Adams State Board of Trustee Randy Wright has a simple wish for his alma mater’s 100-year birthday next year: “I want to take that excitement forward into the next century serving southern Colorado with not only a place to go to college, but as an institution of education our graduates can be proud to say they are alumni.”
He says he is pleased Adams State continues to provide a solid, affordable education to students of the San Luis Valley and southern Colorado. “Many of our students need to work while attending school, including working a family-owned business, like a farm or ranch.” A local campus enables them to fulfill obligations and attend college, he says.
“Students who are first-generation may not take the step to pursue a degree in higher education without a local option,” Wright says, “where they can rely on family support as they face the challenges of blazing new trails.”
Wright also wants to approach the next 100 years by capitalizing on advantages and work toward a campus culture that cherishes adaptability.
As a former local economic developer, Wright believes Adams State has a tremendous economic impact on the entire San Luis Valley. Besides jobs provided by the university and the financial impact that has on the community, he said the University also provides a quality workforce for local businesses. “Many of our great students, even those who come from other states, stay here in the area, becoming a huge resource for our valley businesses. We can never lose sight of either of those contributions.”
A native of Alamosa, Wright has served on many local boards including Ducks Unlimited, Colorado Guides and Outfitters and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He also served on the State Board of Directors for the Colorado Bowhunter’s Association. He is a member of the NRA and served as secretary of the Forbes Wagon Creek Land Owners Association Board of Directors for 12 years.
But there’s more than economics that drives Wright’s passion for Adams State. It is, quite literally, a family for him. Three of his children hold degrees from Adams State, as does his father, Larry Wright. “It has been an honor and a privilege to give back to the University that has given so much to my family,” he says. “Adams State is a strong institution with great leadership. There are truly so many great stories that have begun here and I can’t wait to see what stories are yet to be written.”
