Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center continues water education initiative

Joins the Colorado Water Fellows Program and offers Water 101 to student and community

As Colorado’s water supply faces significant threats, the Adams State University Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center confronts these challenges by training the next generation of water leaders.

Starting this fall semester, Adams State will participate in the Colorado Water Fellows Program, an initiative sponsored by the Colorado Water Center at Colorado State University. This program began at Colorado State and was extended to Colorado Mesa University, Ft. Lewis College, Metro State University, the University of Colorado–Boulder, and the University of Denver in 2024.

Understanding the benefit for Adams State students, Salazar Center Director Paul Formisano, Ph.D., contacted faculty at non-participating universities to gauge their interest in joining the program. Working with Colorado Water Center staff, the Colorado Water Fellows Program will now include chapters at eleven Colorado universities and colleges, including the newest additions at Adams State, Colorado School of Mines, CSU-Pueblo, University of Northern Colorado, and Western Colorado University,

The 2026-2027 cohort includes four water fellows who will participate in monthly gatherings with local and state water professionals to learn about the water sector and develop their professional skills. They will also travel to water conferences throughout the state, including the annual Water Fellow gathering at CSU Spur in February 2027, and receive a $1000 stipend. The program will continue during the 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 school years with hopes that additional funding can extend the program for many years into the future.

“Water touches everything, and no one field has all the answers to solving our water challenges,” explains Dr. Formisano. “The Water Fellows Program is open to any major across campus. All that is needed to apply is an interest in water and a commitment to attend the monthly meetings and a few water conferences throughout the year. This is an exceptional opportunity to learn about the water profession and be mentored by those shaping water use throughout Colorado and in the San Luis Valley.”

The Colorado Water Fellows Program is supported by generous funding from the Colorado Water Conservation Board and The Walton Family Foundation.

In addition to the Colorado Water Fellows Program, Adams State will offer its introductory water course this fall: WATR 101. Open to students and community members, the course will introduce participants to the basic principles guiding water development in the American West, particularly in the San Luis Valley. Scholarships are available to support Adams State students interested in taking the water studies minor and community members to cover the audit fees.

For information about the Colorado Water Fellows Program or to register for WATR 101, please contact Dr. Formisano, at pformisano@usd.edu or 719-587-7111.