Undergraduate
Jamie Bulzomi
Bachelor of Arts: Theatre
Bachelor of Arts: Outdoor Education and Stewardship
Eaton, Colo.
Summa Cum Laude
“The smaller campus allowed me to connect with professors, which in return gave me more opportunities to learn and do more professional work outside of the classroom.”
A double major, Jamie appreciated the professors support in her personal and educational life.
Curt Howell, M.Ed., assistant professor and program coordinator outdoor education and stewardship, met with Jamie to discuss her degree plan, and along with encouraging her goals challenged her to meet her potential. “Curt was also a listening ear and an empathizer when my brother was critically ill.”
Her theatre professors, including George McConnell, Ph.D., assistant professor of theatre; John Taylor, Ph.D., professor of theatre and School of Visual and Performing Arts director; and Jenna Neilsen, M.F.A., professor of theatre; encouraged creativity and were very cognizant of students’ mental health. “George gives incredible feedback that is helpful to my career, and he never sugarcoats his thoughts, which always leads to personal growth. He is the type of professor who is willing to use his personal time to help his students. George has also given me two opportunities to perform theatre professionally outside of the classroom and is another example of both a friend and a teacher.”
Having personal relationships with instructors builds respectful relationships and made Jamie want to work even harder for their classes. “They are understanding people and give great lectures. They are also talented in their study and know how to effectively communicate their lessons.”
Jamie is extremely grateful for all the scholarships she received. “The scholarships I received and the professors I worked for are the driving forces behind my work ethic and success in school.”
By maximizing class loads and taking summer courses, Jamie graduated with a double major in four years with little student loan debt.
The outdoor education and stewardship major required an internship. Jamie fulfilled this requirement in New York, which connected her to others in the outdoor industry. She also worked for the City of Alamosa and as a work-study for the Adams State Adventure Program. “I was promoted to trip manager within two years of working for them.” When the ASAP supervisor left, Jamie, along with other students and an intern, managed the program. “That experience boosted my confidence, and is a great resume builder. I lead trips in the field, organized events, scheduled students, ran training meetings, and much more.”
Jamie matured emotionally and intellectually as a person throughout the years. “College allowed me to become more independent, and it was critical in developing life skills that will carry me into the future; it also furthered my technical and human skills, which are worthwhile attributes of becoming a well-rounded person.”
Niamiah Cervantes
Bachelor of Science: Kinesiology: Exercise Science
Albuquerque, N.M.
Cum Laude
“I am very pleased that I chose Adams State. The small class sizes made it easy to communicate with my professors, as well as ask questions and have discussions with classmates.”
The kinesiology professors were understanding when Niamiah missed class due to illness or traveling for soccer. “My advisor always made sure that I was on track to graduate on schedule and recommended classes to ensure I succeeded. They were always quick to answer emails and were happy to answer questions.”
Niamiah will apply for occupational therapy school this fall. She received scholarships and held a work-study position in the Nielsen Library. Niamiah graduated in four years and played for the women’s soccer team her entire academic career. She does not have much student debt due to scholarships and paying tuition with summer job money.
“I would say that my confidence in public speaking and quality of work grew. I feel more comfortable giving presentations and I do not second guess myself when doing assignments or answering questions in class. I also think that my attitude towards studying and doing assignments shifted. I grew to understand that these things are important in order to retain knowledge and learn new skills.”
Christina Cisneros
Bachelor of Science: Earth Science: Geology
Questa, N.M.
“I am the first in my family to earn a college degree. I am proud of myself for furthering my education and taking my future into my own hands. I am also proud of my cousin who is also graduating this semester. I feel very thankful, blessed, and excited.”
Christina appreciated the small class sizes at Adams State and the ability to receive help when needed. She developed relationships with her classmates. “My professors and the whole STEM community itself has been supportive.”
After finishing her Bachelor of Science, Christina will move back to northern New Mexico and look for jobs.
“My advisor (Chayan Lahiri, Ph.D.) helped me reach my goal of graduating a year early by supporting me and guiding me about which classes to take. My other professors have been awesome, they communicated well and were always willing to help.”
Throughout college, Christina received the Chevron Community Scholarship as well as private scholarships. She also received institutional scholarships. She held a few work-study jobs including the mailroom, the Adventure Program, and in the Edward Ryan Geology Museum as a docent. Christina had an internship for the Bureau of Land Management in Monte Vista, Colo., as a minerals program management assistant and was a reforestation science and monitoring intern. Off campus she worked at the local movie theater.
Jeff Gallegos, with financial aid, often helped Christina when she needed support. Her professors from her mentoring and leadership classes not only supported Christina, they taught her how to mentor others. “They allowed me to reflect on myself and helped me search for internships.”
Christina graduates after three years. She mentored younger STEM students and was featured in the Adams State College Tour show in 2022.
“Coming into college I was looking more to have fun and meet new people. Now that I am graduating, my classes are more difficult. I have learned better time management skills and how to prioritize. I have also learned how to manage my mental and physical health better. I have definitely matured and I am still learning and growing as a person. I have gained more confidence in what I am studying and have been introduced to professional job settings.”
Tessa Coffelt
Bachelor of Arts: Music Education
Albuquerque, N.M.
“My mother is also a teacher, getting a degree in music education means a lot to me because I have grown up around education and am excited to be an amazing educator just like her.”
Tessa appreciates all the opportunities at Adams State. She was the audio visual technician work-study within the music department, and worked in the Adams State Richmond Recording Studio as well as recording and streaming student recitals and concerts for the last three years. “An opportunity that I likely would not have had at any other institution.”
Tessa was part of the German-US Partnership research exchange through the education department. Throughout her academics, she was an active member in the Adams State Music Educators Society (ASMES) part of the National Association of Music Educators. Tessa was also an Associated Students and Faculty (AS&F) representative, and served as vice-president, and president of the organization. She also worked with the Admissions Office at the front desk in Richardson Hall. Along with these work-study jobs and extracurricular opportunities, she delivered Domino’s Pizza.
Tessa received the Don Richmond and the Gary Gaston Scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year. She plans returning to Albuquerque and becoming an elementary or middle school music teacher.
She was not a very good student in high school and finished online. “It took me about a year to get into the swing of things and actually be in a place where I could succeed. It then took me another year to become a great student.”
Making connections through Adams State expanded her possibilities outside of school, including running sound for bands. Tessa also gave private lessons and adjudicated a solo and ensemble festival.
“The five years I spent at Adams State were truly incredible. The list of accomplishments, achievements, and positions held feels endless and it is all thanks to the wonderful professors, friends, and family that have been here for me along the way.”
Allysen Duysen
Bachelor of Arts: Music/Performance
Pueblo, Colo.
“I am a first-generation college student, which is important to me as I am proof that you can prove statistics wrong. It is also important to me as I can be a role model to my siblings and show them that it is possible.”
Adams State allowed Allysen to learn in a smaller class environment with professors that cared about her health and success. “It also allowed me to make lifelong friends.”
Allysen will attend the University of New Mexico this fall to pursue a master’s in music/performance, to achieve her goals of having her own voice studio.
“My professors have constantly been my number one supporters here at Adams, and always checked in if I wasn’t doing as well academically or met with me to work on my own struggles in those classes. I wouldn’t be graduating this semester without them.”
Allysen received several music scholarships and worked as a music lab manager for three years. She also was a resident assistant for a year-and-a-half. “I was fortunate enough that my work-study supervisor was also a music professor so he already knew me when I was hired and helped me balance my school and work-study.”
Although Allysen is graduating with debt, it is a small amount “compared to the price of my degree, as well as the national average.” She graduated in four years, taking summer courses to stay on track.
Allysen spent all four years as an active member of Adams State Music Educators Society and went to the Colorado Music Educators Association conference three times. The club helped shape her as a professional, and she met and learned from so many other musicians.
“From my freshman to senior year my growth has been a wild ride, as any college student can agree from the circumstances. With COVID beginning my freshman year, I learned that I need to be flexible because life will throw anything your way. I also learned to grow and mature as a person, and learn more about myself and my passions in life. I can confidently say that Adams State has cultivated an environment to allow myself and its many students to discover who they are.”
Catalina Fox
Bachelor of Fine Arts: Photography
Canon City, Colo.
Magna Cum Laude
The Art Department provided an excellent academic environment for Catalina to pursue their interest and explore their creative side.
After graduation, Catalina will relocate to Colorado Springs and expand their clientele through photography and creative skills. “My teachers, especially Margaret Doell, were always available to help me, whether it involved figuring out challenging conceptual ideas or revising my papers. My instructors all helped me develop and hone every one of my artistic skills. They assisted me in developing a style and ensuring that I was ready for the real world as an artist.”
Catalina received a scholarship and worked in the ceramics area for work-study. They received money through financial aid to present her BFA exhibit exactly the way Catalina envisioned it.
Catalina graduates in three years. “I am fortunate to have an excellent father who not only paid for my college education but also unconditionally supported my artistic career, for which I am eternally grateful.”
Catalina was involved in the League of The Arts for two years. They believe they grew significantly from starting school to graduation. “I came in knowing I liked photography and had a sufficient starting place, but I was still insecure about my abilities; now, I am a confident and secure artist, proud of my work and skills.”
Emma Gilmore
Bachelor of Arts: Chemistry/Allied Health
Bachelor of Science: Biology/Cellular and Molecular
Minor in Sociology
Cum Laude
Alamosa, Colo.
Cum Laude
An Adams State legacy student, Emma is a third-generation graduate. Family members include Grandparents: John T. (Tom) Gilmore, Ph.D., emeritus professor of business, Class of 1967 and1968; Pat Gilmore, Class of 1968; and Parents: Paula Parker, Class of 1997 and 2010; and Jeff Gilmore, Class of 1994.
“I am confident I would not have received the same knowledge and one-on-one time with professors if I attended a different university. My family also has a long history with Adams State, and so it has been nice to continue on in my parents and grandparents’ footsteps.”
Emma will take a gap year and work in a chemistry laboratory, before applying to physician assistant school.
“The best part of Adams State is the ability to connect with and create such lasting relationships with professors. I have yet to meet a faculty member in Porter Hall that does not go above and beyond for their students. Not only have they given me the skills and knowledge to excel in my future endeavors as a scientist, but they have also been a shoulder to cry on or a reservoir of great advice.”
Emma received the Porter Scholarship in Science and Mathematics all four years, as well as a number of other scholarships. She graduates in four years with honors, no student loan debt, and with two majors and a minor.
Her work-study jobs include general chemistry teaching assistant, microbiology and biochemistry laboratory assistant and STEM peer mentor. Off campus, she worked for San Luis Valley Health as an emergency room/acute care unit certified nursing assistant and volunteered with the local domestic violence shelter, Tu Casa, as a 24-hour hotline volunteer since 2020.
“I’m grateful for all of the connections I have made outside of academics, because each one has given me insight on different aspects of life beyond the walls of Porter Hall. I have gained a collection of different professional skills from these individuals that I will carry with me long after I graduate.”
She is definitely not the same shy and timid freshman that started college. “Personally, and academically, I have grown to be confident in my ability to serve people as a competent professional in the future. I owe this growth entirely to the experiences I have had within my community and at Adams State during the last four years.”
Angel Guerrero
Bachelor of Arts: Secondary Education: English Education
Fort Collins, Colo.
Cum Laude
“Being the first in my family to earn a college degree is a great honor for me. I have had nothing but love and support from my parents and family. I feel the sacrifices that they have made for me to succeed and realize how I now stand on their shoulders. I can only hope to give them half of what they gave me.”
Angel is a very proud Grizzly. “I have met many incredible people at Adams State like friends, staff, and mentors and those are the things I’m taking with me when I graduate: not just a degree but relationships that I will cherish.”
After graduation, Angel is ready to begin his career as an educator. “I want to start living my life. I hope to find a job in the Valley as a teacher. My partner and I have found an apartment and we are really excited to make it into our home. It’s a little scary since I feel like I am at a crossroads in my life but excited nonetheless.”
Angel developed strong relationships with professors. “I didn’t disappear into the crowd. They got to know me more and I got to learn about them. My professors were always there to communicate with me whenever I needed assistance with anything; this included any problems I had outside of the classroom such as finding a job or other personal problems. I think that all led to a great system of communication with my professors so I was rarely in the dark.”
His work-study supervisor Tony Maestas, Computing Services electronics specialist I, was a very positive influence and mentor. “He immediately took me under his wing. He was the first person who made Alamosa feel like a home. I see him as a second dad.”
Angel was a recipient of the educator stipend for student teaching, developed by the State of Colorado. He is extremely grateful for the financial assistance.
It took Angel four years to graduate and he paid off tuition bills by working in the summer and saving up money.
Angel was president of the Educators of Tomorrow Club and the Pen and Inkwell Writers Guild vice president. He took a lead role on the committee that planned a day of events for author and poet Jimmy Santiago Baca to visit the campus. It was one of his proudest accomplishments.
“I have matured a lot since my freshman year. I feel like I was just a kid when I started my first year. I have a lot of empathy now toward myself at that time of my life. I missed home a lot and would often find it hard to make myself happy. Now, though I still see Fort Collins as a home with people I love, I found a home here in Alamosa as well. I met new friends and family. I have grown so much and not just in an academic setting; I have been shaping into the person that I want to be. I don’t know what’s going to happen next in my life and I still sometimes go back to that same kid from freshman year, but I find comfort in the fact that I can just take a breath and realize that everything is going to be okay.”
Charlie Olson
Bachelor of Arts: Interdisciplinary Studies
Emphasis Psychology and Sociology
Anna, Texas
Charlie is the first in their family to receive a bachelor’s degree. “It really means a lot to me because my family has struggled financially in the past and this allows me the opportunity to change that destiny for myself.”
For Charlie, small class size is the best benefit of attending Adams State. “It really allowed me to know my professors and work with them on a level I would never have been able to at a bigger college.”
Charlie’s wife, Caitlin, also attends Adams State. “I plan to stay here with her while she finishes her own degree. I plan to continue my work on campus with the queer pride club, the equity board, and hopefully find a job in a relevant department to gain more experience before moving from Alamosa to work in mental health.”
Charlie credits her success to Heidi Schneider, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology, inclusive excellence liaison and faculty trustee; and other professors in the psychology and sociology programs. “They motivated me in ways I will forever appreciate and provided me with opportunities that have changed the course of my life forever. I am so extremely grateful.”
Charlie had work-study in sociology; was a peer mentor for freshman students through Grizzly Persist, on-campus employment; and was the social media student ambassador for the Equity Board.
Elaine Wenta, School of Humanities & Social Sciences administrative assistant; and Korry Goldstein, COSI B2W program coordinator; connected with Charlie and provided additional opportunities for future employment and academic success.
Charlie took out student loans every year. “I know how important receiving my degree was for myself and my future, so it is a price worth paying. It is also less than I would have accumulated at a larger, more expensive university so I am very grateful for that.”
It took Charlie about five years to graduate. I wanted my efforts to be their best and I knew I would struggle having too many courses, which I actually experienced my first couple of semesters. I believe it is important for students to know their own boundaries and abilities to ensure the best success possible.”
Charlie was heavily involved with the Equity Board, an organization dedicated to supporting equity for social minorities on campus, as well as helping form and being the president of Queer Pride @ ASU, a student club devoted to supporting queer people.
“I would describe my growth from an incoming freshman to a graduating senior as coming out of my shell. I was often reluctant to engage in campus activities or projects out of introversion, but as I built connections, I found that I wanted to participate more. I feel that this change will help me in the future to feel more comfortable asking questions, being a team leader, and engaging in opportunities for growth.”
Caleb Raney
Bachelor of Science: Kinesiology: Exercise Science
Marana, Ariz.
“I feel very blessed to have chosen Adams State as it allowed me to pursue my baseball career at the collegiate level while also earning my bachelor’s degree at a great institution in an enjoyable environment. Adams has also given me the opportunity to meet some of the best people I know and develop friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Caleb believes the professors and advisors always have their students’ best interests in mind, from deciding a major as a freshman to keeping him on track to graduate in four years. “My major professors have been extremely motivating and helpful to me by always being understanding of the busy schedule that comes with being a student athlete in addition to providing the best instruction possible in our course materials.”
During the summers and other breaks, Caleb worked in the construction industry as a mason and his final semester worked at a local fitness center.
The financial aid staff made the process of applying for aid very manageable and they helped Caleb with his financial aid package, including talking through options such as the Pell Grant and federal loans. It eased Caleb’s mind to earn a degree without stressing about paying for college.
“I believe Adams State has allowed me to become more mature as a person and as a student. By providing a high-quality education, I have been pushed to work hard to do well in classes while also managing my time well between baseball and academics.”
Melena Vanderford
Clinical Psychology
Salida, Colo.
Summa Cum Laude
Melena is the first in her family to earn a college degree. “The faculty of the psychology department have been an outstanding resource for me to progress my academic goals and an overwhelming source of support in general. Not only that, but Adams State as a whole is such a welcoming place and puts in a lot of effort to make sure that there is diversity, equity, and inclusion for everyone. Lastly, I have been able to take part in so many opportunities that I would have never expected from such a small school, such as the Movement for the Mind research project, my own independent research, and attending psychology conferences. I am so grateful for that.”
Melena plans to work with Upward Bound as a youth mentor for part of the summer. Then, she hopes to be accepted into the Peace Corps and go to Thailand and work in a project called “Youth in Development.” From there, Melena will begin a doctorate program at the University of Wyoming.
“My professors were such a pivotal part of my success. They guided me through the process of becoming involved with research and I can tell you now, there was a big learning curve, so I want to thank them profusely for their ongoing patience with me. They have also been a big part of my journey in the way of motivating me to push myself, try new things, and believe in my ability to accomplish big goals.”
Melena had several jobs on campus: psychology teaching assistant, work-study, and research assistant for Movement for the Mind. She also worked at the Rex Activity Center gym. She was a mentor for youth with Griptape. Melena worked with an organization called GIV; helped make decisions regarding funding to underserved populations with the CSF Foundation; and helps run Visual Journaling, online based mental health program, for her family business, Crestone Freedom Project.
It took Melena only three years to graduate. She was the previous treasurer and vice president of Psi Chi and is the current president. “Adams takes such extensive precautions to take care of all of their students financially. I never had to use my own money to pay for school.”
“I have grown so much since my freshman year. I have discovered more parts of myself that I didn’t know existed: my passion for MMA, working out, ice climbing, kayaking, etc. I also realized how much I did not know about certain things, like diversity, equity, and inclusion. Overall, I have been able to expand my interests, ideas, and world-view.”
Maya Waddington
Bachelor of Arts: Art Education K12
Bachelor of Arts: Art/Painting and Sculpture
Magna Cum Laude
Aurora, Colo.
The university was a huge cultural adjustment for Maya, coming from a big city. “I gained a broader perspective that will translate to my teaching and artistic career.” She appreciated the personalized classes and opportunities that allowed her to advance as a student and person. “I met amazing people here and have formed a network to last a lifetime. I appreciate all the experiences Adams State had to offer.”
Maya will pursue a master’s degree in art history and visual culture and she continues to teach and showcase her artwork.
“I have an amazing relationship with all my professors. I always knew they had my best interests at heart. They supported me every step of the way.”
Maya appreciated the school districts’ teachers who acted as mentors. “They were informative and welcomed me to their classrooms with open arms and allowed me to learn from them. The artists in the Valley are inspirational and encouraging to future artists and I hope one day I can help art students take the next step in their careers.”
With the help of scholarships, Maya graduates with very little student loan debt in four years. She played volleyball for two of those years.
“From a freshman to senior I have grown a lot personally, academically, and professionally. I feel like the biggest difference is that I embraced my career path whole heartedly and I am ready to get started.”
Sydney Wiedeman
Bachelor of Science: Geoscience: Physical Geography and Conservation
Minor in Sociology
Summa Cum Laude
Gilbert, Ariz.
Choosing Adams State to earn her degree has allowed Sydney to balance being a part of the women’s soccer team while pursuing her degree. “Choosing to come to a smaller school like Adams State enabled me to make closer connections with all the professors in my department and exposed me to many unique opportunities where I have been able to apply my studies to potential fields of work.”
Sydney will intern at the Great Sand Dunes National Park Visitor Center this summer. Her long-term plans include a full-time position with the National Park Service and continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science.
Professors within her major ensured Sydney’s success. They made sure she didn’t fall behind in courses and were always available. “They also encouraged me to take part in opportunities outside of school and soccer to expand my experience in the fields of geoscience, which has ultimately helped me figure out what future careers I could have after graduating.”
Sydney received several scholarships; had an internship with Land Life; held work-study positions in the STEM Center as a tutor; and took part in mentoring incoming STEM students. “My connections with my supervisors in the STEM Center allowed me to create stronger connections with my classmates and peers who were studying similar majors as mine.”
She graduates in four years with no student loan debt.
“My growth from an incoming freshman to a graduating senior has been exponential. I feel that all the experiences I’ve encountered at Adams State helped me find clarity in what I want heading forward towards my future life and career. As a freshman, I was still trying to find myself, figure out what I wanted to do, and figure out what type of person I wanted to be. Now, as a senior, I can’t say I have it all figured out, but the opportunities at Adams State have given me the chance to get to know myself better and to find out what fields of geoscience I am passionate about.”
Post-graduate
Ilyani Lena Big Crow-Abourezk
Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision
Black Hawk, South Dakota
Lena is half Lakota (enrolled in the Oglala Lakota Tribe) and half Lebanese. She was raised by both of parents. “My grandfather reinforced the value of education. He was also a U.S. Senator for the State of South Dakota and accomplished so many things for Indigenous people. My parents raised me in an amazing home environment. One filled with love and modeling the value of education and hard work.”
She received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from South Dakota State University. In 2018, after several years working in the field, Lena opened her own private practice, and offered counseling services to Indigenous and LGBTQ2+ people.
“I raised my son on my own. He is 22 now. He has cerebral palsy and has endured 13 surgeries in 9 years, which most of those years were while I was in school. He is a child of a forever student.”
When her son turned 18, Lena decided to finish her educational goal, a doctorate. She applied at Adams State since it offered the online program with residencies in person. This worked perfectly for her schedule as a therapist.
Lena wants to bring more Indigenous counselors into the field. “There are too few. Studies show that only 1.6 percent of mental health providers, including doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, and social workers are Indigenous. Due to our long history of traumatic atrocities against us, we have generations of mental health needs to support any traditional healing. I thought I could accomplish this by becoming a professor and supervisor to better support Indigenous counselors-in-training. I also know that having a doctoral degree or “Ph.D.” behind your name makes people listen to you more. I can advocate and be a voice for the voiceless.”
During the doctoral program interview, Lena shared her goals. “They supported me from day one and accepted me into the program. It has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. I also started the first Indigenous Student Support group/club in order for Indigenous students at Adams State to have a community which is shown to improve graduation rates.”
Her dissertation is “The Lived Experience of Indigenous Counselors-in-Training: an exploration of barriers experienced in their counseling graduate program.” Lena maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the program.
“I do this for my son, my nieces, and any Indigenous students coming up behind me. I want to model to them that they are capable of completing their education goals in a world that is not designed for them to succeed. I have had the support of Adams and my family to complete this goal and continue helping Indigenous students.”
She accepted aposition as senior lecturer at South Dakota State University which includes teaching, supervising, advising, and advocating for all students, including Indigenous students. “I am honored and excited to do this alongside my private practice to fulfill the mental health needs of Indigenous People.”
Lena wouldn’t be graduating without her family. “My son for his ongoing support. My father for his guidance, modeling, and unconditional support. I have many more family members who have supported me through this, but I do come from a large family and there isn’t enough room to write them all in here.”
Stephanie Coello
Master of Arts
School Counselor Education
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Stephanie knew from the moment she entered fifth grade she would be a school counselor. “I have always been outspoken about my experience as a minority student that moved back to the U.S. after living in Ecuador for many years. The culture shock was traumatic, and those core memories revolved around my experience in schools in the Midwest. I spoke English and was the top reader in my class so even though there was no language barrier, my school experiences shaped me indefinitely.”
Stephanie felt isolated as she struggled through elementary and middle school. She didn’t connect with teachers and doesn’t remember a school counselor. Those challenges sparked her desire to entering the counseling profession. “I wanted to become a school counselor and be the person I needed when I was a kid. I felt unheard and invisible. I slipped through the cracks until high school when I finally made connections with others. I was a straight-A student after that.”
She and her husband met and started a family early, putting Stephanie’s educational goals on hold. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she enrolled at Adams State after hearing positive reviews from a fellow graduate.
“The professors at Adams State University have been incredibly supportive,” Stephanie said. “Their feedback and resources guided me and I feel completely prepared to take on the role of a professional school counselor.”
Stephanie’s family was incredibly supportive, especially her husband. He works full-time and took over full-time care for the kids while she interned or studied. “It’s not easy taking care of five kids and he happily did it. Even in moments when I felt like I really needed to take a break to help him, he encouraged me to continue with my studies. I wouldn’t have been able to graduate without his unwavering love and support.”
Stephanie will start her position as a counselor at a local high school in the fall of 2023.
Nicholas “Nick” Griffin
Master of Arts: Counseling – Clinical Mental Health
Alamosa, Colo.
After 15 years of teaching social studies and English, Nick wanted to do more for the high school students. The idea of getting a master’s degree in counseling had appealed to him. “I thought, as a counselor, I could help students with the interpersonal and developmental issues that they face in our ever-changing world. I dreamed of getting to work with students on the things that really mattered to them.”
There were a few problems with this dream though—time and money. “I worried that taking on a master’s degree program while teaching would be too much for me.”
In the spring of 2020, COVID-19 shut down schools and lives. “I started teaching my students remotely, which was very difficult. Students disappeared from my classes and mental health issues skyrocketed in our schools. I felt powerless as a teacher wanting to do the best for my students.”
It was at the height of the pandemic that Nick decided to become a counselor. He chose Adams State for the location and affordability of the program. “What I’ve gotten is much more than that. I have a whole new community of friends and I’ve had great guidance from my supervisors. This support has played a crucial role in giving me the skills and confidence to be a competent counselor.”
Without hesitation, his wife has supported him as a full-time student through late-night classes and weekend paper writing. “My time at Adams State has helped me see that there is a new path for me. By pursuing this path, I feel fully alive and excited about what the future will bring. As I move into my new counseling career, I’m able to take all of the experience I have gained over my life, a whole set of new skills, and the wisdom of my mentors with me. I believe that I am now doing what I was meant to do.”
Nick was in the last on-campus cohort. During his time in the counselor education program, He worked with patients at SLV Health, students at the Adams State Counseling Center, and community members at Sweetgrass Therapeutics.
Greg Peterson
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
Ridgefield, WA
Greg sought out a doctoral program for more professional opportunities. “I saw the Ph.D. as an open door to be able to pursue greater engagement with the counseling profession and to be able to invest in the overall direction of the profession.”
Adams Sate’s CACREP accredited online program enabled him to remain in his community. “Adams offered a unique opportunity to be able to pursue scholarly leadership and develop teaching skills which did not require my family to uproot itself and move across the country.:
Academia can be competitive, even in counseling schools. “Adams felt different, it felt supportive and that the faculty were going to get our cohort through the journey and onto the other side. My professors have been along that journey the whole way. They have helped support my professional endeavors and development by writing letters of support, editing my papers and ideas, and being sounding boards for research topics.”
Greg is currently the President-Elect to the Oregon Counseling Association. He was a Western Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES) Emerging Leader. His dissertation was partially funded by a grant from WACES and it won an ACA national award for best practices in research. “None of these awards or recognitions I could have achieved without the academic program and support of faculty I had through Adams State.”
The doctoral program opened doors in his career he did not think were available until many years into the future. Greg spent two difficult years, career-wise, after the university where he was employed closed. “I am happy to say that I have obtained a dream job working as the director of Student Wellness at the University of Portland where I oversee four separate departments of student services relating to wellness.”
The Adams State counselor education faculty helped him craft a career and professional identity. “I could not have done any of this without the support of my wife and kids. My wife is my inspiration to be a better person and counselor as we share the same profession. She is the better counselor.”
Greg took on the great adventure to enhance his education and career as an example for his kids. “If their dad can do something big and hard, they can too. I want my kids to know that with their words, actions, and kindness they can change the world every day.”
Jeff Tucker
Ph.D. Counselor Education and Supervision
Jeff knew at age 18 he would one day earn a doctorate degree. “During the convocation ceremony following my undergraduate freshman orientation, the speaker shared that the best way to meet a goal was to look at it in writing every day. I wrote “Ph.D.” on a blue Post-It note and placed it on the door of my dorm room. I still have the note.”
He chose Adams State as it is CACREP accredited and fit his schedule. “Having the opportunity to attend synchronous virtual courses and in-person residencies was the perfect solution. It was the only university I interviewed at, and I have never second-guessed choosing to attend Adams State.”
He appreciated the Counselor Education Department for allowing students to teach as they pursue their Ph.D. “Teaching is my passion, and I have grown so much as an educator as a result of my time at Adams State. I won the Presidential Teaching Award in the graduate school division last year, which was such a humbling and rewarding honor.”
He served as president of Alpha Sigma Chi last year, Adams State’s chapter of Chi Sigma Iota – the International Honor Society for counseling students.
The School of Counselor Education allowed Jeff to conduct research that aligns with what matters most to him. He has been published in three separate journals, and is on the Editorial Review Board for the Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling. Jeff’s dissertation, “Queens of Color: What It Means to Be a Black Drag Queen,” was his most rewarding research experience. “I am immensely proud of that work and will always be indebted to my participants because LGBTQIA+ issues, social justice issues, and creativity are so meaningful to me.
Jeff is grateful for the support from the professors. “Don’t get me wrong, they didn’t say it would be easy, and it hasn’t been, but they always made me feel like I would make it to the finish line. I have to give a special shoutout to Dr. Laura Bruneau. She served as my mentor and has been instrumental in my growth in the field of academia.”
His family was always supportive. “They have always been strong proponents of education. Though my partner and I separated while I was in this program, he remains my best friend and most vocal supporter. I was also cheered on by my current boyfriend. Out of all my family, however, my dog helped the most. She saw me through some tough times and was always there to comfort me.”
Jeff is currently as an adjunct instructor for Adams State, and he writes social-emotional learning books for children on the side. In the fall, Jeff will start a full-time lecturer position in another CACREP-accredited counselor education program. “I’m excited for what the future holds, and this future would not be possible without Adams State.”
