Greg Salsbury is an established presence in the Gunnison academic community who serves as Western Colorado University president. In creating growth opportunities at a smaller yet high-achieving public institution, Greg Salsbury emphasizes the “power of small” in delivering value to students.
In a Denver Post article, Dr. Salsbury noted that Colorado is among the bottom US states when it comes to funding public institutions of higher learning. This is particularly challenging for smaller state colleges that focus on specific populations and have inherently limited economies of scale.
At the same time, the value that such institutions provide can be much higher than expected. Smaller liberal arts campuses provide students with more interaction with academic staff and greater co-curricular opportunities in areas ranging from theater production to internships. Unlike with many larger, less personal institutions, a “one size fits all” approach is eschewed in favor of one that nurtures and encourages growth.
An example of this approach benefiting a student at Western Colorado University is a first generation college student named Esmeralda, whose first language was Spanish. Embraced within the tight-knit college community, Esmeralda was able to build self-confidence and overcome a fear of public speaking, in the process gaining a role as Amigos Club president and campus ambassador. The level of support she enjoyed in pursuing life goals would be more difficult to access within a busy urban setting, where she would likely be just one of many talented students.
In a Denver Post article, Dr. Salsbury noted that Colorado is among the bottom US states when it comes to funding public institutions of higher learning. This is particularly challenging for smaller state colleges that focus on specific populations and have inherently limited economies of scale.
At the same time, the value that such institutions provide can be much higher than expected. Smaller liberal arts campuses provide students with more interaction with academic staff and greater co-curricular opportunities in areas ranging from theater production to internships. Unlike with many larger, less personal institutions, a “one size fits all” approach is eschewed in favor of one that nurtures and encourages growth.
An example of this approach benefiting a student at Western Colorado University is a first generation college student named Esmeralda, whose first language was Spanish. Embraced within the tight-knit college community, Esmeralda was able to build self-confidence and overcome a fear of public speaking, in the process gaining a role as Amigos Club president and campus ambassador. The level of support she enjoyed in pursuing life goals would be more difficult to access within a busy urban setting, where she would likely be just one of many talented students.