Alumni Blair and Jennifer Rollins balance family, traditional values and careers in environmental stewardship and education
Speaking with Blair and Jennifer Rollins, you get the impression that beneath their young voices lies a foundation of traditional values. Blair put his 2006 Colorado Mesa University bachelor’s degree in environmental science to good use and earned a position as an environmental specialist for gas and oil companies. Jennifer is originally from Alaska and studied elementary education at CMU, graduating in 2009, and has most recently been with Tope Elementary.
After graduation, Blair provided regulatory and environmental services to support gas and oil development with several successful companies and is now leading safety and environmental initiatives for land and water around drill sites. He is often on-call as a first responder if any incidents occur or if a spill response is needed.
Jennifer has moved up quickly in elementary education. In addition to her teaching duties at Tope Elementary, she acts as a mentor ambassador for incoming teachers, lending these newcomers the benefit of her experience. Jennifer’s latest promotion is part of the CMU and District 51 project called Pathway to Principalship. She is the only elementary school teacher chosen to be part of the program this year and will be the assistant principal for Clifton Elementary during the next school year.
Blair and Jennifer first met on campus at Pinyon Hall when Jennifer asked him for directions. Blair barely looked up from his video game and quickly answered. After that informal start, they became resident advisors together and remained friends until finally starting to date sophomore year. “I just flirted with him all the time,” said Jennifer. During those years, Blair often brought her flowers because, “I just wanted to see you smile,” he confessed.
When asked what makes a successful marriage, Blair responded quickly with, “Yes, ma'am.” After a pause, he followed up with, “I know that’s what I should say all the time.” “Happy wife, happy life,” Jennifer interjected and added, “The best advice I ever got was never stop dating.”
Their family loves spending quality time together and they go on many family excursions with their 6-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. The couple also hosts free CrossFit exhibits for local kids. “This way local kids can try out CrossFit in a safe environment,” said Jennifer. The Rollins family also enjoys camping and hunting every season. Perhaps that is what makes a successful marriage: time spent together as a couple and as a family.