News

Janene Mondragon is our new assistant director of Career Services

Janene Mondragon joined Adams State as the assistant director of Career Services in August, 2022. Prior to joining the Division of Community Engagement and Communication, Janene was career and technical education coordinator with the Adams State RISE Grant. Previously, she served as regional cooperative vocational transitional specialist in Northern New Mexico. Janene was a school teacher for a number of years, primarily in language arts (elementary and middle school) and is an adjunct professor of English at Adams State.

Janene earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and a master’s degree in curriculum instruction, both from Adams State. She is completing her doctorate in curriculum, instruction, and assessment from Walden University.

Janene works closely with the Alumni Relations and Career Services director, Ashley Maestas ’13, ’20. I plan to promote career development and civic engagement for Adams State students and provide assistance to alumni as they pursue professional careers.”

Career Services and Alumni support Adams State students by:

Creating philanthropic guidance Providing equity in informed career decisions Providing innovation and engagement in current technology trends Exemplifying excellence in chosen careers Connecting to networking internship opportunities

Behind the scenes shots during the filming of The College Tour - Adams State edition

Scan QR Code to watch The College Tour, Adams State

One of our student stars, Jasmina Martinez, Class of 2022, walks the red carpet during the premiere event, Sept. 14

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Interim President David Tandberg's first several months at Adams State

1. Vice President of Academic Affairs, Kent Buchanan, Ph.D. hands over the "key" to Adams State to incoming interim President,

David Tandberg, Ph.D. on his first day, July 1, 2022

2. President Tandberg is interviewed for Great Day Colorado, Aug.25 –Scan the QR code to watch his segment–

3. Governor Polis and President Tandberg visit with STEM classes on

Aug. 29

4. President Tandberg hosts a Marvel House luncheon on Aug. 15.

Pictured left to right, Richard Loosbrock, Ph.D.; Koos Daley, Ph.D.;

President Tandberg; Ed Crowther, Ph.D.; John McDaniel, Ph.D.

5. President Tandberg invites students to the Great Sand Dunes

National Park, Sept. 3

6. President Tandberg visits with Adams State housing RA's, Aug. 17

7. President Tandberg; U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar;

Professor Nick Saenz, Ph.D.

8. President Tandberg visits with faculty and students during New

Student Orientation, Aug. 19

“So much has changed since I started teaching in 1986. Personal computers had just become available and most people had never used a computer.”

In his first classes, George Sellman described teaching how special keys work on a keyboard. Over the decades, computers have become such prominent devices in our everyday lives that classes cover a wide array of systems.

“My time at Adams State has always been about continuous learning, not just about technology but learning how students think about technology.

“What has stayed the same [over the years] is the effectiveness of person to person learning. The mutual trust between a student and their instructor is essential. I learn as much, if not more, from my students as they do from me. Both learn and both grow.”

Nestled in the San Luis Valley, George explains that Adams State’s impact on the valley has been gratifying to see. “Seeing Adams State and the Valley evolve and adapt with the times has been a joy.”

Tim Armstrong is a first generation college graduate and the only person in his family with a college degree who has always identified strongly with Adams State’s mission and students.

As a boy, Tim was intrigued with the treasures his aunt brought home from her travels and he became an avid reader of National Geographic. As a result, travel became an integral part of his life and he knows it enhances students’ educational experiences. For over 10 years, he led trips with students and community members to places of unique biological interest including Australia, Peru, and multiple trips to East Africa and Costa Rica. These trips were life-changing events for some students who changed their focus or majors after traveling.

Tim also taught on two Semester at Sea voyages, including one that circumnavigated the globe with 600 students from around the world.

Throughout his life, Tim carefully observed nature and questioned what he saw. Although trained as an ornithologist, he spent the last 10 years studying small mammals and carnivores in the San Luis Valley.

Tim’s legacy is the former students who work for state and federal resource management agencies and those who went on to become veterinarians, doctors, and dentists throughout the western U.S.

From tax firms to classrooms to ironman triathlons, Sheryl Abeyta has a knack for achievement for herself and those around her.

Sheryl, Class of 1990, credits her own Adams State mentors and teachers for helping her become a disciplined professional with strong ethical values, morals, and standards. She strived to bring those same traits to her students.

“I am proud to be a part of Adams State. I believe everyone should follow their dreams. I am a product of a great education. I believe education is power and I am inspired by the students. I wanted to inspire them in return. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach for the last several years and assist my students in seeing their dreams come true.” Sheryl's positive attitude and close mentorship proved invaluable to John Owsley, Class of 2018 and fourth generation Adams State alumni, pictured right.

In 2004, Sheryl completed a Master of Taxation from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She encouraged Adams State accounting students to continue their education at Sturm College of Law. Through a strong relationship with her alma mater, Sheryl helped establish financial assistance for her students.

She ran the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) for six years, applying for and receiving grants for five years. She received the 2013 Presidential Teaching Award. She has been a fitness instructor for over 30 years.

In 2006, Armando Valdez accepted a position as an Adams State assistant professor in the School of Business.

“There is a community service role teaching at a small rural college. And for me, it provides great responsibility to represent my local communities of Conejos County, Capulin, and La Jara.”

At Adams State, the focus is always on the success of the college and the students. “Adams State students are as talented as any group of students I have been around. They are diamonds in the rough that bring their talents to Adams State for guidance on how to extract those talents.”

Armando has a lengthy list of accomplishments throughout his illustrious career at Adams State. Among his accolades are the 2010 Presidential Teacher Award, the 2008 and 2015 Student Engagement in Teaching Award, and the 2013 Excellence in Advisement Award.

He currently serves as the USDA Rural Development State Director in Colorado.