For Jim Branscome and his wife, Sharen, supporting rural education has always been a deliberate, sustained investment in students whose ambitions often outpace their resources.
At Colorado Mesa University’s Montrose Campus, that commitment is not just philosophical. It is measurable, growing and already changing lives.
Over the past decade, the couple has established and expanded two endowed funds designed specifically to serve students in rural western Colorado. Together, those funds —and a significant future estate commitment — represent more than $6.25 million dedicated to increasing access to higher education. The investment shows results in a number of ways.
“Every year the Foundation sends us statements from all the students who receive scholarship aid from our fund. In a number of times, Sharen and I have met directly with the recipients there and heard their stories about how even small amounts of scholarships enable them to complete their certifications and programs ranging from nursing to business management,” said Jim.
Jim and Sharen made their first impact on CMU Montrose in 2012, when Jim and Sharen created a scholarship endowment in honor of Sharen’s father, a longtime Montrose resident. The focus was intentional: support students attending the Montrose Campus who maintain a GPA above 2.5. Rather than limiting aid to only top academic performers, the scholarship reflects a broader understanding of rural students — many of whom balance coursework with jobs, family responsibilities and life.
Today, that fund has grown to $828,904. In the past year alone, it distributed $34,200 in scholarships, directly helping Montrose-area students stay enrolled and continue their education.
But for Jim, the need — and the opportunity — extended beyond a single scholarship.
In 2024, the couple made a transformative $1 million gift to establish a second endowed fund aimed at supporting not just Montrose Campus students, but those across a wider rural footprint, including Delta, Ouray, Gunnison and San Miguel counties. These are communities where access to higher education can be limited by geography, cost and commutes.
The fund is already exceeding expectations. It has grown to $1,341,307, strengthening its ability to provide long-term, sustainable support. More significantly, Jim and Sharen have committed a potential $5 million from their estate through the CMU Foundation, ensuring that the fund will continue to expand its reach for generations.
Their investment in student scholarships goes hand in hand with how the campus is growing and improving its offerings to meet community needs.
“The most dramatic improvement has been on the courses offered at the campus. It’s possible to get a full degree from any number of areas without having to travel to Grand Junction,” said Jim.
Taken together, the couple’s giving is both immediate and enduring — providing scholarships now while building a permanent foundation for future students.