As an Adams State University undergraduate student Kaylee Gomez-Romero generated sparks of positive energy in Board of Trustee meetings, Cultural Awareness and Student Achievement (CASA) Center events, and basically any interaction with faculty, staff, and fellow students.
She recently accepted the position as project director for the Adams State College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) grant. “I always say that I loved it here so much as a student that all I wanted to do was work here.”
A San Luis Valley native and first-generation student, Gomez-Romero, Class of 2015 and 2022, embodies Adams State’s status as Colorado’s premier Hispanic Serving Institution. As a student, she took advantage of leadership opportunities, gained work experience in student success departments, and explored avenues to increase academic access for all students.
Her drive as a student continues. “What excites me most about the CAMP program is the success stories that come when students complete their first year and all the way to graduation.”
CAMP, a federally funded program, provides academic, social and financial support services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers or their dependents for their first year of college. “My favorite part of working is when the students become CAMP mentors and campus leaders after completing their first year.”
Starting as a CAMP recruiter and advisor, and now as project director, Gomez-Romero works with local community agencies and school districts to recruit eligible students for CAMP. “I am excited to continue to grow as a leader and a professional.”
As an Adams State employee, Gomez-Romero continues to share her ideas and expertise with the Professional Administration Staff Council (PASC) and the Student Success Committee. She co-sponsors the Spanish Club and is a champion for building resources for Adams State’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)/undocumented/Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow (ASSET) students.
The support and motivation received from her college mentors and her commitment to current students inspired Gomez-Romero to earn her Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and Leadership the the spring of 2022, while she worked full-time.
“The HEAL courses helped me become a better supervisor and more knowledgeable about the inner workings of higher education. My greatest takeaway is how each department is cohesive and necessary in order to keep the university going and benefit all students. I have learned so much about campus resources and functions that will benefit me in continuing my career in higher education.”
Gomez-Romero has a unique, shared position with CAMP and the Migrant Education Program. “As we enter the fourth year of our five-year grant, I hope CAMP continues to be a viable part of Adams State and its students for many years to come.”
