The Adams State University eighth annual Educator Hall of Fame Celebration will honor outstanding individuals whose chosen profession created opportunities for students to achieve academic and professional success. Pursuing a career in education means dedication and commitment to improving the lives of others. The Induction Ceremony will take place on May 7.

The 2019 inductees include:

Elementary Educators: Mildred Cogburn, Lloyd “Butch” Jones, and Coral Sowards;

Secondary Educators: John Fuller, Jose Garcia, and Margie Garcia;

Administrators: Otto Espinoza, Herman Gallegos, and Steven Grasmick;

Post-Secondary Educators: Martin Jones, Wayne Melanson, Cloyde Snook, and Liz Watts.

The following bios provide a brief summary of the careers of the recipients and the impact they made on generations of students.

Cogburn received her bachelor’s degree from Adams State. She taught first through sixth graders in the one-room Mt. Pleasant Schoolhouse, in rural Alamosa County. She retired after 23 years.

Jones earned his bachelor’s degree from Adams State  and during his tenure taught at Evans Elementary, Ortega Middle School, many summers at the Migrant School, Alamosa High School, and Summer Gifted and Talented Program for elementary and middle school, as well as a couple semesters teaching ceramics at Adams State. He also coached football, track, and basketball.

Sowards received her bachelor’s degree from Adams State in 1961. She dedicated 26 years of service to Manassa Elementary, teaching fifth through eighth grades. She was part of the PTA for four years and also with the Boy Scouts of America for 12 years.

Fuller received his BA from Adams State and MA from University of Northern Colorado. John dedicated his career to education and provided access and support to further education for students by creating a scholarship for students. He has received the Outstanding Educator Award in Colorado 1972 UNC, Commendation for Distinguished Service by National Merit Scholarship Corporation 1983, Lifetime Achievement Award 1994, and Hall of Fame Award by Colorado Council on High School/College Relations 2007.

Jose Garcia received his BA and his MA  from Adams State. During his 31 year career, he taught at the junior high and high school levels and coached baseball, basketball, and football. He served as a high school principal before retiring.

Margie A. Garcia received her BA and MA from Adams State. During her 30 year career, she taught government and history, and physical education. She was the guidance counselor at Centauri Junior and High Schools.

Espinoza received his BA and MA from Adams State and spent 34 years in education. He taught math and Spanish before moving into an administrative role at Centauri High School. He implemented Post-Secondary and Workforce Readiness skills and increased graduation requirements for math courses to match college readiness guidelines. Espinoza supported the addition of advanced placement courses by providing teachers with professional development opportunities. He also served for a time as the Athletic Director.

Gallegos received his BA from Southern Colorado State and MA from Adams State and his Ed. Administration in 1981 from Western State College. He spent over 30 years in education, as the director of guidance/counseling for the K12 students at South Conejos. He was the middle and high school principal, the ESSA Title VII director and the high school counselor. Herman wrote and submitted the 1st National Grant in Community Education.

Grasmick received his BA from Adams State and M. from University of Northern Colorado, and his Administrator License from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. With over 31 years in education, he is currently the elementary principal at Fowler Elementary School as well as the Superintendent for Fowler School District R4J.

Jones received his BA from Kansas State Teacher’s College, his MS from the University of New Mexico, and his Ph.D. from UNM. After teaching at the University of North Dakota, he began his 22-year tenure at Adams State. He taught organic chemistry teacher, receiving several teaching awards. He wrote many successful grant proposals that strengthened the science curriculum. He served on many committees at ASU and volunteered in the community for a variety of nonprofits.

Melanson received his BA from Adams State, his Ed.S. from University of Northern Colorado, and his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. He spent 35 years in education. He helped develop the Denver chapter of the Alumni Association. He also assists the ASU Admissions Office and Alumni Relations Office.

Snook received his BA from Chadron State College, MA from Iowa University, and MFA from the University of New Mexico. After 35 years in education he retired as Adams State emeritus professor of art. He taught art appreciation and art to students of every level, K-Graduate School. Snook started at Adams State as an art professor and retired as the department head. His artwork has been featured at the Smithsonian, the Kirkland Museum in Denver, and the Museum of Contemporary Crafts in Albuquerque, NM.

Watts received her BA from Adams State, her Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Northern Colorado, and Ph.D. from Ohio University in 1992. During her 31 year career, she served as department chair, graduate coordinator, AD for the School of Mass Communication, and professor. She has 30 publications and 23 papers.

For more information, contact Kristina Gutierrez, Adams State Teacher Education Department, at gutierrezk2@grizzlies.adams.edu.