The Intermountain Collegiate Athletic Conference ( ICAC ) is a defunct U.S. junior college athletic conference for schools in the states of Colorado , Idaho , and Utah that existed from 1936 to 1984. The league was part of the National Junior College Athletic Association .
67-463: Founded in 1936, ICAC initially consisted of six schools. The founding members were: Over the years a number of schools entered and exited the league. In 1938, Mesa College joined the league. In 1939, the league saw its largest membership when Carbon Junior College (later College of Eastern Utah) and Snow College joined. In the early 1940s, the league saw disruption due to the outbreak of World War II – Ricks and Albion were forced to leave prior to
134-608: A dance studio. Moss is the home to the Theatre and Music Departments which offer a variety of entertainment for the campus and local community throughout the year. Completed in 2022 and built through a partnership between Colorado Mesa University and the City of Grand Junction, Community Hospital, and St. Mary's Regional Hospital , this 24,202 square foot center houses CMU's Physician's Assistant, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy programs. St. Mary's Regional Hospital donated $ 3 million for
201-512: A local artist and alumnus of Mesa State College. This building houses CMU's Department of Art & Design, and comes complete with art studios, covered outdoor areas for kilns, and a bronze foundry. The hall also features a television studio, which is used by the Mass Communication program, and is home to KRMJ-TV, Grand Junction's affiliate of Rocky Mountain PBS . Originally built in 1967 to house
268-494: A missing physics professor and has been MRA-certified since 1987. The Multicultural Center celebrates the diversity of people in and around the Gunnison community and helps students develop culturally, personally and academically. The Multicultural Center advises five student organizations: Amigos, Asian Pacific Islanders Club, Black Student Alliance, Native America Student Council, and Polynesian Chant and Dance. Western has one of
335-979: A professor, coach and administrator at Western, as well serving as a judge and mayor of Gunnison. The Western Colorado University Mountaineers compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) at the NCAA Division II level. Mountaineer teams compete in 11 sports: football, women's volleyball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's track & field (indoor and outdoor), women's soccer, men's and women's basketball, men's wrestling, and women's swimming & diving. Facilities include Mountaineer Bowl (elevation 7,771 feet (2,369 m)) and Paul Wright Gym (elevation 7,723 feet (2,354 m)). The Mountaineers have won 93 RMAC team titles and 15 team National Championships. Individually, Western has produced 990 All-Americans and 30 Academic All-American honors. In 2016–17, Alicja Konieczek became
402-494: A simulation center for students studying in CMU's Department of Health Sciences. The building also houses CMU's chapter of Sigma Theta Tau , an international nursing honor society. Houston Hall has the reputation of being the first building on campus. Built in 1940, it is named for the college's first president, Dr. Clifford G. Houston. Before its construction, the college had occupied an abandoned school building (the old Lowell School) in
469-700: A single governing board, the Consortium of State Colleges in Colorado. However, in 2003, the CSCC was abolished; resultantly, each school was granted its own governing board, and the Colorado General Assembly assigned Mesa State to be the designated higher education provider for 14 counties in western Colorado: Delta , Eagle , Garfield , Grand , Jackson , Mesa , Moffat , Montrose , Ouray , Pitkin , Rio Blanco , Routt , San Miguel , and Summit counties. In 2005,
536-567: A third-floor foyer with attached outdoor terraces, which provide panoramic views of the campus and broader Grand Valley. The hall takes its name from the Escalante Canyon, located in the Dominguez–Escalante National Conservation Area southeast of Grand Junction. Known by the acronym "FIRS", this facility consisting of a laboratory building and a fenced-in body farm is located just south of Grand Junction, near
603-589: A trampoline and foam pit. The Paul Wright Gym is attached to the Mountaineer Field House. At the north end of campus, this 1951 building is the world's highest collegiate gym. It seats 1,800 and various renovations have added Western's indoor pool, a wrestling room, locker rooms, the Hall of Fame trophy room and classrooms for Western's Recreation & Outdoor Education and Exercise & Sport Science departments. It's named for Paul W. Wright, who spent 38 years as
670-417: A university under Colorado state law in 2012, with its role and mission to be a regional education provider of bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as associate's degrees and technical certificates. Completed in 2024, the 860 seat Asteria Theatre serves as the newest venue for CMU's performing arts departments, as well as a venue for public speakers, debates, and other notable events. The theatre features
737-871: Is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission . CMU offers over 100 academic programs, including 44 technical certificates, 44 associate's degrees, 51 bachelor's degree programs, 9 master's degree programs, and 2 doctoral degree programs. As of 2023, half the student body were first-generation college students. In the fall 2024 semester, CMU accepted its largest incoming class in school history, welcoming 2,391 new students to campus. Colorado Mesa University offers options for students to live on campus. Over 2,000 students live on campus in 13 residential buildings, consisting of traditional rooms, suites and pods, and apartments. Residence halls and apartments are governed by Colorado Mesa University Residence Life, known on campus as ResLife. The Residence Hall Council (RHC)
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#1732863241217804-467: Is a public university in Grand Junction, Colorado , United States. Originally established in 1925 as Grand Junction Junior College , the school was renamed to Mesa College in 1940. The college began offering bachelor's degrees in 1974, and in 1988, changed its name to Mesa State College to reflect its growing educational programs. In 2011, the school officially attained university status and adopted
871-420: Is a student-led extension of ResLife and acts as the governing body for each residence hall. The RHC of each building is composed of an elected executive board and a ResLife representative. CMU's Compost Facility is student-run organization providing education, training, and selling compost to the public. The program takes university generated food waste and converts it nutrient-rich soil additive, thus reducing
938-484: Is also a media program, where students travel with the teams and document the trips and events through a variety of visual and written media. The program differs from NCAA athletics in that Mountain Sports athletes don't necessarily compete in intercollegiate competition and may carry sponsorships and accept prize money. While technically a club sport program, Mountain Sports distinguishes from club and intramural sports due to
1005-662: Is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $ 2,500-$ 4,500 per year (in-state) and $ 8,000-$ 10,000 (out-of-state) based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Western accepted 95% of applicants for the class of 2022. Western offers more than 90 areas of study for undergraduates and seven graduate programs with class sizes averaging 18 students. Popular majors include Business Administration, Biology, Exercise & Sport Science, Environment & Sustainability, Recreation & Outdoor Education and Psychology. Western also offers many unique programs, including Petroleum Geology, Energy Management and High Altitude Exercise Physiology. By virtue of
1072-524: Is constantly conducting research and frequently involves undergraduate students as well. Western's undergraduate Geology program offers research opportunities, scholarships and grants. The High Altitude Performance Lab (HAP Lab)—which sits at 7,750 feet above sea level—is a sport performance and exercise physiology facility equipped to assess the major fitness parameters. These parameters include: muscular endurance, muscular strength, cardiopulmonary capacity, flexibility and body composition. The primary goal of
1139-505: Is home to CMU's Department of Computer Science & Engineering. CMU maintains an Engineering Partnership Program with the University of Colorado Boulder , which allows students to receive instruction from both CMU and CU Boulder faculty. The hall also houses the Eureka! McConnell Science Museum, a non-profit museum which features many interactive exhibits. Dominguez Hall was built in 2011 and
1206-737: Is home to the Davis School of Business and the Center for Teacher Education. This building has several classrooms, including four large semi-circle lecture rooms, computer labs, small study rooms, study open spaces (indoors and outdoors), faculty offices, a coffee shop, and a boardroom. Dominguez Hall is named after the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness located southeast of Grand Junction. The three-story, 76,000 square foot Escalante Hall houses CMU's Department of Languages, Literature & Mass Communication. Built in 2014, Escalante Hall notably features
1273-442: Is named for Dr. Horace J. Wubben, CMU's second president. CMU is one of the first schools to utilize geothermal energy throughout its campus. The project, known as CMU Geo-Grid, was well established by 2024. The system heats and cools 1.2 million square feet of academic and auxiliary buildings, reduces CMU's carbon footprint reduced by 17,742 metric tons of CO 2 per year, and provides CMU cost predictability, allowing it to offer
1340-460: Is the first university in Colorado and only the eighth in the nation to implement Sources of Strength. In 1994, the school commissioned Santa Fe sculptors Gene and Rebecca Tobey to create a new work for the campus. The result was Pathfinder , a six-foot-tall bronze grizzly bear, which students have a custom of hugging for good luck during exams. Two other Tobey works are displayed at Western—a bronze bull elk titled Wind River, which stands out by
1407-449: The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). CMU fields teams in men's football, men's baseball, men and women's basketball, women's volleyball, men and women's cross country, men and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, men and women's golf, men and women's soccer, men and women's cycling, men and women's lacrosse, women's softball, men and women's swimming, men and women's tennis, and men and women's wrestling. CMU has competed at
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#17328632412171474-418: The 1941 season, while Weber and Westminster were forced to leave prior to the 1942 season. The entire league suspended operations from 1943 to 1945. In 1946, the league resumed operations with Albion and Weber also re-joining the league. Prior to 1948, Mesa left the league, while Westminster and Ricks rejoined, and a new member also joined – Boise Junior College (later Boise College). Following this expansion,
1541-622: The 1974 season. The league reached its final configuration in 1979 when Eastern Utah re-joined. In 1983, member schools were Eastern Utah, Dixie, Ricks, Snow, UTCP, and CNCC. 1984 would be the final season of league play for the ICAC. In 1985, the NJCAA realigned its regions in response to a large number of Oregon and Washington schools leaving the organization to form the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges . NJCAA Region 18
1608-652: The 19th century. Young is currently the Global Coordinator for the School of Environment & Sustainability at Western. The University Center is a primary center for student life at Western. It is home to the Rare Air Cafe and Mad Jack's Cafe dining facilities. It also houses several ballrooms and conference rooms, a movie theater, Wilderness Pursuits, LEAD & Orientation offices, the Multicultural Center, and
1675-890: The Brownson Arena, El Pomar Natatorium, Hamilton Recreation Center, and Monfort Family Human Performance Lab. Adjacent to the Maverick Center are the Community Hospital Unity field soccer and lacrosse stadium, Elliot Tennis Complex, Bergman Softball Field, and the Maverick Pavilion. The Foster Field House is home to a climbing wall, a cycling training room, an athletic training lab used by the Department of Kinesiology, and several different athletic courts. The Moss Performing Arts Center, named for local Colorado Mesa University supporters John and Angie Moss, provides students in
1742-569: The Department of Music and Department of Theatre Arts with the facilities needed to let their creativity shine. The center, which recently underwent a $ 5.1 million renovation and expansion, is home to the 600-seat William S. Robinson Theatre, a 300-seat recital hall, the Walter Walker Reception Area, the Mesa Experimental Theatre, a design studio, numerous music practice rooms, smart technology classrooms, faculty offices and
1809-743: The Ethridge Pottery Collection of prehistoric southwestern ceramics. The University Center was built in 2010 to replace the aging W.W. Campbell College Center. It houses the main campus dining facilities, including the on-campus Dining Hall (known as "The Caf"), the Flattop Grill, Starbucks Coffee, Chick-Fil-A, and a small convenience store. The center also houses the Maverick Store (a combination merchandise shop and bookstore), Associated Student Government, The Criterion campus newspaper, KMSA 91.3FM, Ballroom, student lounges, MAV Card Office, and
1876-485: The Gunnison Farmers Market. Western's Office of Student Health and Wellness implemented the nationally recognized Sources of Strength program in 2018. The program's mission is to provide evidence-based prevention for suicide, violence, bullying and substance abuse by training, supporting, and empowering peer leaders and adults to impact the campus through the power of connection, hope, help and strength. Western
1943-831: The NCAA Division II level since 1992. Before this, they competed in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1976 to 1992 (at which point the entire Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference left the NAIA to join the NCAA's Division II ranks). Prior to becoming a four-year institution in 1974, the Mavericks competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). In 2019, CMU
2010-612: The Natural & Environmental Sciences and Mathematics & Computer Science departments. Quigley Hall, which received significant renovations in 2016, is the center for the Art and Music departments. The Leslie J. Savage Library's West Wing was designed by Temple Buell . The Mountaineer Field House opened on Western's campus in March 2014. The 65,000-square-foot facility includes a 200-meter track, multi-purpose courts, workout rooms, climbing wall, and
2077-600: The Residence Life offices. Western has 10 on-campus residence halls. Five have traditional, two-person rooms, three are suite-style and two are apartments. All students are required to live on campus for their first two years. The Innovation + Creativity + Entrepreneurship (ICE) Lab is one of the newest additions to Western's campus and partners with the Colorado Small Business Development Center. Although it occupies an older building on campus,
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2144-510: The Student Life office, which contains some club offices. Constructed in 1962, Wubben Hall houses the university's various math and science programs, including the Department of Biological Sciences, the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, and the Department of Mathematics & Statistics. In 2010, the three-story, 31,900 square foot science center was added to the hall to make room for more classrooms and research spaces. The hall
2211-979: The abundance of funding for coaching, travel, equipment and overall popularity. Three Freeride athletes have qualified for the Freeride World Tour . Western's Club sports include: men's baseball, men's boxing, women's boxing, men's ice hockey, women's ice hockey, men's lacrosse, men's rugby, women's rugby, men's soccer, women's soccer and coed swimming. Western's intramural sports are all coed and include: slow-pitch softball, flag football, ultimate frisbee , kickball, bubble ball soccer , indoor soccer, floor hockey , pickleball , inner-tube water polo , dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, table tennis/billiards and Quidditch. Wilderness Pursuits, commonly referred to as simply “WP," provides Western students and visitors affordable gear rentals and opportunities for outdoor expeditions. WP hires students to guide and instruct courses, and puts on “Wilderness Based Orientation” before
2278-445: The addition of this program, Mesa State College became the only four-year institution in Colorado to offer a full range of undergraduate degrees (technical certificates, associate's degrees, and bachelor's degrees) along with graduate programs. Prior to 2003, all four of Colorado's state colleges ( Adams State College , Mesa State College, Metropolitan State College of Denver , and Western State College of Colorado ) were governed under
2345-602: The center's development, the largest donation in CMU's history. CMU's Student Wellness Center offers basic medical resources, as well as mental and behavioral health resources, to all CMU students. The center also is home to the Campus Safety office, which houses a substation of the Grand Junction Police Department dedicated to providing a police presence on campus. By 1984 the library's collection had outgrown Lowell Heiny Library and plans were made to build
2412-483: The city's downtown area. During the 2011 expansion and renovation project, delicate care was taken to match the new wing's ornamental brick facade with that of the original building. Houston Hall houses the university's Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, as well as many general education classes. Built in 2002, the hall was renamed the Kephart Fine Arts Building in 2021 in honor of Jac Kephart,
2479-489: The collection a new home. The new library was dedicated in 1986. Recognized as an architectural gem in American School and University magazine , the library was named for outgoing college president John U. Tomlinson in 1988 to honor his commitment to improved library services at the college. Tomlinson Library contains over 190,000 volumes, including a large government documents collection, and a geology library. It also houses
2546-477: The college library, previously located in Houston Hall, Lowell Heiny Hall now houses University Authorities offices, Registrar's Office, President's Office, HR, Marketing, and faculty offices. Formerly known as Saunders Field House, the Maverick Center houses all athletic facilities in one building, except for football and baseball. Additionally, this center houses CMU's Department of Kinesiology. Facilities include
2613-462: The college's name was changed to Western State College of Colorado in recognition of its expanding programs in the liberal arts at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The college continued to grow, particularly after World War II when returning veterans attended on the GI Bill, and academic and co-curricular programs capitalizing on the college's unique mountain setting were continually added. In 2012,
2680-456: The college's then-executive director of marketing and recruitment Rick Taggart felt that the new name should include "Colorado". An effort was also made to rename North Avenue, the principal street on which the university is located and a major street in Grand Junction, to "University Boulevard"; this effort was ultimately unsuccessful. Colorado Mesa University was officially established as
2747-563: The community of Whitewater . As of January 2018, the decomposition of 11 bodies was under investigation with a focus on identification of microbial clocks, collections of microorganisms that appear and change in a predictable manner during the course of human body decomposition. Formerly the home of Community Hospital, the Health Sciences Building is now home to the Moss School of Nursing, featuring classrooms, laboratory space, and
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2814-581: The first Mountaineer to win four national track and field titles. She has since won four more national titles—the most by any female in Western's history. Western Mountain Sports is an athletic program revolving around outdoor, mountain-based athletics. The program includes disciplines in freeride (big mountain) skiing and snowboarding, freestyle skiing and snowboarding, alpine ski racing , Nordic ski racing , randonnée (SkiMo) racing, mountain biking , rock climbing , road cycling and trail running . There
2881-538: The highest percentage increase in full-time enrollment in Colorado outside of the University of Colorado System . Western was established in 1901 and opened for classes in 1911 as the Colorado State Normal School , the first college on the Western Slope . This initial focus as a preparatory college for teachers resulted in a commitment to teacher preparation programs that continues to this day. In 1923
2948-431: The institution was renamed Western State Colorado University . In September 2018, the institution changed its name to Western Colorado University . Undergraduate admission at Western is a holistic process where students' academic history, leadership potential, diversity of experience, depth of participation in extracurricular activities and overall interest in attending are taken into account. Every student who applies
3015-742: The interior has been completely remodeled as collaborative and modular workspace to help promote economic development on the Western Slope of Colorado. The downstairs of the ICELab is now the Coffee Lab, a coffee shop that helps fund the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory . The Borick Business Building is home to the School of Business, which encompasses the Business Administration, Accounting and Economics programs in addition to
3082-525: The lab is to provide well rounded, applied experiences to Western undergraduate Exercise & Sport Science majors. Of Western's 171 faculty members, 75% are full-time. The majority of faculty at Western also carry a terminal degree. In 2000, Biology professor Jessica Young helped discover the Gunnison Sage-Grouse . This was the first new avian species to be described in the United States since
3149-478: The largest stage in western Colorado, and was built with help from a $ 39 million grant from the Colorado General Assembly , the largest state grant ever received by CMU. The theatre has played host to several notable speakers and performers, including Neil deGrasse Tyson , Kalani Pe'a , and former Colorado Governors Bill Owens and Bill Ritter . Built in 2018, the 68,700 square foot Confluence Hall
3216-529: The largest university in western Colorado, as well as the largest university in the state outside of the Front Range Urban Corridor . Colorado Mesa's athletic teams, known as the Mavericks , compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference . The Mavericks have won 70 RMAC regular season titles across the school's 26 NCAA sports. The city of Grand Junction
3283-401: The league would see a gradual reduction in teams. 1950 would be the final season for SICE as the school closed in 1951. Westminster left the league after the 1954 season. Weber left following the 1961 season, while Southern Utah left the following year. In 1963, Mesa returned, but Eastern Utah decided to depart the league following that season. Boise left after the 1967 season, and Mesa left after
3350-668: The most influential positions in the university and college system. The Senatus Academicus names a member from its ranks to serve as the eleventh member. Colorado Mesa University has had 11 presidents throughout its history, dating back to its beginnings as a junior college. Prior to 1937, the Chief Executive Officer of the school was granted the title of Dean, rather than President. Colorado Mesa University offers programs leading to awards in five levels: technical certificates, associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees , master's degrees and professional doctoral degrees. The university
3417-682: The name Colorado Mesa University. CMU's main campus sits on 141 acres in central Grand Junction. CMU's branch campuses include the Bishop Campus, which houses CMU Tech in northwestern Grand Junction, a CMU Tech community campus in Clifton , and a regional campus in Montrose , about 60 miles southeast of Grand Junction. The university offers over 100 undergraduate programs and 11 postgraduate programs across 13 academic departments. Colorado Mesa University enrolled nearly 9,000 students in fall 2023, making it
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#17328632412173484-576: The nation's first Outdoor Industry MBA. Taylor Hall was the first building on Western's campus. It is LEED -certified and houses Western's administrative offices as well as the Communication Arts, Languages & Literature Department, Welcome Center and WSB radio station. The Hurst Quad comprises Kelley, Hurst and Quigley Halls. Kelley Hall houses the Behavioral & Social Sciences and Environment & Sustainability departments. Hurst Hall houses
3551-504: The oldest collegiate radio stations in the state, student-operated KWSB 91.1 FM, which has been on the air since 1968. The Top has been in print since 1921 and is entirely written and produced by Western students, with funding from student fees and advertising. Organics Guild is a student-led initiative that promotes sustainable food systems on campus and around Gunnison. The group maintains two gardens on campus. Students and community members can pick vegetables, which are often sold at
3618-673: The same year. At the time of its founding, the college offered seven courses, with tuition at $ 8 per class. By the time the school was renamed to Mesa College in 1940, enrollment had increased to nearly 300 students. The school's selection of community college programs continued to increase as well, with enrollment surpassing 1,000 students in 1961, and a vocational school being added in 1967. In 1972, Governor John Arthur Love signed Senate Bill 16 authorizing Mesa College to begin offering bachelor's degrees, effective fall 1974. Due to this expansion of programs, by 1979, enrollment had increased to 3,891 students, nearly tripling since 1963. In 1988,
3685-425: The school officially opened Western Colorado Community College (now known as CMU Tech), which would serve as the school's two-year, open admission division. In 2011, Mesa State College officially attained university status, and its name was changed to Colorado Mesa University . During the name change process, strong contenders for the school's new moniker were "Mesa State University" and "Grand Mesa University", but
3752-423: The school was renamed Mesa State College , as it began transitioning from a junior college into a four-year state college. In 1994, the Colorado legislature authorized Mesa State College to begin offering select graduate programs, as the need for higher education in western Colorado began to increase. In 1996, Mesa State began offering its first graduate program, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. With
3819-494: The school's mountainous setting, professors in many departments are known for taking their classes into the “outdoor laboratory” that surrounds campus. The Biology and Exercise & Sport Science departments are actively involved in research. The Thornton Biology Research Program has funded undergraduate research projects for the past 30 years. The Master of Science in High Altitude Exercise Physiology program
3886-492: The second lowest tuition rate in Colorado. As of 2024, CMU Geo-Grid is connected to 16 of the campus's buildings. The university is planning to connect the geothermal system to nine additional buildings. The latest expansion is expected due to the passage of Colorado General Assembly bill SB23-250, sponsored by Barbara Kirkmeyer , Kyle Mullica , Marc Catlin , and Shannon Bird , which secured $ 6 million for further implementation of CMU's geothermal exchange system. The bill
3953-485: The skate park, and a small buffalo titled Wandering Star which is displayed inside Leslie J. Savage Library. The Western Colorado University Foundation is a private nonprofit corporation founded in 1975. It is the primary depository of private gifts from alumni, friends, corporations and foundations used to advance the mission and goals of Western Colorado University. Each year, the Foundation gives more than $ 2 million to
4020-609: The start of each academic year. The most popular trips include whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, ice climbing, rock climbing and backpacking. The Western Mountain Rescue Team (WMRT) serves the Gunnison County region and is the only collegiate search-and-rescue team accredited by the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA). The team was first started in 1967 after a group of students banded together to search for
4087-515: The university's overall waste product. The compost facility is run by CMU's Sustainability Council, founded by Dr. John Heideman in 2013. CMU's athletic teams are known as the Mavericks; their mascot is symbolized by a rearing bull's head with flaring nostrils. Their official colors are maroon, white, and gold. Student body fans are known as the Herd. The Colorado Mesa Mavericks have 28 varsity teams that compete in NCAA Division II athletics, as part of
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#17328632412174154-471: The vast majority of high-yield geothermal energy capacity in the U.S." The university is governed by a Board of Trustees, which has 13 trustees (11 voting and two non-voting). The voting members are appointed by Colorado's governor and confirmed by the Colorado State Senate and serve staggered terms. The Colorado Mesa University Student Trustee is elected by the student body and is considered one of
4221-819: Was expanded to include schools in Utah, which resulted in all ICAC members being merged into the Scenic West Athletic Conference (Ricks had already been a member of the SWAC in non-football sports since 1968). For football, the league was merged with the Arizona Community College Conference to form the Western States Football League . Full members World War II (suspended operations) Colorado Mesa University Colorado Mesa University ( CMU or Mesa )
4288-644: Was incorporated as a Colorado municipality in 1882; by the 1920 Census, the city's population had more than quadrupled to nearly 9,000 residents. As the population of the area continued to rise, the need for education facilities became apparent. Many students in the region had to travel long distances for college; the nearest college was located in Gunnison , 124 miles to the southeast. To meet this demand, in 1925, Colorado Governor Clarence Morley signed Senate Bill 262 into law, which established Grand Junction Junior College . GJJC welcomed its inaugural class of 39 students
4355-542: Was offered the opportunity to ascend to NCAA Division I athletics and join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). However, the university ultimately turned down the offer, citing the expenses which would be required to make the jump, including a $ 1.7 million Division I application fee and a $ 100,000 penalty for leaving the RMAC, in addition to increased salaries for coaches and athletic staff. The open Division I spot
4422-457: Was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis on April 28, 2023. In 2021, Western Governors Association launched the Heat Beneath our Feet initiative at CMU's Campus. The initiative's purpose is to "examine opportunities for and barriers to the increased deployment of geothermal energy technologies for both electricity generation and heating and cooling systems in western states, which contain
4489-546: Was ultimately given to Utah Tech University , located in St. George, Utah . Western Colorado University Western Colorado University ( WCU or Western ) is a public university in Gunnison, Colorado . It enrolls approximately 3,000 undergraduate and 450 graduate students, with 25 percent coming from out of state. Western offers more than 100 undergraduate areas of study and seven graduate programs, five of which are available as accelerated degree programs. Since 2013, Western's student headcount has grown by 17.4%,
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