ALAMOSA  – The newest member of the Adams State University Board of Trustees, David Tandberg, Ph.D., knows firsthand how Adams University can change lives.

“Adams State is an engine of opportunity that creates pathways to accomplishment and advancement for so many. It did that for me,” says the 2002 graduate, who was appointed to the Board in June, 2020.

“It is a tremendous honor to be asked to serve on the board,” Tandberg says. “I love Adams State and the San Luis Valley it serves. Adams State gave me so much and it is a privilege to have this opportunity to give back.”

He believes the University’s core mission is to offer high quality, accessible postsecondary education.

The year 2021 is upon us and that means Adams State turns 100-years-old. Over the next 100 years, Tandberg says Adams State will double down on its mission and expand on its status as a Hispanic Serving Institution and its role within the San Luis Valley.

Adams State is a regional university with a critical role as an anchor institution within Alamosa and the Valley. These communities ought to continue to serve as its primary constituencies and not only as a destination for their students, but also for the outreach and service efforts of the university.

“Adams State is an excellent example of a regionally focused comprehensive university that serves as a steward of place as it serves its local community,” Tandberg says.

Tandberg is senior vice president of policy research and strategic initiatives at the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association. He leads SHEEP’s policy evaluation and research initiatives and SHEEO’s efforts to connect empirical research to state practice and policy. He also helps lead SHEEO’s strategic direction and partnerships. He is the lead editor of a book dedicated to the investigation of the state higher education executive officer that was published July 2018 by Teachers College Press.

“Adams State does a great job of remaining mission-focused; serving students who, were it not for Adams, may not go anywhere; serving its local community; magnifying its role as a Hispanic Serving Institution; and providing excellent, high quality education,” Tandberg added.