“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Lincoln
Welcome to Colorado Mesa University! My name is Kole and I am here to help students “sharpen” their proverbial axes. I have a fervent passion for helping students achieve their goals, academically, professionally and personally. I truly believe in the power of higher education and my mission is to make the process as seamless, transparent and fulfilling as possible. As a CMU alum with a background in Spanish Literature and Business Management, I am committed to ensuring that every student is provided an equal opportunity to pursue their passion, regardless of where that road may take them. Remember, “not all those who wander are lost,” and I hope that I can be of service along your journey to find what lights your fire.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing and spending time in the outdoors. I am a lifelong learner and have been known to wander deep down rabbit-holes. My office is a safe space and I look forward to learning about you as both a student and a human being.
My name is Julie Bruggenthies and I am a IRIS Advisor at CMU. I grew up in the Midwest and graduated from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and completed a M.Ed., in Guidance and Counseling from Whitworth College in Spokane, WA. While in Washington State, I was an instructor at a minimum-security prison, did educational outreach for Planned Parenthood, was an adjunct professor at Spokane Falls Community College and a health educator in three rural counties. I directed a TRiO program at Henderson State University in Arkansas along with the TRiO Upward Bound program at UW Stout in Wisconsin. I loved the TRiO programs and my students. We traveled to NYC, Washington D.C., San Antonio, Texas, South Carolina and went on endless college visits, Broadway musicals and a yearly trip to an environmental camp for a week, along with summer programming. The brutal Midwest winters became unbearable, and I landed here at CMU in August of 2020. I love hiking, running, reading, quilting, traveling and exploring the National Parks with my family. Welcome to CMU! I can’t wait to meet you!
Hi friends! My name is Olivia Carr (she/her) and I am the Manager of Systems and Services for IRIS here at CMU.
I am originally from Utah and grew up in the small town of Fountain Green. I graduated from Utah State University (USU) in 2021 with my Bachelor of Science in Sociology: Criminal Justice and Social Work. As a student at USU, I worked as a Peer Advisor and upon graduation, worked as an Advisor with Undeclared Students up until my move to Colorado!
In my free time, I enjoy reading, being outdoors, trying new food, and watching movies (My Top 3: Booksmart, Shrek 2, & Fantastic Mr. Fox). I am passionate about student success and helping others find joy in education. I can't wait to meet you and help you reach your goals!
Hi, my name is Delaney Castronovo. As a recent alum, I am very excited to be back on campus as an IRIS Advisor. Throughout my time at Colorado Mesa University, I served as a Senior Resident Assistant in Garfield Hall and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a focus in English. I grew up just south of Denver before making the move to Grand Junction for college.
I’ve found a certain charm about this town that continues to draw me in. CMU is a place where I find belonging and unconditional support in my goals and dreams. After graduating, I worked within the education realm in several capacities, first as a tutor for Elementary Students in District 51 and later as a Montessori Primary Assistant Teacher. Learning how to effectively communicate and support students of any age is a priority of mine. I always strive to create a space of calming, unquestioned belonging for anyone I encounter. CMU gives me the opportunity to practice this on a daily basis.
Outside of school, I love relaxing with friends, family, and my newly adopted cat, Maisel. I find joy being out in nature and trying to notice small details to make meaning in my life. I am definitely a homebody, but if the mood is right, I’ll be down for any adventure!
Hello! My name is Sawyer, I am a recent graduate of Colorado Mesa University, and I am so excited to be returning as an IRIS Advisor. With a history and human resource management background, I have found that creating a welcoming and supportive environment is something I strive to do in all areas of my life. I am committed to helping you create a story you can be proud of. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emmerson, " Nature loves analogies, but not repetitions." There are many paths toward success, my job is to give you tools to help with the journey.
I have found the community of CMU to be the most welcoming and rewarding to work with and have immense pride in my relationships built during my time as a student and hope to foster many more great connections as an advisor. I love spending time watching hockey, enjoying the outdoors, video games, and writing.
Your future has never been brighter!
Hello, fellow Mavs. I am a Colorado native and earned my BBA (human resources and management) at CMU where I was involved in campus life as an RA, cheerleader, and dancer. As a Maverick alum, I’m excited to be back home on the CMU campus doing what I love: helping students! My first job post college was in pharmaceutical sales, but my career has been dedicated to education and student success. I’ve served students as a residence life professional, academic advisor, school administrator, career services advisor, and teacher.
My favorite things include students, art, architecture, theater, good movies, cold lattes, and hot food. I spend my free time hanging out with my terrific husband and four amazing adult children. You’ll find me outside—camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, paddleboarding, walking—at every opportunity. I enjoy visiting new places, including our National Parks. I also love graphic design and reading, whether it be out in the warm sunshine or curled up in a cozy book nook.
I believe education is a gift, and I look forward to supporting you as you discover or pursue your passion! Welcome to CMU.
Hi Mavs, my name is Lindsey Grasmick! I am a Colorado native and attended Adams State where I was a student-athlete and completed a BA in Exercise and Sport Science. Following my time in Alamosa, I moved to Mankato, Minnesota where I graduated with an MA in Sport Management and assisted the track and field program and athletic academic advising department.
For the past 8 years, I was the head track and field coach at Western Colorado University. I love working at universities and helping students navigate the college process. I am excited to be an IRIS advisor and support you through your educational journey at CMU!
I truly love the Western Slope and enjoy spending time outside (running, hiking, biking), reading and checking out live music. I am excited to meet you, welcome to CMU!
Hi Mavs, my name is Lindsey Grasmick! I am a Colorado native and attended Adams State where I was a student-athlete and completed a BA in Exercise and Sport Science. Following my time in Alamosa, I moved to Mankato, Minnesota where I graduated with an MA in Sport Management and assisted the track and field program and athletic academic advising department.
For the past 8 years, I was the head track and field coach at Western Colorado University. I love working at universities and helping students navigate the college process. I am excited to be an IRIS advisor and support you through your educational journey at CMU!
I truly love the Western Slope and enjoy spending time outside (running, hiking, biking), reading and checking out live music. I am excited to meet you, welcome to CMU!
Hello! My name is Wes Kosel and I am the Assistant Director of IRIS - Advising.
I am originally from Bartlesville, OK but moved to Sacramento, CA in 2004, and graduated from Mira Loma High School in 2008. I earned my B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Kansas in 2012 and my M.Ed. In Physical Education from the University of Houston in 2015. Out of college, I worked as a collegiate basketball coach at several institutions: Haskell Indian Nations University (KS), Texas Lutheran University, Augustana University (SD), and Colorado College. I then transitioned into the Campus Recreation/Fitness world and worked as the Assistant Director of the Fitness Center at Colorado College from 2019-2022. I am passionate about working with college students to help them succeed and make the most of their college experience.
My interests include running, road cycling, hiking, CrossFit, watching sports, kayaking, archery and spending time with my pets. Fun Fact – I have lived in seven states.
I am excited to work with you and help you reach your goals!
Hi Mavs! My name is Justin and I am a fellow Mav, graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Minor in Mathematics. I also played baseball and was part of the first CMU baseball team to reach the NCAA Division II World Series. I have lived and worked in the Valley for the past 15 years, with the last 3 years working as a College and Career Advisor at Grand Junction High School. I enjoy hiking, fishing, golfing, and hanging out with my two little ones, Beau and Maria.
Hi Mavs! My name is Alicia and I am excited to be here with IRIS helping students work toward their educational and career goals.
I am a CMU alumna. I graduated from Mesa with a B.S. in the Biological Sciences and then earned my M.S. in Biology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Finding your passion is all about the journey – and my journey has taken me all over the place. From the cloud forest of Ecuador to the expanse of the Mojave Desert, my experiences have helped me grow and define my professional focus. My roles as a student, a researcher, a receptionist, an instructor, and an aquarist have all helped me find my passion for supporting students as they look toward their future.
I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your higher education journey!
Hi Mavs! My name is Bailey, and I am so excited to be a part of the IRIS team and CMU. I myself am a fellow maverick alumna and graduated with my B.F.A in graphic design with a certificate in Marketing Graphics Technology. Go MAVS!
Even though I am not a Colorado Native, I love to explore the western slope and everything that Colorado has to offer! My hobbies and interests include hiking, yoga, reading, digital drawing, sketching, graphic design work, website building, and exploring new outdoor places.
I look forward to meeting with you and supporting you on your path in higher education and your future career journey!
Hello! My name is Nicole Poorman, and I am one of the IRIS Advisors here at CMU! I am originally from Denver and moved to Grand Junction to attend Colorado Mesa University. I graduated from CMU in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. For four years, I was a peer advisor on campus, and I really loved it! I enjoy assisting students in all facets of life during their time in college and seeing them achieve their personal objectives.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you along the way through your time here at CMU and reach your goals!
As a fellow MAV, I'd like to welcome you to CMU! My name is Josh, I'm an alumni of CMU after recently earning my Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. I look forward to aiding you in finding your own pathway to success! "Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination." – Mae Jemison
Welcome to CMU! I’m Anna Salazar, an IRIS Advisor.
In 2020, I earned my B.S. in Educational Studies from Grand Canyon University, becoming the first in my family to attend and graduate college.
My journey in education has led me to work in several departments including Special Education and ESL (English as a Second Language). I’ve always had a strong passion for supporting and inspiring students to reach their full potential, and I’m thrilled to continue doing just that here at CMU!
In my personal time, I love to travel and experience different cultures. London, England is my favorite city of all. When I’m not traveling, I find joy in reading and admiring the beauty of clouds.
Fun fact: Spanish is my first language.
I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you and help you achieve your educational goals! Can’t wait to meet you.
Hi Mavs! My name is Jackie Vlcek and I am excited to be a part of the team at IRIS. I grew up in the Midwest, made my way to the Florida Keys after college and have lived in Colorado since 2005. I earned my B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and spent the first part of my professional career working in that field - Rare plant monitoring and fire ecology with the Nature Conservancy in Key West, Florida, Mexican Spotted Owl monitoring for the U.S. Forest Service in New Mexico and native prairie restoration with the Nature Conservancy in eastern Nebraska. I have also worked in personal banking, property management and small business ownership. Most recently, I worked in the Testing Center at CMU providing testing services to CMU students, alumni and members of the community.
I love spending time outdoors hiking, camping, stand-up paddle boarding, cross country skiing and exploring public lands with my family. I am actively involved in animal rescue work and am passionate about promoting spay & neuter programs in the four corners region of the desert southwest.
I can’t wait to meet you and work together to reach your educational goals!
Welcome to CMU! My name is Brenna and I started working at CMU in 2016. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and my Bachelor of Arts in French at Auburn University. I completed my Master of Arts in Anthropology with a focus in Southwestern archaeology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I am passionate about helping students reach their academic goals and motivating students to be lifelong learners. My other interests include exploring Colorado, hiking, cross country skiing, dancing, and watching movies. I am excited to work with you and support you during your time at CMU!
Hello Mavs! My name is Logan and I am so excited to be able to serve you as an IRIS Lead Advisor. I am a proud CMU alumni and earned a B.A. in History-Secondary Education in 2014. I earned my M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Adams State University in 2019. I absolutely love supporting and empowering students as they work to achieve their goals and be successful! I am a Colorado native and enjoy being active on the western slope with my wife, son, and our two dogs. My hobbies and interests include hunting, fishing, reading, golfing, and hiking. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to support you and provide you with an outstanding advising experience!