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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: Empowering minds in the heart of Western Colorado since 1925.

Colorado Mesa University, nestled in Grand Junction, Colorado, stands as the premier public university in the western part of the state, serving nearly 10,000 students. Known for its dynamic academic environment and vibrant campus life, CMU champions its motto, "Empowering the Mind Through Heart," fostering a supportive community for its Mavericks.

Founded as Grand Junction Junior College in 1925, the institution has a rich history of growth and transformation. It steadily expanded its educational offerings, becoming Mesa College in 1940, then Mesa State College in 1988 as it began offering bachelor's degrees. This journey culminated in 2011 when it proudly achieved university status, adopting its current name to reflect its comprehensive academic portfolio and its crucial role in providing higher education outside Colorado's Front Range Urban Corridor.

Today, CMU provides an extensive range of over 100 undergraduate and 11 postgraduate programs across 14 academic departments, including specialized training at CMU Tech and a regional campus in Montrose. Beyond academics, students thrive in a spirited environment, cheering on the NCAA Division II Mavericks, who have amassed an impressive 70 RMAC regular season titles, making for a truly engaging college experience both inside and outside the classroom.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1925 as Grand Junction Junior College, evolving to university status in 2011.
  • Largest university in Western Colorado, serving 9,785 students (Fall 2024).
  • Offers over 100 undergraduate and 11 postgraduate programs across 14 academic departments.
  • Home to the NCAA Division II Mavericks, with an impressive 70 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference regular season titles.
  • Operates with the inspiring motto: "Empowering the Mind Through Heart."
  • Main campus spans 141 acres in Grand Junction, supplemented by branch campuses in Montrose and Clifton.
  • Boasts an endowment of $70 million (2025).

Timeline

1925
Established as Grand Junction Junior College
1932
Renamed Grand Junction State Junior College
1940
Renamed Mesa College
1974
Began offering bachelor's degrees
1988
Renamed Mesa State College
2011
Officially attained university status, becoming Colorado Mesa University

Leadership

John Marshall
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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