Adams State University opened its doors to students in the summer of 1925, fifty-four years later Karen Melagares joined the staff and has dedicated her 45-year professional career to students. On April 18, she was recognized for her commitment to the University during the 2024 Employee Recognition Ceremony.
President David Tandberg, Ph.D., said: “Adams State is fortunate to have employees who will go the extra mile in order to support students and assist them in achieving their academic goals.
Organized and hosted by the Adams State Human Resources Office Years of Service certificates were awarded including:
45 years: Karen Melgares, Nielsen Library technician II; 35 years: Mark Manzanares, professor of counselor education; 30 years: Benita Brink, Ph.D., professor of biology and School of STEM director; Bruce DelTondo, head baseball coach; Kenneth Marquez, Title III STEM grant project director; 25 years: Jason Ramstetter, head men’s wrestling coach; John Taylor, Ph.D., professor of theatre and School of Visual and Performing Arts director.
20 years: James Bullington, prison education program advisor/recruiter; Mari Centeno, Ph.D., professor of political science; Maxine Rodriguez, admissions administrative assistant III; Renee Vigil, purchasing director; Tony Weathers, P.D., professor of mathematics; 15 years: Leonard Pacheco, facilities services structural trades; 10 years: Stephanie Cramblet, computing services manager of enterprise applications systems; Aaron Tuioti-Mariner, assistant professor of kinesiology; Angela Madrid, School of Education administrative assistant II; Brian Zuleger, Ph.D., professor of sports psychology.
5 years: Christine Anderson, B.S.N., School of Nursing clinical placement coordinator; Jess Colmenero, computing services technical business analyst; Jamie Coulson, police officer II; Sara Erdner, Ph.D., assistant professor of kinesiology; Caroline Gabe, Ph.D., assistant professor of anthropology; Cedric Huber, computing services systems administrator; Michael Liebhaber, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology; Michele Mann, Ph.D., associate professor of teacher education; George McConnell, Ph.D., associate professor of theatre; Aaron Montoya, Ph.D., NSF grant project director; Kieran Nduagbo, Ph.D., associate professor of teacher education; Katherine Parker, Nielsen Library learning and engagement librarian; William Tite, M.F.A., assistant professor of art; Karen Wibrew, major gifts officer.
Faculty promotions, tenure, and exemplary were also announced:
Promotions: Umesh Bhattarai, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry; Fallon Crowther, MSN.Ed., associate professor of nursing; Curtis Garcia, Ph.D., professor of teacher education; Christina Harrell, Ph.D., associate professor of counselor education; Michele Mann, Ph.D., associate professor of teacher education; George McConnell, associate professor of theatre; Kieran Nduagbo, Ph.D., associate professor of teacher education; Billy Ulibarri, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology.
Tenure: Dr. Bhattarai, Professor Crowther, Dr. Harrell, Dr. Mann, Dr. McConnell, Dr. Nduago, Dr. Ulibarri.
Exemplary Faculty:
Beth Bonnstetter, Ph.D., professor of English; Jessica Brown; Gina Mitchell, Ph.D., Beth Robison, D.M.A., professor of music; Matthew Schildt, Ph.D., professor of music; Heidi Schneider, Ph.D., professor of sociology; Billy Ulibarri, Ph.D., professor of sociology.
Exemplary Directors:
Colleen Schaffner, Ph.D., director of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
