Thirteen students recently received their master of arts in Higher Education Administration & Leadership (HEAL) from Adams State University. This was the second group to complete the online program, which works to prepare leaders of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).

Dr. Melissa L. Freeman, HEAL program director, praised the graduates' commitment to higher education and social justice issues. "As these students walked across that stage, I looked into the eyes of the future of higher education. I felt confident that with bright, dedicated individuals such as ASU's HEALers, higher education will do great things for generations to come. I couldn't be more proud."

Both these graduates and current HEAL students have advanced in their careers and/or been recognized for academic work during the course of their studies:

2013 HEAL graduates:

• Ron Barros was recently named Director of Academic Services with Front Range Community College.
• Angela Benfatti was promoted to Director of Financial Aid at Otero Junior College in July 2012.
• Rebecca Cabildo presented "Disability as Diversity" at the March 2013 New Mexico Association of Academic Advisors (NMAAA), held in Espanola, New Mexico.
• Victoria Obregon was named Outstanding Professional Employee of the year at Colorado State University-Pueblo for 2013. She was also named to the Pueblo Hispanic Education Foundation Board in 2013 and attended Leadership Pueblo in 2013. In addition, she presented "The 'New' Mexican Student" at the 2013 Histories of New Mexico Conference in El Rito, New Mexico, as well as "Hands in the Field" with Dr. Melissa L. Freeman at the January 2013 College Personnel Association of Colorado (CPAC) Conference in Denver, CO.
• Mark Pittman presented with Dr. Melissa L. Freeman "Using Theoretical Models to Navigate Work Transitions" at the January 2013 College Personnel Association of Colorado (CPAC) Conference in Denver, CO. He also Received the Top 6 Program Award at the November 2012 Association of Inter Mountain Housing Officers (AIMHO) Regional Conference in Billings, MT, where he presented "Considering the Current Context of Student Conduct."

Current HEAL students (to graduate 2014:

• Rachel Anderson was named Employee Advocate of the Year by the Colorado Community College System Office, July 2012.
• Geraldo (Jerry) Guerra was awarded the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award for San Antonio College.
• Julie Mordecai presented "Fundraising in Rural Communities" at the Association of Fundraising Professionals at the October 2012 Conference in Vail, CO.
• David Wright presented with Dr. Melissa L. Freeman "Retention Challenges Facing Native American Students in Higher Education" at the February/March 2013 New Mexico Higher Education Assessment & Research (NMHEAR) Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

HEAL was created three years ago through a $280,928 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to prepare leaders of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). This focus makes HEAL unique among graduate programs and helps create an advancement path for Hispanic professionals.

Conducted primarily online, the 36-credit program is targeted to entry and mid-level professionals at HSIs. An 18-credit certificate program is available to those who already hold master's degrees.

Hispanics comprise about 20 percent of America's college students, with 54 percent attending Hispanic Serving Institutions -- a federal designation for colleges and universities with student enrollment that is least 25 percent Hispanic. Adams State was the first four-year institution in Colorado to be designated an HSI, with undergraduate Hispanic enrollment at 32 percent.

HEAL was created three years ago through a $280,928 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to prepare leaders of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). This focus makes HEAL unique among graduate programs and helps create an advancement path for Hispanic professionals.

Conducted primarily online, the 36-credit program is targeted to entry and mid-level professionals at HSIs, according to Dr. Melissa L. Freeman, program director. An 18-credit certificate program is available to those who already hold master's degrees.

Hispanics comprise about 20 percent of America's college students, with 54 percent attending Hispanic Serving Institutions - a federal designation for colleges and universities with student enrollment that is least 25 percent Hispanic. Adams State was the first four-year institution in Colorado to be designated an HSI, with undergraduate Hispanic enrollment at 32 percent.

Recently promoted to grant administrator at the University of Texas, El Paso, Macias was named to the 2012 E. Kika De La Garza Fellowship Program of the Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program. As a fellow, he spent two weeks in June becoming oriented to all 63 sub-branches of the USDA.

"I'm looking forward to leveraging my degree, and gaining a different set of cultural perspectives outside of Texas," Macias said. "I've had a lot of positive experiences with HEAL. I've been accepted into a second family; we've developed a rapport that has turned into friendships. We can complain about our challenges and celebrate our accomplishments together."

"When HEAL began, I knew it was something I had to do," said Victor Salazar, who has worked Trinidad State Junior College - Valley Campus for 17 years. He now serves as a job placement counselor in student services. "It fit with my goals, and validated where I've been, the work I'm doing now, and where I'm going, perhaps in a different administrative role."

The program's flexibility was a draw for both Macias and Andrea Benton-Maestas, who is a senior analyst with Institutional Research and Assessment at Adams State.

"I've worked at Adams State for 16 years, and I didn't want to leave to get my master's degree. The HEAL program was an excellent fit and allowed me to accommodate my family and job," she said. "I learned a lot about collegiality and the role of IR campus wide. I am also incorporating what I've learned into other areas, like CASA (Cultural Awareness Student Achievement), and student retention, as well as teaching Latino leadership."

Another of the four Adams State staffers who completed HEAL is Donna Griego, a 25-year employee who is now program assistant in the office of Enrollment Management.

"The HEAL program had two main components: the opportunity to learn and gain experience as a leader at Adams State, and a stream of altruism," Griego said. "There is a sense of caring and developing others, a concern for the welfare of students for the sake of assisting them obtain their education and getting them on the right track on their own journey that leads to success.

"The HEAL program provides skills to assist students who may come from backgrounds where obstacles block their educational path. I'm very proud, humble, and thankful for the opportunity to participate in the program. Not just my individual achievement, but for our community in higher ed. We support one another."

More about HEAL

A night of welcome rainfall left the Adams State campus shimmering green in the sunlight, the morning of spring commencement, May 12.

In the morning ceremony, Adams State awarded 215 undergraduate degrees, including 196 bachelor's degrees and 19 associate degrees. Among the graduates were the first 18 to complete Adams State's four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

At the afternoon's graduate commencement ceremony, 270 master's degrees were awarded, including Adams State's first 11 Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL).

Welcoming the audience, Adams State President David Svaldi noted it was the last commencement ceremony for Adams State College. Adams State will become a university, effective August 7.

Adams State alumnus Steve Valdez, chair of the college's Board of Trustees, told the graduates: "Today is all about you - what you have accomplished and what you are about to accomplish, having been taught the answers to questions not yet asked, and the solutions to problems that have not yet surfaced. "Adams State becoming a university is also all about you," Valdez added. "We want you to have that edge in applying for jobs. As you leave here, go out and talk about what this banner really means - 'Great Stories Begin Here.' Spread the word about what ASU has done, and about the even better stories to come."

Loraine Glidewell, who received her B.S. in organismal biology, addressed the gathering on behalf of the graduating class. "Springtime in Alamosa means blowing winds, but today those are the winds of change. Reflecting on the past few years, only one thing came to mind: construction. We have seen a parking lot full of pot holes become the incredible Rex Stadium. We have seen the ancient ES Building become the stylish McDaniel Hall," Glidewell said, referring to $62 million in construction and renovation at Adams State in the last 5 years.

"It is clear we are leaving a college that is very different from the one we entered. Likewise, those of us graduating today have undergone a similar transformation. We are new and improved, armed with a college degree, and ready to take on the world."

A few words about the art of listening

Commencement speaker Lee White welcomed the audience in both Spanish and English. The Executive Vice President and Manager for George K. Baum & Company at its Denver Public Finance Headquarters, he has 30 years in the investment banking business and is responsible for underwriting over $10 billion worth of municipal bonds. White oversees Baum's Colorado Governments & Infrastructure Group, Higher Education & Non-Profit Finance Group, and Renewable Energy Project Finance Group. White helped organize bond financing for Adams State's new student apartments, Rex Field, remodeled academic facilities, and new recreational facilities.

Recalling advice from his father at his own college graduation, White's talk was entitled, "Why Intentional Listening and 10,000 Hours of Work on Your Passion Will Make You an Outlier, Or, I Got a Darn Good Start in Alamosa, Colorado."

Drawing upon historical and literary examples, as well as his own business experience, he expanded on his father's observation that "The best conversationalist is the best listener."

White quoted the African parable: "Why do human beings have two ears but only one tongue? To listen twice as much as we speak." He then referenced author Henning Mankell, who said: "Many people make the mistake of confusing information with knowledge. They are not the same thing. Knowledge involves the interpretation of information. Knowledge involves listening."

White gifted each graduate with the book, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, a true story about an impoverished boy in Malawi who transformed the fortunes of his family and drought-stricken village through his own ingenuity. William Kamkwamba, armed only with an old science magazine and make-shift parts, created a wind turbine that brought power to his off-the-grid village and allowed the use of water pumps in the farm fields. He eventually earned a degree from Dartmouth.

White then urged the graduates to become "outliers," as described in Malcolm Gladwell's book The Outliers: The Story of Success. The book asserts the best, brightest, and most successful individuals become so through sheer hard work - spending about 10,000 hours perfecting their passion. Gladwell's examples include Bill Gates, Bill Joy, and the Beatles.

"Each of you can indeed be an outlier," White said. "Find out what drives you, whether it makes money or not. Just laser focus on a single task, and then work like heck to do it well. The result is almost uniform success.

"Your future is in your hands," he went on. "You will use your ears just as much as your tongue. Become an 'outlier,' a person that accomplishes much while others tread water. You are the men and women for whom work is real, rewarding, and revealing."

Activities will include leadership workshops led by current Adams State students and the opportunity to experience the school's unique environment. Students will also be able to network with other potential students before attending or selecting to attend the college.

All current sophomores and juniors in high school should apply. Priority will be given to those that can demonstrate a commitment to leadership development or opportunities to increase leadership in the community. A one-time registration fee of $200 includes three days housing, workshops, trips, and all meals. Scholarships are available on a limited basis.

The valuable skills obtained from this experience will be applicable to college experiences at any college or university and are very appealing to future employers.

The event is sponsored by a FIPSE (Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education) grant, Enrollment Management, Student Life and Recreation, Extended Studies, and Higher Education Administration & Leadership (HEAL).

For more information or to apply, please contact Aaron Miltenberger, the Adams State Coordinator of Student Activities, at aaronmiltenberger@adams.edu or visit Student Life.

Adams State developed the program with a two-year, $300,000 grant from The Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) in its Special Focus Competition for Graduate Programs at Institutions of Higher Education Serving Hispanic Americans. It was one of 30 grants awarded totaling $8.2 million.

Roughly 54 percent of Hispanic students attend Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) - a federal designation for colleges and universities with student enrollment that is least 25 percent Hispanic. Adams State is an HSI, with undergraduate Hispanic enrollment at 29 percent.

Program director Dr. Melissa L. Freeman, assistant professor of business, said: "We're thrilled this program has been approved by CDE. There's been a lot of interest in program over last several months from people who want to either enroll, teach, or help with recruitment efforts. This speaks to the need for this kind of program, which is designed to serve individuals who work within the nation's HSIs."

The first cohort of students will begin this fall in the 36-credit program, to be taught online by senior administrators at HSIs. The program also includes a three-day on-campus residency and attendance at a Leadership Summit in Denver. For those who already hold a graduate degree, an 18-credit post-master's certificate program is also available.

Program unique in Colorado

Freeman noted no other public institution in Colorado offers an MA in higher education administration and leadership.

Based on a two-year analysis and qualitative data collection process, ASC discovered a need for professional development opportunities for individuals who work within HSIs. Discussions with Latino leaders and higher education officials indicate a strong interest in and need for this degree option, particularly at an affordable price.

"The Latino/a higher education community is facing a leadership crisis nationwide," Freeman explained. "Latinos/as now represent 16 percent of community college students and 12 percent of students at four-year colleges, but represent less than 5 percent of college and university administrators and less than 4 percent of college faculty."

The number of Hispanic students in the nation's elementary and secondary schools is now approaching 20 percent

"This program will help position Adams State College as a leader among HSIs. Other schools will look to us to find and develop their own leaders," Adams State Provost Michael Mumper. The program will also contribute to increasing enrollment and in developing Adams State's own administrative staff.

More info on Higher Education Administration and Leadership

Adams State College received a $280,928 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to prepare leaders of Hispanic Serving Institutions, according to Adams State Provost Michael Mumper.

Hispanics comprise about 20 percent of America's college students, with 54 percent attending Hispanic Serving Institutions - a federal designation for colleges and universities with student enrollment that is least 25 percent Hispanic. Adams State is an HSI, with undergraduate Hispanic enrollment at 29 percent.

"Only about 5 to 6 percent of mid- and senior-level leaders at these colleges is Hispanic. It's a real mismatch. There is no clear path of advancement for Hispanic professionals from entry to senior leadership positions," Mumper said.

Adams State received one of 30 grants totaling $8.2 million from The Fund for Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) in its Special Focus Competition for Graduate Programs at Institutions of Higher Education Serving Hispanic Americans. The grant will support development of and student recruitment for a master's in higher education administration targeted to entry and mid-level professionals at HSIs. Once the program, housed in Adam State's School of Business, is approved, this will bring Adams State's number of graduate programs to seven.

The grant application was a collaboration between Mumper and Dr. Melissa L. Freeman, assistant professor of business, who will direct the program. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Ohio University.

Freeman said a five-member external curriculum advisory committee will visit campus in December to help develop the program's goals and curriculum. "This group will share their expertise as academics and practicing administrators from both community colleges and four-year institutions," she added.

"This program will help position Adams State College as a leader among HSIs. Other schools will look to us to find and develop their own leaders," Mumper said. The program will also contribute to increasing enrollment and in developing Adams State's own administrative staff.

In addition to the 36-credit master's degree program will be an 18-credit post-master's certificate program. The majority of coursework will be taught online by senior administrators at HSIs, Freeman said. The program also includes a three-day on campus residency and attendance at a Leadership Summit in Denver.

Plans call for the program to begin in fall 2010 with 40 students between both the degree and certificate programs. Students will take six credit hours (two classes) a semester for two years, with new cohorts beginning each fall. Freeman hopes to submit the program for state approval in late spring. Initially, student recruitment will focus on HSI's in Colorado, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and California.

More on FIPSE.