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Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

"Empowering the Mind Through Heart"

Public university
Type
9,785
Total Students
9,473
Undergrad
312
Graduate
$70M
Endowment
(2025)
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: John Marshall

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University: Western Colorado's academic heart, empowering minds since 1925.

Colorado Mesa University (CMU), nestled in Grand Junction, Colorado, stands as the largest public university in the western part of the state, a vibrant hub of learning guided by its motto, "Empowering the Mind Through Heart." With a beautiful 141-acre campus, CMU offers a dynamic environment for nearly 10,000 students seeking a high-quality education and a rich college experience outside the bustling Front Range Urban Corridor.

Established in 1925 as Grand Junction Junior College, CMU boasts a remarkable history of growth and adaptation. It evolved through several key name changes, becoming Mesa College in 1940, and later Mesa State College in 1988 as it expanded its educational offerings to include bachelor's degrees. This commitment to meeting the regional demand for higher education culminated in 2011 when the institution proudly achieved university status, adopting its current name and reflecting its comprehensive academic scope.

Academically, Colorado Mesa University is robust, featuring over 100 undergraduate programs and 11 postgraduate programs spread across 14 diverse academic departments. For prospective students and families, this translates into a wide array of choices, from cutting-edge sciences to liberal arts, all designed to foster intellectual growth and prepare graduates for successful careers. The university's strong academic foundation is supported by dedicated faculty, providing an engaging and supportive learning atmosphere.

Beyond academics, CMU offers a vibrant student experience. The Colorado Mesa Mavericks, competing at the NCAA Division II level in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, bring spirited athletic competition to campus, boasting an impressive 70 RMAC regular season titles. With its main campus in Grand Junction and additional branch campuses, including CMU Tech and a regional campus in Montrose, CMU provides diverse learning environments and contributes significantly to the cultural and economic vitality of its surrounding communities.

Key Highlights

  • Established on April 10, 1925, achieving full university status and its current name in 2011.
  • The largest university in Western Colorado, serving 9,785 students as of Fall 2024.
  • Offers a comprehensive selection of over 100 undergraduate and 11 postgraduate programs across 14 academic departments.
  • Home to the successful NCAA Division II Mavericks, who have secured an impressive 70 RMAC regular season titles.
  • A public university with a notable endowment of $70 million (2025), committed to educational excellence.
  • Features a 141-acre main campus in Grand Junction, complemented by branch campuses in Montrose and Clifton.

Timeline

1925
Founded as Grand Junction Junior College on April 10th.
1932
Renamed Grand Junction State Junior College.
1937
Renamed Mesa County Junior College.
1940
Renamed Mesa College.
1974
Began offering bachelor's degrees.
1988
Changed its name to Mesa State College.
2011
Achieved university status, adopting its current name, Colorado Mesa University.

Leadership

John Marshall
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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