Spring 2025
COVER STORY
READY FOR CHALLENGES
CSU’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs train military leaders
You know about the agricultural roots of land-grant universities. But did you know land grants are charged with training students in military tactics? Colorado State’s military teaching began in 1883. Today, its ROTC programs are preparing more than 250 cadets who will be commissioned as military officers upon graduation. Meet CSU cadets who have developed leadership skills and a remarkable service ethos.
FEATURES
Turning the tides
Meet eight students attending CSU System campuses who are the first in their families to earn university degrees. These students and young alumni are featured in an inspirational docuseries called First Degree, which traces the journeys of first-gen students as they overcome challenges to attain college degrees and the opportunities that arise from higher education.
Playmaker
Alisha Little, a student at CSU Pueblo, was recently crowned the 2024 Collegiate Women’s Athlete of the Year by the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. She set single-season school records for scoring, scoring average, field goals made, and blocked shots. That would be impressive enough. But Little has become a phenomenal player while juggling the demands of parenting and nursing studies.
Career connections
The nation’s first accredited, fully online public university prepares its students – most of whom are working adults – with the training they need for career advancement. In fact, students are applying their learning immediately, typically leading to job promotions and new offers. It’s a key reason CSU Global was recently named a Career Connected Campus.
STATEWIDE
From the president
CSU President Amy Parsons reflects on tradition and transformation as the campus celebrates about 5,000 spring 2025 graduates.
Athletics shine
Colorado State’s intercollegiate athletics are in the spotlight as the university readies to join the Pac-12 Conference next summer.
Fusion energy
A new laser research facility at CSU will propel investigations into fusion energy, which could be a viable source of clean energy.
The law building
A forthcoming CSU building will house educational and research programs exploring artificial intelligence and digital technology.
Carbon conundrum
CSU research shows forests in the state emitted slightly more carbon into the atmosphere than they absorbed in recent years.
New veterinary role
This fall, CSU will begin training midlevel providers known as veterinary professional associates to help fill a caregiving shortage.
Research classification
A new CSU Pueblo designation points to research activity that provides unique learning and discovery opportunities for students.
Virtual fencing
Researchers at CSU are examining wireless fencing for range cattle, which could improve both food-animal production and ecosystem health.
Eco Experience
For 50 years, CSU Mountain Campus has hosted Eco Experience, an unparalleled learning program for fifth graders in northern Colorado.
Rodeo queen
A CSU alumna reigns as Miss Rodeo Colorado and relishes her role as an ambassador for agriculture and the sport of rodeo.