Adams State University

Adams State was founded in 1921 as a teacher's college . Billy Adams , a Colorado legislator who would later become a three-term governor of Colorado , worked for three decades before obtaining the authorization to found Adams State Normal School in 1921, to provide higher education opportunities for teachers from remote and rural areas of Colorado, such as the San Luis Valley , and see them work in those same areas. In 1926, Harriet Dalzell Hester became the university's first graduate. [ 4 ] She became the school's first librarian and an Alamosa County school superintendent. The school adopted the name Adams State College in 1946, corresponding with the expansion of its undergraduate and graduate programs. [ 5 ] In 2012, the institution's name changed again, to Adams State University. [ 6 ] The university gained some national attention in 2016 when its online classes came under scrutiny. The university's accreditor , the Higher Learning Commission , placed the university on probation. [ 7 ] In 2018, the probation was lifted and the university's status was restored to "Accredited". [ 8 ] The university also came into the national spotlight when it placed president Beverlee McClure on leave after employees lodged complaints about her "caustic behavior". [ 9 ] Cheryl D. Lovell was named the interim president and appointed to serve a 12-month term beginning July 1, 2018. [ 10 ]

Adams State offers bachelor's degrees in 16 different academic programs, with nearly 60 emphases, 5 teacher licensure programs, and 10 pre-professional programs, in addition to 7 master's degrees and 1 doctoral degree. Students can also earn an associate of art or science degree at Adams State. [ 11 ] More information Race and ethnicity, Total ... Undergraduate demographics as of Fall 2023 [ 12 ] Race and ethnicity Total Hispanic 37% White 36% Black 8% Unknown 8% Two or more races 5% American Indian / Alaska Native 2% Asian 1% Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 1% International student 1% Economic diversity Low-income [ a ] 44% Affluent [ b ] 56% Close

Adams State Theater Zacheis Observatory-Planetarium Adams State University's campus is located in the heart of the San Luis Valley. All of the university's academic and residential buildings are located on its contiguous 90-acre (36 ha) campus. Academic buildings The main administration building and oldest building on campus is Richardson Hall, named after the school's first president, Ira Richardson. The home of the math and science curriculum, Porter Hall, is named for alumnus William A. Porter , the creator of E-Trade and a major benefactor of the school. McDaniel Hall, named for donor and emeritus faculty member John McDaniel, is the main venue for English, psychology, history, sociology, and teacher education classes. Campus edifices for the performing arts include the Adams State University Theater (erected in 2001), the Music Building (which underwent major renovations in 2011) and the Leon Memorial Concert Hall.

There are two gyms and an indoor pool. The Rex Activity Center for student recreation includes weights, exercise bikes, rock climbing wall, and racquet ball courts. Plachy Hall includes the gym and indoor pool and field house as part of the Athletics Department. The Rex Stadium has undergone major renovation including the addition of the Residence at the Rex. The new complex includes suites for game viewing. The new residence hall provides one of the most impressive views, with a view of Mount Blanca (one of the 14ers of Colorado ) to the east and overlooking the track and football field to the west. A new $750,000 video-tron screen displays action and replays at one end of the field.