The recent Great Stories Celebration of Adams State's becoming a university culminated Aug. 24 in a fireworks display that thrilled the approximately 2,500 people from all segments of the community who had gathered in Rex Stadium for a free concert by Los Lobos.

The arts, food, and goodwill similarly characterized other events in the two-day celebration. Four faculty members unveiled the sculpture, poetry, and music they were commissioned to create in commemoration of the historic event. Also premiered was an original film by Dannie Ledonne that documents their creative processes, Tribute to Commissioned Works. About 90 people attended the Gala Scholarship Dinner of surf and turf at Bistro Rialto.

Looking forward

Leon Memorial Concert Hall was nearly filled the evening of Aug. 23 with audience members eager to hear the premier of Ascendance, composed by Matt Schildt, assoc. professor of music.

"It captures some of my ideas about Adams State, about the energy at Adams State . . . and a sense of reflection that I feel is important," Schildt said. As his work progressed, he kept adding instruments, resulting in a septet. "Fortunately we have amazing musicians here. We got a collaboration going with faculty and students to create something that enhances what this change is all about. We're not resting, but looking forward, campus wide."

Performers on Ascendance included faculty: Dr. Tracy Doyle, flute; James Doyle, vibraphone, Dr. William Lipke, piano; Dr. Beth Robison, voice, and students: Ben Paden, glockenspiel; Chelsea Oden, clarinet; and Josh Wohlrabe, timpani.

Watch the concert premier.

Pillar of the community

In the Aug. 24 public lecture in conjunction with the 2012 Art Faculty Exhibition, Professor of Art Dana Provence described the development of his sculpture Pillars. The work will consist of three forms made of hexagonal basalt, bronze, and stainless steel to represent the three stages of Adams State, respectively: normal school, college, and now, university.

Provence completed the stone and bronze pieces over the summer and continues work on the third. The finished work will be installed outside the west entrance to the Student Union Building, adjacent to the North Campus Green.

Provence brainstormed with fellow art professor Gene Schilling to develop a timeless piece that would characterize the ideas and mission of the institution. Starting with the column concept, they eventually they arrived at the idea of a pillar.

"You think of pillars of the community, you think of strong people and institutions. I feel 100 percent that Adams State has taken its mission seriously. The most important thing is we're always looking for better ways to reach our students. All of those things are what make Adams State a very exciting place to teach."

The "miracle" of Adams State

Nielsen Library's comfortable Information Commons was the setting for a poetry reading by English faculty members Aaron Abeyta and Dr. Carol Guerrero-Murphy, who read their original poems inspired by and commissioned for the move to university status.

Guerrero-Murphy reflected on the significance of Adams State's move to university status."When you change the name of something, that's a change, and it ripples out, and the way we imagine all of this is transformed. I don't think it changes our mission of access, it just broadens. Access to what? What can we offer for meeting what students need?"

Her poem, Uni Verse City, was dedicated to: "All who create Adams State University: students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, antepasados. The piece provides a historical, cultural, and educational context for the university, as this excerpt conveys:

From this distant view, descending the pass, see
deep into the valley where our university floats above
the stories that made it: Pleistocene oceans,
cretaceous seaway, mastodons and camels grazing; ice ages;
Folsom people; the university rises out of the camps of the Utes, trails of the Comanches, explorations of the Spanish
who brought with them Moors, Jews, Africans, Arabs, and Greeks,
marked in the valley languages; of los cautivos, and Japanese, Mexican, Chinese, Irish, Italian,
Mormons, Dutch, Mennonitos, Amish, Mixtec, Mestizas,
Recent waves of teachers and Americorps, Guatemalans,
Global citizens and Urban escapees-dreamers and workers, all--

Abeyta's piece, Letter to Mumper from a 4 a.m. Campus, focused on Adams State's core mission by recalling a now-deceased student who exhibited "faith in the power of education." Perseverence, he said, is the "miracle of Adams State."

Building scholarships

Ticket sales for the Gala Scholarship Dinner generated $5,542 for Adams State's general scholarship fund, while a silent auction and dessert auction raised $4,547 to support scholarships and professional development for graduate students in Adams State's HEAL program (Higher Education Administration & Leadership). The Great Stories Celebration was organized by Dr. Melissa Freeman, director of the HEAL program, and recent HEAL graduate Donna Griego.

Higher Education Administration & Leadership program

The following donors made important contributions to the event:

Table Sponsors--University Friends Level ($1,000-$2,500)

Arnold & Marguerite Salazar
Alamosa State Bank
The Complete Nonprofit
1st SW Bank Michael
Mumper & Melissa Freeman

Friends of HEAL $4,547.50 

Dessert Donors

Bistro Rialto
Christine Burns
Lia Carpio
Tracy Doyle
Melissa Freeman
Donna Griego HEAL Cohort C
Melanie Jeppesen
Rodney Martinez
Julie Mordecai
James Trujillo
Leslie Widger

In-Kind Donors

Alamosa Community Gardens
ASU Admissions Office
ASU Bookstore
Bonaquisti Winery
Carlucci's
Lia Carpio
Coors Brewery
Cowboy Up
Melissa Freeman
HEAL Cohort C
HEAL Program
Holiday Inn Express
Lori Laske
Tammy Lopez
Lucky You Salon and Spa
Music Department
David Mansanarez
Julie Mordecai
Monte Vista Country Club
Rustic Log Furniture
Shaft Restaurant
Dr. David Svaldi
Kristi Mountain Sports
Treasure Alley
The Turquoise Shop
Valley Girls Avon
Valley Lumber
Karen Widger
Wolf Creek Ski Resort

Opinion by Dr. David Svaldi, President

It's official: August 7, 2012, marks the change of Adams State College to Adams State University. It's going to take practice, but I like the sound of that.

Over the nine decades since its founding, Adams State has evolved from a "Normal School" offering only teacher education through four name changes, as the range and quality of our academic offerings expanded.

Although the college - oops - the university - has been considering this change for a few years, the reality is still sinking in. Some people are unclear what this change to "university" means for Adams State and our students.

• It does NOT mean excessive tuition increases.
• It does NOT mean more government funding.
• It does NOT mean a significantly larger on-campus student body.

What this change does mean is that Adams State's academic breadth and quality are now reflected in its name. The academic standards that "university" conveys will make our graduates more competitive in the job market. As a university, Adams State will be even more attractive to students, whether at the undergraduate or graduate level, learning on campus or at a distance.

Webster's College Dictionary defines university as "an institution of learning of the highest level, comprising a college of liberal arts, a program of graduate studies . . . authorized to confer both undergraduate and graduate degrees." While there are no "official" requirements or standards governing an institution's name, we clearly fit that definition, since more than one-quarter of our students are enrolled in one of nine graduate programs.

With our latest name change, we deliberately kept "Adams State" consistent. Likewise, we modified the university logo, rather than undergo a complete redesign. This demonstrates our enduring commitment to providing a high quality college education to rural Coloradans, particularly in the San Luis Valley and Southern Colorado. Adams State will continue its mission as a moderately selective institution where access and student success are paramount.

Just as when Adams State was founded in 1921, our San Luis Valley community shares in this success. I invite all our friends to join in The Great Stories Celebration of our move to "university." A number of special events are planned for Aug. 23 & 24, in addition to the annual Welcome Back Luau. Friday night concludes with a Gala Scholarship Dinner, a FREE concert by Los Lobos, and fireworks! For details, click here.

At Adams State University, the great story just keeps getting better.

On May 19, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed the law designating Adams State University.

Free Los Lobos concert caps celebration

Los Lobos performs in concert during the Adams State University Great Stories Celebration. The two-day event begins Thursday, August 23 and continues Friday, August 24 with music, food, poetry, and art, showcasing changes happening on campus. Events are free and open to the public with the exception of the Scholarship Dinner.

Thursday, August 23

1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

• Welcome Back Alumni Reception
• Richardson Hall lobby
• Student ambassadors will lead campus tours

2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

• Luther Bean Museum Open House

2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

• Zacheis Planetarium Grand Re-Opening Shows

5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

• Welcome Back Luau
• North Campus Green

7:30 p.m.

• Concert, featuring Matt Schildt's original composition commemorating the university transition
• Leon Memorial Hall

Friday, August 24

1 p.m. until 2 p.m.

• Unveiling of Dana Provence’s “University Celebration” sculpture and lecture about the process
  
• Art Building Cloyde Snook Gallery

1:30 p.m. until 3 p.m.

• Student Success Center Open House in Nielsen Library

2 p.m. until 3 p.m.

• Poetry Reading, featuring Dr. Carol Guerrero-Murphy's and Aaron Abeyta's original poems commemorating the university transition
• Nielsen Library

3:30 p.m.

• Debut of Danny Ledonne’s new film
• McDaniel Hall room 101

4 p.m.

• Great Stories Celebration
• North Campus Green at Rex Stadium

5 p.m.

• Gala Scholarship Dinner
• Bistro Rialto with silent auction

8:30 p.m.

• Los Lobos Concert
• Rex Stadium

10:00 p.m.

• Fireworks Spectacular
• Rex Stadium.

For more information contact the Adams State Office of Enrollment Management at 719-587-7436 or visit University Celebration.

A crowd of over 300 gathered under calm blue skies to witness Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper sign the law designating Adams State University, May 19. A banner proclaiming "Our great story just got better" set the stage for the 91-year-old institution's move to university status.

"You talk about oil, you talk about wind energy . . . the energy of our youth is the most powerful energy we have in this country, and you guys are helping make sure we get the most out of it," Hickenlooper said. "In all of Colorado, it's hard to find another community with as strong a sense of place as what you have created here. A good university is the heart of great community."

Adams State President David Svaldi welcomed the audience by recalling the school's founder and early presidents: "Somewhere, Governor Billy Adams is smiling and perhaps toasting this wonderful event with President Richardson and President Plachy. "Governor Adams worked his entire political career to found a teacher preparation school (so-called normal school) in the San Luis Valley. Against all odds, including political opponents and the Ku Klux Klan, Adams worked successfully with his constituents to legislate funds to construct the Normal School."

There is an "unbreakable bond of community" between Adams State and the San Luis Valley, Svaldi added, telling how - when Adams' opponents blocked state funding - area residents donated produce, livestock, and other products to raise the school's first operating budget of $25,000.

"Now we are here today to celebrate the next chapter in the great story of Adams State. I again have to thank our community for helping us to this juncture. Now our name will reflect what we truly are: Adams State University," he said.

Alamosa Mayor Kathy Rogers presented a proclamation declaring August, 2012, as the Month of Adams State University. "We are so fortunate and pleased to have Dr. Svaldi with us. He has done so much for this campus and our city."

The name change was proposed in HB 1080, co-sponsored by House Representative Ed Vigil State and Senator Gail Schwartz.

"Today is a day of pride and honor," said Vigil, a 1986 graduate of Adams State. "I'm so proud of our college that is now a university; it was an honor for me to run the bill."

Schwartz also said, "It was a privilege to sponsor this bill, and to know what a difference it will make, both for today's students and those to come in the future."

The name change will be official Aug. 7, 2012. The college's Board of Trustees voted to pursue the change Aug. 26, 2011, after exploring the issue for three years. Founded in 1921, Adams State Normal School was created to educate teachers for rural Colorado.

When it opened in 1925, the campus had one building, three faculty, and 42 students. Adams State now boasts a campus of 54 buildings and recently completed $62 million in campus construction and renovation. The university employs 110 full-time faculty and 358 staff. Enrollment has increased by 34 percent since 2008.

Adams State University has enjoyed record-breaking enrollment for the last three years, with a total of 3,701 students as of the fall 2011 semester. One quarter of those students are enrolled in one of the university's nine graduate programs.

In 2001, Adams State became Colorado's first four-year institution to be federally designated a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Since then it has received more than $14.1 million in Title V and other grants to help HSI's improve capacity and services. The undergraduate student body is 33 percent Hispanic; an additional 14 percent of students identify as members of other ethnic/racial minority groups.

In 1929, the institution's name shifted to Adams State Teachers College of Southern Colorado, in 1938 to Adams State Teachers College, and then Adams State College, adopted in 1946, in recognition of the broader offering of under-graduate liberal arts programs and the expansion of graduate degree programs.

Watch video of bill signing ceremony

More about the move to University.

President David Svaldi and student Jenny Carter cut a cake emblazoned with the new Adams State University logo. Carter was among a group from Adams State who testified on the justification of the name change before the House Education Committee in March.

Governor John Hickenlooper will officially sign the name change bill into law at a public event Saturday, May 19. "Since the academic year will be over by then, we wanted to jumpstart the transition and give the students a chance to celebrate," said Ken Marquez, vice president of Student Affairs. "We gave away one thousand shirts in under an hour."

"It's cool. Everyone supports it," said Lindsey Davis, of Colorado Springs. "It's nice to have been here when the change was made." Brandi Gaherty, also from Colorado Springs, said she is excited to be part of the first class to graduate, in December, from Adams State University.

"It's exciting; it will give us more prestige," said Jamonica Hudgins, from Las Cruces, New Mex. Vicente Vega, from Greeley, Colo., added it was a good idea to distinguish Adams State from community colleges.

The bill signing ceremony with the governor begins at 2:30 p.m., May 19, on the south patio of McDaniel Hall. All campus and community members are welcome to participate.

The name change will be official Aug. 7, 2012. Adams State will open the 2012-13 academic year with an "Our Great Story just got Better" celebration on campus, Aug. 24-25.

All campus and community members are invited to celebrate the transformation of Adams State College to Adams State University, May 19. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper will sign the bill into law at a signing ceremony beginning at 2:30 p.m. on the south patio of McDaniel Hall. A reception will follow. (Convenient parking available in the new lot just east of McDaniel Hall, at First & Richardson.)

"We are very excited about entering a new phase as a university. It is a logical next step for Adams State. We have been operating at this level for some time," said Adams State President David Svaldi. "We truly appreciate the support of the State Legislature and especially of the bill's co-sponsors, House Representative Ed Vigil and State Senator Gail Schwartz."

Both legislators will speak at the ceremony. Alamosa Mayor Kathy Rogers will present a proclamation declaring August, 2012, as the Month of Adams State University. The name change will be official Aug. 7, 2012, effective with the fall 2012 semester (2012-13 academic year). The college's Board of Trustees voted to pursue the name change Aug. 26, after exploring the issue for three years. The bill passed out of the state Senate April 11.

This will be the institution's fifth name since its founding 91 years ago to prepare public school teachers for rural Colorado. Adams State Normal School opened in 1925; 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 was adopted in 1946 in recognition of the broader offering of under-graduate liberal arts programs and the expansion of graduate degree programs.

More about Adams State's transition to University.

Adams State is awaiting the Governor's signature on a law officially changing the college to a university. House Bill 12-1080 successfully passed out of the Colorado Senate today.

"We are very excited about entering a new phase as a university," said Adams State President David Svaldi. "We truly appreciate the support of the State Legislature and especially of the bill's co-sponsors, House Representative Ed Vigil and State Senator Gail Schwartz."

The college's Board of Trustees voted to pursue the name change Aug. 26, after exploring the issue for three years. The change will be official Aug. 7, 2012, effective with the fall 2012 semester (2012-13 academic year).

"Becoming Adams State University is a logical next step. We have been operating at this level for some time," Svaldi added. "This will more clearly communicate to prospective students the high quality and breadth of our academic programs for graduate and undergraduate students, as well as for distance learners."

Graduate students now make up more than one-quarter of Adams State's enrollment, and most of them take classes online, noted Dr. Michael Mumper, senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Program Development. The university name will improve Adams State's competitiveness in this and the undergraduate market, because prospective students often erroneously associate the name "college" with two-year institutions, he said.

Adams State's Graduate School recently introduced its ninth master's degree program, in Music Education. Total enrollment has broken records for the last three years in a row, and Adams State now has the most graduate students in its history.

Steve Valdez, chair of the Adams State Board of Trustees, said Adams State is successfully developing new revenue streams to compensate for state budget cuts - 30 percent over the last four years. Adams State's expanding master's degree and distance education programs are essential to supporting the on-campus, undergraduate programs, he said.

"We cannot continue to make up for state budget cuts by increasing tuition. Adams State must remain affordable for students who have the most to gain from earning a college degree - and who have the most to lose without one," Valdez said.

This will be the institution's fifth name since its founding 91 years ago to prepare public school teachers for rural Colorado. Adams State Normal School opened in 1925; 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 was adopted in 1946 in recognition of the broader offering of under-graduate liberal arts programs and the expansion of graduate degree programs.

More about the name change.

House Bill 1080, which proposes to rename Adams State College to University, was referred today to the Colorado House of Representatives by its Education Committee. If approved, the measure will go to the Colorado Senate for a vote.

The bill was introduced by House Representative Ed Vigil, who is a 1986 graduate of Adams State. The college's Board of Trustees voted to pursue the name change Aug. 26. If approved by the full Colorado legislature and Governor, the change would be official Aug. 7, 2012, and effective with the fall 2012 semester (2012-13 academic year).

"We appreciate the Education Committee's support of this important bill, and thank Representative Vigil for his work on it," said Adams State President David Svaldi.

Several college representatives, including students, testified before the committee on the merits of the bill. Two key points were the growth of Adams State's graduate programs and the need to compete globally.

"It is a natural progression to change Adams State College to Adams State University," Svaldi added. "Changing our name to university will better represent the high quality and breadth of Adams State's academic programs, for graduate and undergraduate students, as well as for distance learners."

Dr. Michael Mumper, senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Program Development, noted that prospective students often erroneously associate the name "college" with two-year institutions. In the seven regional states where Adams State recruits, all but three of the 97 public, four-year institutions are called "university." Prospective graduate and distance education students are also put off by the "college" name.

Steve Valdez, chair of the Adams State Board of Trustees and a 1997 graduate, told the committee that Adams State is successfully developing new revenue streams to compensate for state budget cuts - 30 percent over the last four years. Adams State's expanding master's degree and distance education programs are essential to supporting the on-campus, undergraduate programs, he said.

"We cannot continue to make up for state budget cuts by increasing tuition. Adams State must remain affordable for students who have the most to gain from earning a college degree - and who have the most to lose without one," Valdez said.

This would be the institution's fifth name since its founding 91 years ago to prepare public school teachers for rural Colorado. Adams State Normal School opened in 1925; 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 was adopted in 1946 in recognition of the broader offering of under-graduate liberal arts programs and the expansion of graduate degree programs.

More about the University name change.

Adams State is already operating on the level of a university, and our name should reflect that role. The university name will more accurately reflect the range and quality of our graduate and undergraduate missions. This is the rationale behind the school’s four name changes to date. It is a natural progression. Showcasing our academic quality, along with changes in the marketplace, are driving the effort to become Adams State University. Retention of Adams State in our name demonstrates a continuation of our essential character and values.

What were the college’s previous names?

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 our founder, Governor Billy Adams. 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.

What are the official steps to make the change?

The Board of Trustees for Adams State College voted to pursue the name change August 26, 2011. On Jan. 17, 2012, State Senator Gail Schwartz and House Representative Ed Vigil ‘86 introduced 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.

When does the name change take effect?

The change would be official August 7, 2012 and effective with the fall 2012 semester (2012-13 academic year).

Does the change from college to university mean a larger, more impersonal school?

No. A change in name and status would not impact our commitment to keeping class sizes small in order to enhance the learning experience and promote student-faculty interaction. Adams State will remain true to its values: small classes, excellent 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.

Will a name change affect tuition, financial aid, etc.?

Not in itself. Financial calculations about tuition and fees 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. The Adams State Trustees and administration are determined to keep tuition and fee increases to a minimum. If anything, changing to a university will help improve Adam State’s competitiveness, thereby increasing tuition revenue while moderating tuition increases.

Will a name change mean additional state funding for Adams State?

No. Funding of the institution will not be impacted positively or negatively by the name.

Does the name change increase the size of the student body?

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.

How will the name change affect admissions and admission standards?

Adams State’s role and mission will remain the same; a change in our name in and of itself will not necessitate a change in admission standards.

How does the name change benefit the institution?

The university name will clarify Adams State’s four-year mission to prospective students and more accurately reflect our growing graduate and distance-education programs. 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.

Are there extensive additional costs associated with the name change?

No state general funds will be used to support the name change. Costs will be borne by cash budgets.

Was research conducted on the acceptance and impact of the name change?

Yes. The topic has been under discussion for some time, and last year the Trustees requested the question be considered in an enrollment growth research project conducted by consulting firm Noel-Levitz. The study shows most of Adams State’s constituents favor the change to “university.”

• 80% of high school counselors
• 74% of graduate students
• 72% of undergraduate students
• 65% faculty and staff
• 65% of alumni 

How will this affect students?

Their degrees will have greater prestige that is commonly associated with universities.

How does this impact transfer students?

Students who are considering transferring could be more likely to choose Adams State, as the title of University is commonly associated with better academic programs, and more serious consideration will be given to a masters-level degree granting institution. Students who are transferring from ASU will have the prestige that is commonly associated with universities. No longer will they be asked if Adams State is a community college, for example.

Is class size being impacted by the name change?

No, our small student-faculty ratio is very important to student success

Does the name change affect faculty member teaching responsibilities?

No, those remain the same, according to the Faculty Handbook.

Will the name change impact college organizational structure?

Not in the immediate future. University status does not dictate a particular structure.

Does the name change result in new programs?

New programs will continue to be created in response to student and community need. Adams State has introduced several new academic programs in the past few years at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, sports psychology, and master’s degrees in music education, business administration (MBA), and higher education administration (HEAL). Growth in our graduate programs – now representing one-quarter of the student body – is one factor justifying the change to “university.”

As a state university, is Adams State jumping up to Division I in athletics?

No. Adams State remains committed to NCAA Division II, which emphasizes growth opportunities for athletes that balance academic achievement, learning in high-level athletic competition, and development of positive societal attitudes in service to community.

Can alumni request new Adams State University diplomas?

Yes, Adams State University will offer our alumni the opportunity to purchase replacement diplomas at a greatly reduced rate, for a limited time. All transcripts will be issued from Adams State University beginning fall semester 2012. We will begin accepting orders for replacement diplomas and diploma covers soon and will do so through the end of December, 2012. Please visit our adams.edu page or look for an update in the summer and fall editions of the A-Stater. During this period of time, alumni may purchase replacement diplomas for $15 each! Of course our alumni will be able to request replacement diplomas thereafter, however the replacement price will return to the usual price of $30 per diploma.

Can I change my resume to reflect “university?”

Yes! You may elect to update your resume however, please be aware that leaving Adams State College on your resume should have no adverse effect as our official transcript key reflects all of our name changes to date. This is entirely a question of preference.

Will campus email or websites change?

No. The URL will remain adams.edu.

Will campus signage change?

Yes. The name change dovetails with development of new signage across campus, which was already being planned. So this expense will be undertaken with or without the name change. New signs will probably be added gradually.

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.