Adams State appreciates all our employees and their dedication to student success. As part of Hispanic Heritage Month the University highlights a few of our employee alumni who identify as Hispanic.
Amanda Atencio
Director of TRIO Upward Bound and TRIO Upward Bound Math & Science
2005 Bachelor of Arts in sociology, criminology emphasis
2013 Master of Arts in higher education administration leadership
My heart is full of gratitude for the impact that Adams State staff and faculty have had on my career. I appreciate that I get to work daily, doing what I love; supporting students with their goal of being the first in their families to achieve a post-secondary education.
Annaliesa Connor-Meissner
Art Department Chair
2014 Master of Arts in art
While still in the Caribbean I was first attracted to Adams by the images of the campus online. They were picturesque and highlighted the sheer beauty of the architecture and green spaces on the campus. The second aspect of Adams that captured my attention was the small class sizes. Having been an educator for some time at that point I knew the value of smaller class sizes. I loved the idea of increased attention that would promote greater academic success. The relationships that could be cultivated with professors due to smaller class sizes were invaluable. The community in Alamosa, where the University is located, is rich with history and nurtures a homey aura that is refreshing. One of my favorite things is the access to and interaction with nature (mountains, trails, Rio Grande).
Ken Marquez
Project Director, Title III HSI STEM Grant named El Centro Sierra Blanca
1987 Bachelor of Arts in psychology & minor in sociology
1994 Master of Arts in community counseling
I attended Adams State from 1983-1987, ran Track and Field (pole vaulter/sprints) for Coach Joe I. Vigil, Ph.D., and was a resident assistant in Coronado Hall. It has been so exciting over the last 30 years watching Adams State become a University and see it grow to what it is today. I had so many friends and amazing professors during those years but my most memorable experience was meeting my beautiful life partner here at a dance in the Student Union. Dolores and I have been married for 37 years now and have 3 wonderful children. My career here at Adams State was everything and more than I ever expected and now as I am retired I get to work directly with STEM students and their success. Life is good.
Mariela Hernandez Munoz
CAMP Project Director
2022 Bachelor of Science in business administration/banking and finance & minor in economics and Spanish
Adams State is a unique community where every interaction you make with one another has a purpose. Thank you Adams for every opportunity you have given me.
Melissa Romero
Assistant Director of Accommodations, Testing, & Tutoring
2018 Bachelor of Arts in psychology
2022 Master of Arts in higher education administration and leadership
My story genuinely did start at Adams State. I was born and raised in the San Luis Valley and was eager to start higher education. Being able to stay close to home, while also growing my academic and professional skills was made possible by my decision to attend Adams State. Now that I work here, I get to pass my love for Adams State on.
Juana Rodriguez Tarango
Academic Advisor in Nielsen Library
2022 Bachelor of Science in business administration emphasis in marketing
2023 Master of Business Administration emphasis on public administration
My older sister and I both came and graduated from Adams State, which helped us succeed in our career paths. Now, I have the opportunity to help and guide other incoming freshmen to begin their great story.
Jose Villagomez
Coordinator of Co-Curricular Recreation & Engagement
2023 Bachelor of Arts in sociology
Adams State allowed me to find a community where I felt like I belonged. Especially being part of the CAMP mentorship program as I could relate a lot to my mentor as we both were Hispanic individuals and they had gone through the same struggles I was going through. My mentor was there to guide me which definitely gave me that extra push into college allowing me to believe in myself and never give up. SÍ SE PUEDE.
