Sofia Guardado, a first-year graduate student in the Higher Education Administration & Leadership (HEAL) program at Adams State University, has been accepted as a 2021 Colorado Department of Higher Education Policy Fellow.

Sofia Guardado
Sofia Guardado

Guardado, from Zacatecas, Mexico, is among 18 Fellows selected. She currently serves as an HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution) success advisor for first-generation students at Morgan Community College in Fort Morgan, Colo.

“I am passionate about increasing accessibility in higher education for all students and I’m excited to lead the 2021 CDHE Policy Fellows,” she said.

“I’m beyond excited for HEALer Sofia Guardado’s appointment as a 2021 CDHE Policy Fellow,” said Melissa Freeman, Ph.D. and HEAL program director. “Sofia is a very talented woman who will do great things in higher education. This appointment is a testament to that.”

Adams State’s HEAL online program prepares higher education professionals to manage and lead institutions of higher education, especially Hispanic-Serving Institutions and to enhance the success of students they serve.

Here’s what Sophia had to say about the advance degree program and her experience at Adams State:

Adams State: What was your motivation to enroll in Adams State’s HEAL program?
Sofia Guardado: I was interested in HEAL’s focus on Hispanic Serving Institutes and online learning flexibility since I work full time.

ASU: How will the advanced degree benefit your career goals?
SG: I am currently working in higher education, and this program helps me analyze issues in higher education with a critical lens. We need more Latinx representation taking leadership roles within higher education institutions.

ASU: How will your participation in the CDHE Fellow Program assist in your career goals?
SG: I am interested in learning the role of CDHE in implementing equitable policy for Coloradoans.

ASU: What has been your overall experience with Adams State and its academic programs?
SG:  I am loving my experience at Adams! The HEAL program really cares about its students. I live in Northeastern Colorado and yet I still feel like I am a part of the classroom.