Montrose Campus celebrates three decades of changing lives and serving the Montrose region
In 1974, Colorado Senator Dan Noble sponsored an amendment to Colorado HB 1200, establishing an education center to provide access to higher education for citizens in Delta, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties. The center came under the auspices of Mesa State College in 1991. Now 30 years later, CMU’s Montrose campus celebrates its milestone with the community that’s supported its mission and growth.
Today, the CMU Montrose Campus boasts a growing catalog of technical and academic programs and certificates, along with nearly 300 students.
Steve Metheny, who became the campus director last May, has been a Montrose faculty member since it came under the university’s umbrella. He’s seen the campus grow in terms of infrastructure and programs, including its advancement from a one-room space in City Hall to its present site at 245 S. Cascade Ave.
Metheny largely credits the campus’ growth to its dynamic relationships with local agencies, including the school district, recreation center, library, hospital, and the City and County of Montrose. When the City of Montrose agreed to close Cascade Street to create the quad in front of the campus, it doubled as a downtown park that both locals and students enjoy.
“The Montrose Campus is integrated into the community. There are so many people that truly make the programs happen. We wouldn’t be a very viable campus without those partnerships,” said Metheny.
The Montrose Campus is also a significant economic driver in the community through its dedication to creating a better educated workforce.
CMU Montrose has stayed true to its original mission of providing higher education to rural communities and students. Montrose County Commissioner Keith Caddy recognizes the value of this resource firsthand.
“CMU has brought affordable education to Montrose and has allowed citizens the opportunity to further their education without going out of town. The additional skills and knowledge from my classes made me a better police commander and now county commissioner,” said Caddy, who graduated from the main campus with his bachelor’s degree in business.
Metheny believes the Montrose Campus is part of what makes CMU a model of excellence and innovation in higher education. It is the only university in Colorado that has a traditional main campus, community college division and satellite campus that offers programs like the Montrose Campus does.
“Many folks in rural communities really don’t realize what great opportunities exist here at the Montrose Campus,” said Metheny. “We have summer programs for middle schoolers, career and technical education programs for high school students, as well as trade school programs and essential learning classes to kickstart students toward bachelor’s degree programs at the main campus.”
Metheny, along with David Reed, a local lawyer and former CMU trustee, are on the Futures Committee, which reports on the future of the university and expanding opportunities at the Montrose Campus that positively impact both students and the community.
“We’re making sure that we open all the doors to our underserved population and first-generation students, and to make it an all-inclusive university,” said Reed. “I think that the future of the Montrose Campus is as bright as the people of the City of Montrose want it to be.”
The campus formally celebrated its 30th anniversary during the Maverick Momentum Tour on October 14 with President John Marshall, students, faculty, staff, alumni and community supporters.