CU Regent Gallegos returns to Valley

ALAMOSA — San Luis Valley native Glen Gallegos, now living in Grand Junction, returned to the San Luis Valley recently to share his goals as a University of Colorado regent candidate for re-election representing the Third Congressional District, which includes the Valley.

“I see so many possibilities for our people and our students in our rural districts,” Gallegos said during a recent visit. “I work at trying to create opportunities.”

A Republican, Gallegos has served six years as a CU regent, part of that time as vice-chairman, and would like the opportunity to serve another six years in the unpaid position. He represents 29 counties including those in the Valley.

He is now semi retired from Gallegos Corporation, a family construction business with 1,000 employees in five states.

A fifth generation Coloradoan, Gallegos was born in Mogote, attended Antonito schools and earned degrees at Mesa, Western, Northern Colorado and the University of Denver. He served 26 years as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. He and his wife Diane have been married 44 years and have four children and four grandchildren.

Gallegos said the University of Colorado is under good leadership under President Bruce Benson who has added programs and quality to the institution. He said when the university was formed in 1876 by statute it was intended to serve the entire state, which is why there are regents from throughout Colorado representing each of the congressional districts as well as serving at large.

Gallegos said he is proud of the programs at the university, research conducted on the university campuses and throughout the state and CU’s outreach through such efforts as the Area Health Education Centers. The San Luis Valley Area Health Education Center has been providing health education and services in the Valley since 1978.

Gallegos said CU wants to help make higher education affordable and accessible. “A CU degree should be open and accessible to any Coloradoan,” he said.

He commended Adams State University, Trinidad State Junior College and other universities and colleges within the congressional district, adding that CU provides additional educational opportunities in areas such as medical degrees. The university has reached out to future students through pre-collegiate programs. These programs exist in the Valley currently at South and North Conejos and will be starting in Center this next year.

“There’s great opportunities there that should be open to all of our kids,” Gallegos said.

He added that CU and its Anschutz Medical Campus are assisting rural hospitals as well. “We have medical campuses and University of Colorado doctors reaching out to all parts of the state. They are doing a good job on their own. We are working in conjunction with the hospitals.”

In addition, CU students are performing research and internships in communities throughout the state, which provides experience for the students and “and the counties are getting some work done they couldn’t afford to pay for.”

Gallegos said his goal is for CU to work together with the communities throughout the state.

“We want the finest campus ever, but we also want to make sure CU is reaching out to these communities.”