Adams State University President David Tandberg, Ph.D.,  presented to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC), Friday, Jan. 9, at the State Capitol. He illustrated the tremendous success the University has experienced since 2022.

“I believe Adams State doesn’t just serve a demographic or a technical service region but a living history with a deeper meaning,” Dr. Tandberg said. “To share our story and the importance of this community with our legislature is one of my greatest pleasures as president.” 

Over the past 3 years, Adams State reversed a downward trajectory with the following results:

  • +8.2% Total Enrollment
  • +40.7% Low Income Students
  • +21.3% First Generation Students 
  • +85.3% San Luis Valley Students
  • +60.9% Teacher Education Enrollments (Graduate + Undergraduate)
  • +38% Concurrent Enrollment Students

“These data represent individual students, whose great stories may have not happened without state support,” President Tandberg said. “The increased funding provided valuable resources that Adams State invested in new programs. It also provided an emphatic signal to our campus that our work is valued. This statement of belief and faith was extremely important and appreciated by a campus and a community. It motivated us and was as important as the money itself.”

Through state support Adams State can continue to move in a positive direction. “Over the past three years, the JBC expressed their belief in the University and our mission through strong funding. Just like acequias brought life to the Valley, that additional funding helped bring new life to Adams State.”

President Tandberg appreciated the attention and genuine interest expressed by the state legislatures who serve on the influential JBC. “It is easy to demonstrate the importance Adams State has to its students and community. We’ve accomplished an unprecedented level of success across so many important measures. Now we need to keep the momentum moving forward. Fortunately, the overall atmosphere during the presentation was engaging and invested. I believe the state will continue to invest in this place, in this institution, and in its people and the dreams of our students.”