Stories of Possibility
We believe higher education is more than great academics. At UCCS, it's about finding like-minded people within a community that will lift each other up as we pursue what's possible - together. Regardless of what you want to achieve, our students, faculty, and staff are committed to leveraging passion, competence, collaboration, and hard work to find and create opportunities to put you on a path towards success.
Whether you are starting a never-before done education path, finding a second career after the military, or anything in between, UCCS is going to embrace you and where you want to go. Explore our inspiring stories of possibility and discover how our community uses an optimistic and opportunistic mindset to create their ideal futures.
Dog Tags to Degrees
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A Mission to Serve.
With the UCCS community by his side, Axel Brown found friends and mentors to join him on his journey to create a better world. Since he was a kid, Axel always wanted to change the field of social work and after his time in the military, he enrolled at UCCS and began his pursuit to change the system.
Beyond his academic success, Axel was an involved member of our community and became SGA Student Body President and an ideal representative for students. Now in his second term, Axel is working towards a masters degree in social work as he furthers his dedication to a life of public service and being a beacon of change. Axel embodies our commitment to pursuing possibilities and his story is only one of many found on campus.
Program
Social Work in the College of Public Service.
Words of Wisdom
"If you want to be heard on campus, then UCCS is for you, it's just really that simple."
Fun Fact
Axel is a sneaker enthusiast and has a variety of shoes in his collection.
Learning a Life of Helping Others
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From Student to Role Model.
One of the longstanding traditions of UCCS' academic excellence is the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Aside from attracting bright minds to the program, our nursing school has embraced those looking to make a positive impact in people's lives. This story is no different for Angelica Orozco, whose UCCS journey led her to become a nurse and a beacon of hope for the next generation.
Whether it was early morning workouts, her favorite study spot in the library, or bonding with our community, Angelica was able to take the best UCCS has to offer, and make it a focal point of her day-to-day life. Now the first in her family to attend college, and a graduate from UCCS, Angelica is living out her dream of helping people as a nurse at Children's Hospital in Colorado Springs.
Program
Nursing in the Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Words of Wisdom
"Thinking about my experience and growth at UCCS gives me all the butterflies and warmth."
Fun Fact
Reached the summit of popular Colorado "14er", Mt. Holy Cross.
One of a Kind Innovation
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An Approach to Education Found Nowhere Else.
After years of searching for an academic institution aligned with his teaching philosophy, Dr. Terry Boult found the ideal partner in UCCS, which demonstrated both the capability and willingness to innovate in unprecedented ways. Out of this partnership, the first-ever Bachelor of Innovation program was born, driven to provide students with a more comprehensive education.
Truly the only program of its kind in the world, the B.I. has put students ahead of their peers by supplementing their main course load with core skills across a variety of majors. Because of this interdisciplinary approach to higher education, UCCS has fostered a more prepared generation of young professionals ready to create an impact in the world.
Program
The Bachelor of Innovation.
Words of Wisdom
"I did a nationwide search... felt UCCS was a place where I could achieve my educational vision."
Fun Fact
Terry holds 6 patents and has 9 patents pending.
Born to Teach
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Saying Yes to What's Possible.
Emma Stump arrived at UCCS with a plan: to study human physiology and nutrition. After diving into her studies and learning more about herself, an unexpected passion for teaching emerged. From her very first course in education, Emma knew she had found her true purpose. Having grown up in a rural area, Emma was drawn to the idea of returning to a small-town classroom to inspire students like her to take chances and reach their potential.
At UCCS, she embraced every opportunity to get involved. As a member of the Chancellor's Leadership Class and the club volleyball team, Emma discovered the power of community and personal growth. Now a UCCS graduate, Emma is back in a small town, ready to inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams. Her journey is a testament to keeping an open mind, saying yes to what's possible, and the unexpected paths that lead us to our true calling.
Program
Secondary Education in Biology with a Leadership Studies Minor.
Words of Wisdom
"I love how welcoming the UCCS community is. No matter what club or organization you’re going to, people want you there and people want you to come and participate and engage."
Fun Fact
Emma's go-to stress reliever at UCCS was getting Chinese takeout and eating while enjoying the views at Garden of the Gods Park.
Fighting to the Top
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A relentless pursuit of possibility.
Born to professional athletes, Chris Lalone has always embodied relentlessness. As a student at UCCS and a dedicated kickboxer, Chris channels his fighting spirit both in the gym and the classroom, achieving success in both arenas. Driven by his passions, he combines his love for academics and athletics, leading him to pursue a major in exercise science at UCCS.
Since being named to the USA kickboxing team, Chris excels in balancing his rigorous training schedule, his role at the UCCS Orientation office, and his academic pursuits. His journey exemplifies the power of passion and hard work. With the flexibility and support he found at UCCS, Chris seamlessly transitioned to his new major and is well on his way to a dream career in exercise science. His story serves as an inspiring example of navigating opportunities rooted in passion within the supportive UCCS community.
Program
Exercise Science degree in the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Words of Wisdom
"If you want to be an exercise science major like me, or you want do criminal justice, there's endless opportunities and that’s what I love about UCCS."
Fun Fact
Chris discovered his passion for acting at UCCS, where he took his very first class. Now, he's embraced acting as an exciting new hobby.
A Presence in the Classroom
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Expanding Educational Horizons.
As a first-generation college graduate, Katie Sullivan, Ph.D., knows firsthand the unique pressures that university students face. Drawing on her own experience, Katie's approach to teaching goes beyond academic success—she's dedicated to helping students grow into well-rounded people ready to thrive in their careers and personal lives.
Inspired by UCCS' encouragement to be herself, Katie creates a learning environment where students feel both supported and empowered, academically and personally. Drawing from her mindfulness practices and the support she's received from UCCS, she recently developed a four-week course to enhance the holistic student experience she's passionate about cultivating. Katie embodies the people-first approach that many faculty members at UCCS share, and her commitment has made a significant difference in the lives of her students.
Program
Director of Graduate Studies/Associate Professor Communication.
Words of Wisdom
"It is a wonderful thing to be supported by an institution to say ‘you can chase your passion projects.' And one of my passion projects was bringing mindfulness to UCCS."
Fun Fact
As lovers of the outdoors, Katie and her family have taken their vintage Coleman camper, 'Dirty Girty,' on numerous expeditions throughout Colorado.