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FEBRUARY 3, 2005
Mesa State College Study Indicates Increased
Quality of Life
Grand Junction, CO - Mesa State College's recently released impact
study, "Achieving a Higher Degree of Leadership in Western
Colorado," indicates that the college has been a consistent
contributor to western Colorado's high quality of life.
"Quality of life is a value-laden notion that refers to the
status, or well-being, of a region's population when compared to
others," said Dr. Carol Futhey, interim vice president for
academic affairs and study co-author. "In addition to providing
educational services, a college, like Mesa State College, frequently
serves as a focal point for the social and cultural environment
of a region, thereby making it a more attractive place to live."
Mesa State College contributes to western Colorado's quality of
life through:
Educational activities - These include high school outreach
programs, athletics, lectures and forums, in-service programs for
teachers and community education. Athletic activities attracted
approximately 44,650 individuals in 2003-2004, with an additional
4,540 children participating in the athletic summer camp program.
Thousands of school children also participated in academic outreach
programs like the Western Colorado Science Fair, Media Day, Math
Extravaganza, the Mesa State College Writing Conference, History
Day, music competitions and a one-act play contest.
Cultural programs in art, music, theatre and dance - These
programs resulted in over 20,000 combined visits to the main campus
in 2003-2004. Many Mesa State visual and performing arts students
also stay in the region after graduation and become contributors
to the local art community.
Professional expertise shared by faculty and staff through community
service and research - The Mesa State College Bureau for Economic
and Business Research produces a quarterly newsletter distributed
to 1,200 businesses and individuals in the regional community. In
addition, faculty and staff also work in local schools, share their
expertise with local civic groups, volunteer with nonprofits and
serve on community boards. The "Achieving a Higher Degree in
Leadership in Western Colorado" study documents the community
service of more than 115 Mesa State College employees.
Volunteerism performed by students and AmeriCorps participants
- Mesa State College scholarship recipients spent 17,500 volunteer
hours in regional hospitals, senior centers, police and fire departments
and government offices during the 2003-2004 academic year. In additional,
Mesa State College AmeriCorps participants contributed 38,900 document
hours to the community in 2003. Focused on the region's youth, the
35 AmeriCorps volunteers worked at 12 non-profit agencies and six
school sites.
College facilities made available to the public - The Tomlinson
Library, which is open to the public, served over 350,000 patrons
during the 2003-2004 academic year. In addition, the Tomlinson Library
also loaned more than 1,000 items to the 57 libraries on the Western
Slope, hosted regional library training programs and delivered library
courses to paraprofessional employees in Glenwood Springs and Telluride,
as well as Montrose, Delta and Mesa counties. The W.W. Campbell
College Center's facilities, including the Liff Auditorium and the
Johnson Art Gallery, also served 325 businesses, individuals and
non-profit agencies during 2003-2004, accommodating 18,500 visitors.
"Mesa State College was founded by the people of western Colorado
for the people of western Colorado," said Tim Foster, president
of Mesa State College. "With its strong tradition of educational
and cultural activities, it is evident that the college's contributions
have in the past and will continue to positively impact the region's
quality of life."
Designated as a regional education provider by the Colorado legislature
in 2003, Mesa State College is responsible for providing educational
services to 14 western Colorado counties-
Pitkin, Eagle, San Miguel, Summit, Routt, Ouray, Grand, Garfield,
Mesa, Jackson, Rio Blanco, Montrose, Delta and Moffat.
"Achieving a Higher Degree of Leadership in Western Colorado"
was co-written by Futhey and Dr. Morgan Bridge, professor of business
administration. In addition to detailing Mesa State College's contributions
to the region's quality of life, the study also thoroughly examines
educational access and quality and economic impact. To access a
copy of the study, visit www.mesastate.edu/president/impactstudy/index.htm.
For more information, contact the Publicity Coordinator, at 970.248.1371.
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