. In addition to a new ticket booth, concession stand, and restrooms, the stadium's first floor houses a visiting team locker room and "The Clawset," operated by the ASC Bookstore to offer Grizzly gear. On the fourth floor are a Press Box and President's Box, while a filming platform utilizes the roof.

Vistas restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Saturday from 4-10 p.m.; on games days it will open at noon.

$62 million in campus improvements

"Our recent campus upgrades rival the campus expansion that occurred in 1960s and '70s under ASC's third president, Dr. Fred Plachy," Svaldi said. "Dr. Plachy was known for his philosophy: 'The greatest power on earth is the power to grow.' Adams State's continued growth is a natural progression of Dr. Plachy's vision and essential to ASC's future. The college's success spreads across the valley and bolsters the local economy.

By the end of 2011, Adams State will have completed $62 million worth of new construction and renovation on campus since 2008. These projects include:

Dr. Marvin Motz was many things to Adams State College: student, athlete, administrator, professor, mentor – even president, twice. His recent passing is mourned by the college and countless alumni who had the privilege to sit in Motz’s classroom. Motz was proud to have known every Adams State president personally.

“Dr. Motz was literally and figuratively a giant among men. I am proud to have known him both as a faculty colleague and as an emeritus president,” said Adams State President David Svaldi. “He always provided me advice laced with humor, and I have tried to copy his calm demeanor, even when it appears that the situation and the people in it may be about to dissolve into chaos. Marv was a strong, good, kind, and compassionate man who devoted most of his adult life to Adams State, ASC students, and the Alamosa community. The college is a better place for his years of dedicated service. He will be greatly missed by all of us at ASC; but not forgotten. Our hearts go out to Mary and the rest of his family.”

Motz was known for his philosophy of using humor to educate and relate to others. After his retirement as Emeritus Professor of Psychology in 1996, he started the Humor Academy and presented throughout the country and Europe for 15 years. True to that philosophy, Motz was fond of saying: "I have made it seven blocks in my entire life."

“Everybody who ever had a class with Dr. Motz or met him on the sidewalk, loves him,” said Adams State Director of Alumni Relations, Lori Laske. “Everywhere we travel, alumni ask about or remember Dr. Motz. His inspiration, humor, and compassion have touched more people then could ever be counted. “

Motz’s wife, Mary, and all four of their children also graduated from Adams State, as have many members of the Motz extended family.

After his first year in college, Motz served four years in the Navy during the Korean War, then returned to Adams State in 1954. After finishing his master’s in 1959, he joined the Adams State staff with responsibilities in public relations, alumni affairs, and admissions. He joined the psychology faculty in 1967, eventually sharing his knowledge, love, and laughter with approximately 9,260 students.

With the desire to offer more to students, he completed his doctorate in psychology, counseling and guidance at University of Northern Colorado in 1969. He said he tried to give his students the ability to observe their and other’s behavior in a positive way and to question everyone’s behavior.

He was particularly proud to be named Outstanding Educator in 1990 by the Consortium of State Colleges in Colorado. Motz served as faculty marshal at Adams State commencement ceremonies and was the first faculty representation on the Colorado State Colleges Board of Trustees.

Motz concluded his formal service to his alma mater in 1996, having spent his final year in a second term as interim president. He also held that post in 1980-81. He liked to joke: "I've suggested to some I kept doing it until I got it right."

Motz an All-Star on the court & in the classroom

Motz’s ASC basketball jersey has been retired, and he was an early inductee into the ASC Athletic Hall of Fame, in 1963. His career tally of 1,508 points remains the fourth most in college history. Motz was an All-Conference basketball player in his freshman year and an All-RMAC selection in his junior year.

Always active in the community, he served more than two decades on the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center Foundation board, most recently as vice president. After losing his daughter, Stephanie, to breast cancer, Motz was instrumental in founding the hospital's Stephanie L. Miner Women’s Imaging Center. The SLVRMC Foundation recently presented Motz with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Adams State Alumni Relations and Foundation Offices are organizing an ASC team to honor Motz’s contributions by participating in the upcoming Stephanie L. Miner 5K Walk and Run, Oct. 8. Proceeds will benefit the imaging center. All Adams State employees, alumni, and supporters are invited to sign up by contacting Lori Laske, 587-7867, or Tammy Lopez at 587-7122.

McDaniel Hall progresses

An improved, expanded building awaits Adams State College music students and faculty. Staff will begin to move into their renovated facility Aug. 17, as the fall semester is set to begin on Aug. 22, according to Erik van de Boogaard, associate vice president for Facilities Planning, Design & Construction.

The $5.7 million Music Building project features a 3,225- sq-ft., two-story addition and new east entrance. This space includes a new recording studio, two rehearsal halls, a percussion studio, and four new practice rooms. All interior walls were gutted and rebuilt to meet modern acoustical standards. New furnishings and musical instruments complete the package. The original building was constructed in 1958.

Music Department chair, Dr. Tracy Doyle, said: "This additional space and new soundproofing will nurture our growing department and help us do our jobs effectively."

Work on the Music Building began while classes were in session, and shifted into high gear at the conclusion of the spring semester in May. van de Boogaard noted the bulk of the project has taken only three months to complete, with exterior finishing and landscaping work to continue into the fall semester.

The renovation of McDaniel Hall (formerly the Education & Social Science Bldg, corner of First and Richardson) is hoped to be finished in October. "We had a number of unforeseen conditions that have caused change orders and delays," van de Boogaard noted. Asbestos abatement proved more extensive than originally anticipated, for example.

This building was completely gutted and redesigned to better serve today's education needs. The central feature of this $11.4 million project is a light-filled student study area on the south side of the second floor with a stairway open to the third floor. The first floor will include another study lounge, atrium, and adjacent outdoor patio. The project also includes new energy-efficient mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, a new 24-hour access student computer lab, and wi-fi connectivity.

A new, 131-space parking lot was constructed just east of McDaniel Hall between First St. and Richardson Ave. The lot will be accessible from both First and Second St. once it is opened in the fall.

$62 million in campus improvements

By the end of 2011, Adams State will have completed $62 million worth of new construction and renovation on campus since 2008. The work began with the $12 million renovation and expansion of Plachy Hall, the athletics facility. It was finished just before ground was broken July 9, 2009, on the Residences at Rex, located adjacent to Rex Field. The residence hall section, with apartments for 65 students was opened last fall, while work has continued on the stadium portion of the facility. Vistas restaurant, operated on the building's third floor by Sodexo (college food service contractor), is now open for lunch 11 a.m. to 1:30, Monday to Friday. Operation hours will expand after the fall semester begins.

Community welcome to celebrate North Campus Grand Opening

Adams State College invites community member to the Grand Opening celebration of the North Campus Transformation on Thursday, Aug. 25. Tours, entertainment, and a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held 4-7 p.m. The evening concludes with a free concert by Martini Shot, to be held in the stadium beginning at 7 p.m.

Adams State's President David Svaldi was chosen to chair the Southern Colorado Education Consortium at the group's July 6 meeting on the Adams State campus. The consortium is a collaboration among all ten southern Colorado colleges formed to increase the number of southern Colorado residents who attend college.

"Earning a college degree makes an enormous improvement in an individual's lifetime earning potential. It is extremely important to our region that we make higher education accessible to more of our residents," Svaldi said. "This access and outreach is a core part of Adams State's mission as a Regional Education Provider."

Only nine percent of 2009 high school graduates in southern Colorado went on to pursue a higher education. The consortium's goal is to increase that number by two percent by 2014. Southern Colorado's lower educational attainment in reflected in lower income levels. The group is working on ways to improve access and college completion for first generation, under-represented, and low income students. This effort will include ways to eliminate barriers perceived by many students and parents.

The consortium's work is fueled by a $750,000 Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. One component will expand concurrent college courses for high school students, allowing them to complete high school requirements and earn college credit. These courses may take the form of face-to-face, online, or a hybrid format. The consortium has committed $25,000 over two years to create summer activities programs on college campuses for school children.

Governor John Hickenlooper said the consortium is "THE model for the future of higher education in Colorado."

In the 23 southeastern Colorado counties, about 19 percent of adults have college degrees, compared to almost 36 percent in metropolitan Denver. The region's 309 middle and high schools currently enroll about 50,000 students. Colorado also has a large education achievement gap between its Caucasian and ethnic minority residents.

Formed in June 2009, the consortium includes five two-year and five four-year institutions: Adams State College, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Fort Lewis College, Lamar Community College, Otero Community College, Pikes Peak Community College, Pueblo Community College, Trinidad State Junior College, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and Western State College.