A Growing Student Body...
A Growing Campus

Then:
In 1925, Grand Junction Junior College enrolled 36 students for its first term. Classes, taught by five faculty members, were held at the Mesa County Courthouse, YMCA and school administrative offices until the college moved to the old Lowell school building in 1926. In 1940, the college, since named Mesa College, moved to the North Avenue campus. A single building, later named Houston Hall, housed all college activities.

Now:
During the 2004-2005 academic year, more than 7,400 students have enrolled or are currently enrolled at Mesa State College. Many attend classes at the main campus in Grand Junction, which now covers more than 42 acres and still includes Houston Hall, as well as other numerous buildings. Others study at the Tilman M. Bishop Campus in Grand Junction or at the Mesa State College Montrose Campus. In addition, the college has extended its reach and now provides distance learning courses to individuals throughout western Colorado.

Degrees of Change

Then:
In its early years, Grand Junction Junior College offered general education courses in English, French, history, economics, literature, mathematics, physical education and music. Once it became Mesa College in 1937, it expanded its programs to include practical nursing, vocational and on-the-farm training, social sciences, natural sciences, business and more.

Now:
Mesa State College holds a unique position among Colorado’s public higher education institutions. It is the only college in the state with a wide educational spectrum that ranges from one-year certificate programs to associate degrees to baccalaureate degrees to a graduate program. This expansion of degree programs traces back to the 1972 bill that made Mesa State College into a baccalaureate degree institution, but one that still maintained its community college mission. Four years later, 60-year-old Gerald Powers received the college’s first bachelor’s degree. In 1999, Desiree Hardin was awarded the college’s first graduate degree, a master’s in business administration. This spring, the MBA program anticipates graduating a record 22 students.

Athletics:
From Pioneers to Mavericks

Then:
Ready to play from the first day, Grand Junction Junior College students quickly formed athletic teams. Yet, without ready access to other colleges, the Pioneers football team played its first game, a 9-7 win, against Fruita Union High School. During that first year, a track team ran under the Pioneers name. In 1926, however, the Maverick mascot replaced the Pioneers and the student body chose maroon and white as the college’s colors.

Now:
With more than 50 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championships to their credit, the Maverick athletic program includes football, baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, golf, soccer and cross country teams. Student-athletes are regularly recognized for both their athletic and academic accomplishments at both the RMAC and national Division II levels.

Student Life:
Changing with the Times

Then:
The students of Grand Junction Junior College quickly developed social activities that catered to their various interests, including a student body association, music club, drama club and the Criterion newspaper. Students also annually hosted the Junior College Beefsteak Fry and the Soiree, a fall ball that was held through 1970.

Now:
Mesa State College students can choose from a wide range of activities that include Associated Student Government, professional societies, repertory dance, religious clubs, KMSA radio, the Criterion, intramural sports and the Cultural Diversity Board. Anyone with a love for pedals and two wheels can join the cycling club, which consistently ranks among the top collegiate cycling teams in the nation. Those who prefer other outdoor experiences can take advantage of the Outdoor Program, which offers more than 30 local, regional, international adventures each semester.