The Fourteenth Annual Adams State University Educators Hall of Fame Ceremony on June 23, 2026, included a warm welcome from Adams State President David Tandberg, Ph.D., introductions by Master of Ceremonies John Taylor, Ph.D., professor of theatre, and a heartfelt address from Duane Bussey, Class of ‘82. They all voiced appreciation for professional educators and their positive impact on individuals, classes, and society. Honorees, or their representatives, expressed gratitude for Adams State and the skills and experiences they acquired in and out of the classroom.
The Adams State School of Education staff and faculty organize the annual event. “I am very proud of the dedication from our team to make this a very special occasion,” said Curtis Garcia, Ph.D., School of Education director. “We are all committed to making the Educators Hall of Fame a priority and I appreciate everyone who works to recognize outstanding educators.”
The following were inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame:
Elementary Educators
Shirley Atencio
Shirley Atencio received her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Adams State in 1978 and 1991. She dedicated 35 years of service to the field of education with the Center School District. Her excellence in the classroom earned her both the Center Teacher of the Year Award and the prestigious San Luis Valley Teacher of the Year recognition. Being bilingual allowed Atencio to bridge cultures and build meaningful relationships with students and families throughout the community. She also coached high school basketball and volleyball, as well as recreational soccer and girls’ softball.
Gregory “James” Cantu
James Cantu received his Adams State bachelor’s degree in 1995. He dedicated 20 years of service to the educational field. After 20 years of teaching for North Conejos School District, Cantu leaves behind a legacy of dedication, compassion, and excellence in education. In 1999 he began his career at Manassa Elementary as a second-grade teacher for two years, and found his passion as a fourth-grade teacher. Throughout his career, Cantu looked forward to going to school each day, finding joy and purpose in teaching students and helping them grow academically, socially, and personally
Mary Hawkins-Morgan
Mary Hawkins-Morgan earned her Master of Arts from Adams State in 1977. She dedicated 31 years of service to the education field. Hawkins-Morgan’s teaching career began at the North Conejos School District in 1974. She also taught in Crownpoint, N.M. with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and at Crownpoint Community School. She retired from CCS in 2014 and taught for two years at Xian International Studies University in Xian, China. Hawkins-Morgan garnered many accomplishments throughout her career including coaching, chairing committees, volunteer work, and co-author of “The Mormons, 100 years in the San Luis Valley 1883-1983.”
Secondary Educators
Kathryn M. Córdova
Kathryn M. Córdova received her Master of Arts degree from Adams State in 1976 and an Ed.D. from the California Coast University in 2005. She served for 40 years in the education profession. Dr. Córdova retired from the Taos Municipal Schools in 1996 after 25 years of service. She also taught part-time at the post- secondary and college levels and served as an administrator at El Valle Technologies with the University of New Mexico in Taos following retirement. Córdova taught a cohort of teachers who received their master’s degree in education with an emphasis in reading. Presently, she continues offering mentorship, presentations, workshops and field schools when possible.
William “Bill” Golsan
Bill Golsan received his Adams State bachelor’s and master’s degrees B.A. in 1990 and 1994. He dedicated 35 years to the education profession. Golsan played football and wrestled for Adams State. He was a four-year starting defensive lineman, a two-time All-Conference selection under Head Coach Jeff Geiser and played in the national championship game in 1988. He was also a national qualifier heavyweight wrestler on the 1989–1990 National Championship team led by Head Coach Roger Jehlicka. He spent most of three decades teaching English at Ortega Middle School.
Salvatore “Sal” Martorano
Sal Martorano received his Adams State bachelor’s degree in 1974 and earned an master’s degree from Leslie College in 1992. He served 37 years in the field of education. Martorano taught in the Alamosa, Colorado Springs, and Longmont School Districts. He was a member of, and served as president, chair, secretary and judge for a variety of music associations. Martorano received the 2014 Outstanding Bandmaster Award, Phi Beta Mu International Band Fraternity; 2015 Colorado Bandmasters Association Hall of fame; and 2015 Gold Star Award, St. Vrain Valley School District; as well as several other recognitions and awards.
Administrators
Denny Fringer
Denny Fringer received his Adams State Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993 and his Master of Arts degree in 2004. He dedicated 33 years of service to education profession and held a wide range of roles including substitute teacher; teacher; coach; bus driver; athletic director; and K-12 principal. Fringer received multiple recognitions, including North Conejos School District Teacher of the Year, Colorado Top Ten Math Teacher of the Year, and runner up for the Colorado CASE Elementary Principal of the Year. He was proud to have contributed to numerous successful school programs and the accolades received.
Fred Garcia
Fred Garcia received his Adams State bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1984 and 2008. He dedicated 33 years to education. Garcia began his career at Center High School, where he spent 12 years teaching physical education and health and coaching multiple sports. He accepted the position as athletic director and disciplinarian at Center High School. He was honored as the 2002 CHSAA 2A Athletic Director of the Year. During his career, Garcia participated in several professional leadership roles, including serving on the CHSAA Board of Control, acting as Southern Peaks League President for ten years, and contributing to several CHSAA Multiple Tournament Selection Committees and the CHSAA Baseball Advisory Committee. In 2008, Garcia accepted the role of Elementary Principal at Sangre de Cristo School District before retiring from Colorado in 2012.
Curtis Wilson
Curt Wilson received Adams State bachelor’s degree in 1990; a master’s from Grand Canyon University in 2000, and an administrative license from the University of Denver in 2004. Wilson spent 31 years with the North Conejos School District. He taught, coached multiple sports served as Centauri High School Principal and for the last nine years was the superintendent. He received the 2014 Colorado National High School Principal of the Year; was President the Colorado High School Activities Association, CHSAA, from 2012-2014; was a finalist for Disney Teacher of the Year and a two-time finalist for Colorado Superintendent of the Year; as well as receiving many other honors and recognitions.
Post-Secondary
Teresa “Teri” McCartney
Teri McCartney received her Adams State bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1987 and 1992. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico in 1999. She spent 39 years, and counting, in education. McCartney started as an English teacher at Monte Vista High School, which led to an interest in counseling. She spent a year as a middle school counselor before accepting the position as the Adams State Counseling Center director. After receiving her Ph.D., she joined the faculty with the Adams State School of Counselor Education. She retired from full-time position in 2014 and continues as an adjunct with the school.
Larry Mortensen
Larry Mortensen received his Adams State bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1988 and 1993. He dedicated 37 years to the education profession. Mortensen served in numerous roles including Sanford High School teacher, Adams State Head Coach for Men’s Basketball, Adams State Athletic Director, and adjunct professor with the Adams State School of Business. He was inducted into the 2022 Adams State Athletic Hall of Fame; received the 2019 RMAC Meritorious Service Awards; 2015 CHSCA Benefactor Award; 2007 RMAC Basketball Coach of the Year; as well as other recognitions.
Dr. Garcia and the School of Education appreciate the Educators Hall of Fame committee members including: Stephanie Hensley, Ph.D., ’93 & ’00, Adams State Alumni Relations Director Megan Maldonado, Ted Morrison ’69, School of Education Program Coordinator/Student Advisor Acacia Nadeau-Lara, ’23, and Curt Wilson ’90.
