ALAMOSA — As freshmen descend upon the Adams State University campus for the 2018-2019 year, there seems to be a new energy and excitement about what lies ahead.

Interim President for Adams State University Dr. Cheryl Lovell on Friday shared some thoughts about her experience in Alamosa thus far as well as her vision for Adams State in the year ahead.

Following a unanimous selection by the Board of Trustees for a term that began on July 1st, Dr. Lovell brings over 30 years experience in the higher education sector to the San Luis Valley. She pointed out that she has always had a “strong affinity” for small, regional, comprehensive institutions, having begun her journey at a small school in Georgia. She gained an appreciation for what takes place at Adams State during her time as Chief Academic Officer for the State of Colorado. She was “thrilled” at the opportunity to come to Alamosa, she said.

When it comes to goals for the university, Dr. Lovell pointed out that she believes the first priority of Adams State should be academic quality. Her hope is that students will have a high quality, rigorous, academic experience.

She also noted that it is important for the university to be relevant and adaptable. This means having “degrees that matter.” She added that academics should be about what the area needs and seeking to meets the needs of the community, as well as the region and even beyond.

“We have an obligation to the community,” she said. She also pointed out that 75 percent of educators in the San Luis Valley attended Adams State and that the institution is “shaping generations.” Lovell noted that looking to the future is the focus for the president and the Board of Trustees.

Another objective that was mentioned is for Adams State to continue to serve students. This means being ready to prepare them for their future and to give them the tools they need to have a successful career path. It is also about equipping them with the capability to make successful transitions throughout their careers. This can also mean adjusting to the demographics and interests of the students. Lovell commended the faculty for their talent and hard work as well.

She also noted that ASU is focused on becoming “better stewards” of university resources in order to foster positive experiences and outcomes.

As a way of demonstrating the university’s commitment to students, a new tradition is being established at the 2018 freshman convocation called the family sendoff. This will be a symbolic moment where several faculty members will be on hand to “receive” the incoming class and to let the families know that they are there for the students.

Dr. Lovell has appreciated the “exuberance” in the community and how area residents, especially alumni, care about the university. She hopes that the university will be a place where students can “do things they couldn’t do before.” She is glad for the optimism she has encountered.

“We are coming up on the 100th anniversary of this institution and we want it to be around for another 100 years,” she said.

Caption: Dr. Cheryl Lovell/Courtesy photo by Linda Relyea/ASU News