Join us in celebrating Black History Month at Colorado Mesa University! CMU President John Marshall interviews first-generation, African American student Liban Shongolo. From a refugee camp in Kenya to CMU student-athlete, Liban shares his journey, highlighting the power of sacrifice, resilience and community support. Let's cheer him on as he plans to pursue law school and become a voice for marginalized communities as a prosecutor!

In this special edition of the CMUnow podcast, President Marshall welcomes Dr. Joyce Brooks. Dr. Brooks shares her inspiring journey from being born in rural Arkansas to becoming one of the first black teachers in a desegregated school. As an advocate for multicultural education, Dr. Brooks emphasizes the importance of building relationships and communities, encouraging listeners to appreciate differences in one another and work towards a stronger, united America.

Culture of Belonging by Colorado Mesa University

Join Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and community leader Heidi Hess in a thought-provoking discussion about the progress and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Grand Junction, Colorado. Explore how community connections, acceptance and inclusivity have evolved, making Pride celebrations and LGBTQ+ events more vibrant and accessible on the Western Slope. Gain insights into the intersection of civil rights, relationships and the importance of creating welcoming spaces for everyone.

In this episode of the CMUnow Podcast, Colorado Mesa University Instructor of Music and Director of Vocal Ensembles Dirk Johnson discusses his musical journey, starting with playing the violin in the fourth grade, his exposure to classical music and his transition to choral singing and conducting. He reminisces on growing up in a musical environment as a childhood and now how he's implemented it in his own household. Johnson shares his teaching experiences with various age groups and skill levels, highlighting the importance of selecting suitable music for choirs. He also talks about his recent move to Colorado, his renewed interest in playing the violin and his experiences as a composer.

Colorado Mesa University's Dylan Jones, PhD, discusses the study of chemistry that underlies life's existence and how it impacts everything from breathing and muscle function to emotions and food needs. Jones explains how biochemistry is accessible and relevant to daily life, shares insights on topics such as the effects of salt on a slug, absorbing vitamin D from sunlight and the role of biochemistry in mental health. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, patience and respect in teaching, and encourages students to embrace learning through mistakes and discovery.

Catherine Whiting, PhD, discusses her passion for astronomy and the importance of studying the cosmos. She highlights the sense of awe astronomy instills, its practical applications in technological advancements and the involvement of students in her research on exoplanets. Whiting emphasizes the interconnectedness of the universe and the impact it has on our understanding of ourselves.

Colorado Mesa University Director of the Department of Health Sciences Lucy Graham, PhD, shares how a trip to South Africa inspired her to pursue a career in nursing after witnessing the impact of a British nurse working in a clinic. She emphasizes her passion for social justice, working with vulnerable populations and combating burnout in healthcare. Graham also discusses her transition from acute care nursing to public health, highlighting the importance of self-care and addressing the challenges of rural healthcare.

On today's episode of the CMUnow Podcast Colorado Mesa University Instructor of Nursing Kristy Emerson shares her journey from growing up in a small town to becoming a nurse and emphasizes the importance of prevention in healthcare. Emerson incorporates her background in public health to empower students and address healthcare challenges in rural communities. Learn more about the nursing profession, the value of empathy and the diverse career opportunities available in the healthcare industry. Don't miss this engaging conversation about making a difference in people's lives through education and compassionate care.

In this episode of the CMUnow podcast, Colorado Mesa University’s Lecturer of Business and Internship Coordinator for the Davis School of Business Kristen McGee discusses her upbringing in Grand Junction and her career journey. She emphasizes the importance of real-world examples in the classroom and encourages students to explore their passions through internships. She also highlights the benefits of internships for businesses, including mentoring the next generation and teaching valuable skills. The conversation delves into the importance of students' approach and companies' openness to new ideas for a positive internship experience.

Today's podcast guest, Colorado Mesa University Instructor of Music - Cello and Music Theory Jason Pegis, PhD, shares his unique journey from growing up in a musical household and initially considering a career in the sciences, to discovering his true passion for music. Explore the intriguing connection between science and music, delve into film scoring insights and hear how music played a vital role in Pegis's personal healing process. Stay tuned to the very end of the podcast to hear a special cello performance!

On this episode of the CMUnow Podcast, Colorado Mesa University Associate Professor of Business and Hospitality Management Britt Mathwich talks about his career journey from managing his family's 24-hour truck stop cafe as a 21-year-old to becoming a professor. Mathwich discusses the concept and opening of Hotel Maverick, a teaching hotel, where CMU students from all majors are employed, and how the hospitality industry has evolved, including the impact of technology on managing hospitality services. Listen now!

Join us on this episode of the CMUnow Podcast as we sit down with Colorado Mesa University Associate Professor of Computer Science Karl Castleton. Castleton's non-traditional higher education journey has led him to discover his passion for technology. From joining the National Guard to pay for college, to being a first-generation college student and inspiring his mom to pursue her college degree, Castleton has done it all. But his journey didn't stop there, since graduating he has worked with everything from nuclear materials to medical devices, and even programmed one of the first models for self-driving cars. Listen as Castleton discusses the past, present and future of computer science and technology and the importance of continuous learning in these ever-changing fields.

Providing opportunities to make higher education accessible to all students. In this edition of the CMUnow Presidential Podcast, Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall sat down with three Reisher Scholar students to discuss the Reisher Scholars Program. The students shared their positive experiences with the program and highlighted its many benefits, including financial stability, a strong support system and access to additional resources. They explained how these resources helped them overcome challenges and achieve success, emphasizing the program's importance in making higher education accessible to all students. The Reisher Scholars Program provides financial aid, academic advising, career counseling and personal coaching to help low-income Colorado residents attend college. To be eligible students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher, demonstrate financial need, be full-time incoming sophomores or transfer students and be leaders on and off campus. Learn more about the Reisher Scholars Program.

Assistant Professor of Dance and Dance Program Director Kathy Diehl began her career as a professional ballet dancer at the age of 12. Although she didn't always have a passion for dance, her perspective changed when she began training at a new ballet company, where a teacher recognized her potential and made training an exciting experience. Diehl's teaching style incorporates her background in psychology, using dance to foster critical thinking, self-awareness and empathy for others. She recognizes that the field of dance can be highly competitive and emphasizes the importance of building community and collaboration among her students. By doing so, she hopes to prepare them for successful careers as artists in the field.

In this Special Edition podcast, Assistant Professor of Communications at the University of the Fraser Valley in Canada, Joy Enyinnaya, PhD, shares her unique approach to activism, media economics and her life experiences in Nigeria. According to Joy, the most effective way to engage in activism is through education and mentorship, which she incorporates into her teaching to spark thought-provoking conversations in her classroom. Furthermore, she is committed to uplifting those around her and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Tune in to learn more about Joy's inspiring work and perspective!

Department Head and Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Mo LaMee developed his passion for theatre at a young age. Initially being drawn to theatre's multidimensional nature and artistic freedom as it provides an avenue for creative expression. While the Robinson Theatre has been the longstanding home of Colorado Mesa University’s performing arts program, ground has recently been broken for the new Center for the Performing Arts. According to LaMee, this new center represents a fresh beginning for the arts at CMU.

"I have the best job in the world," said Educational Leadership Coordinator Mark Schmalz. Schmalz has spent the last 40 years teaching everything from K-12, to teaching abroad, to being an elementary principal, to now teaching at Colorado Mesa University. Schmalz strives to provide new experiences and influences to his students, focusing on teaching a wide range of pedagogies to help students find their individual teaching styles. Most recently, Schmalz has helped create Starfish International, a non-profit focused on designing and funding a K-8 school in Mathare, Kenya.

In this Special Edition Podcast, Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall sat down with Texas Christian University's Dr. Frederick Gooding, Jr., aka Dr. G, for an open conversation about hip hop as a genre and its role in changing culture and shaping generations. Listen as Marshall and Gooding critically dissect JAY-Z's 99 Problems and Ice Cube's It Was A Good Day and how upon closer inspection the two men dive into the deeper meaning of the lyrics.

When Blake Bickham, PhD, entered the education system to teach high school English, he quickly realized how teaching itself was a small fraction of the job. During his two-year commitment to the Peace Corps in Uzbekistan, he focused on building relationships and connecting with students in addition to teaching. During his time overseas, he helped train Peace Corps volunteers, sharing his experience as a teacher to prepare them for the classroom. Now he does the same here at Colorado Mesa University, preparing student teachers to enter the workforce.