CMUnow Podcast

President John Marshall hosts a tele town hall for students and parents to discuss the upcoming Fall 2025 semester

Join us in celebrating Black History Month at Colorado Mesa University! CMU President John Marshall interviews first-generation, African American student Liban Shongolo. From a refugee camp in Kenya to CMU student-athlete, Liban shares his journey, highlighting the power of sacrifice, resilience and community support. Let's cheer him on as he plans to pursue law school and become a voice for marginalized communities as a prosecutor!

In this special edition of the CMUnow podcast, President Marshall welcomes Dr. Joyce Brooks. Dr. Brooks shares her inspiring journey from being born in rural Arkansas to becoming one of the first black teachers in a desegregated school. As an advocate for multicultural education, Dr. Brooks emphasizes the importance of building relationships and communities, encouraging listeners to appreciate differences in one another and work towards a stronger, united America.

Culture of Belonging by Colorado Mesa University

Join Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and community leader Heidi Hess in a thought-provoking discussion about the progress and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Grand Junction, Colorado. Explore how community connections, acceptance and inclusivity have evolved, making Pride celebrations and LGBTQ+ events more vibrant and accessible on the Western Slope. Gain insights into the intersection of civil rights, relationships and the importance of creating welcoming spaces for everyone.

In this episode of the CMUnow Podcast, Colorado Mesa University Instructor of Music and Director of Vocal Ensembles Dirk Johnson discusses his musical journey, starting with playing the violin in the fourth grade, his exposure to classical music and his transition to choral singing and conducting. He reminisces on growing up in a musical environment as a childhood and now how he's implemented it in his own household. Johnson shares his teaching experiences with various age groups and skill levels, highlighting the importance of selecting suitable music for choirs. He also talks about his recent move to Colorado, his renewed interest in playing the violin and his experiences as a composer.

Colorado Mesa University's Dylan Jones, PhD, discusses the study of chemistry that underlies life's existence and how it impacts everything from breathing and muscle function to emotions and food needs. Jones explains how biochemistry is accessible and relevant to daily life, shares insights on topics such as the effects of salt on a slug, absorbing vitamin D from sunlight and the role of biochemistry in mental health. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, patience and respect in teaching, and encourages students to embrace learning through mistakes and discovery.

Catherine Whiting, PhD, discusses her passion for astronomy and the importance of studying the cosmos. She highlights the sense of awe astronomy instills, its practical applications in technological advancements and the involvement of students in her research on exoplanets. Whiting emphasizes the interconnectedness of the universe and the impact it has on our understanding of ourselves.

Colorado Mesa University Director of the Department of Health Sciences Lucy Graham, PhD, shares how a trip to South Africa inspired her to pursue a career in nursing after witnessing the impact of a British nurse working in a clinic. She emphasizes her passion for social justice, working with vulnerable populations and combating burnout in healthcare. Graham also discusses her transition from acute care nursing to public health, highlighting the importance of self-care and addressing the challenges of rural healthcare.

On today's episode of the CMUnow Podcast Colorado Mesa University Instructor of Nursing Kristy Emerson shares her journey from growing up in a small town to becoming a nurse and emphasizes the importance of prevention in healthcare. Emerson incorporates her background in public health to empower students and address healthcare challenges in rural communities. Learn more about the nursing profession, the value of empathy and the diverse career opportunities available in the healthcare industry. Don't miss this engaging conversation about making a difference in people's lives through education and compassionate care.

In this episode of the CMUnow podcast, Colorado Mesa University’s Lecturer of Business and Internship Coordinator for the Davis School of Business Kristen McGee discusses her upbringing in Grand Junction and her career journey. She emphasizes the importance of real-world examples in the classroom and encourages students to explore their passions through internships. She also highlights the benefits of internships for businesses, including mentoring the next generation and teaching valuable skills. The conversation delves into the importance of students' approach and companies' openness to new ideas for a positive internship experience.

Today's podcast guest, Colorado Mesa University Instructor of Music - Cello and Music Theory Jason Pegis, PhD, shares his unique journey from growing up in a musical household and initially considering a career in the sciences, to discovering his true passion for music. Explore the intriguing connection between science and music, delve into film scoring insights and hear how music played a vital role in Pegis's personal healing process. Stay tuned to the very end of the podcast to hear a special cello performance!

On this episode of the CMUnow Podcast, Colorado Mesa University Associate Professor of Business and Hospitality Management Britt Mathwich talks about his career journey from managing his family's 24-hour truck stop cafe as a 21-year-old to becoming a professor. Mathwich discusses the concept and opening of Hotel Maverick, a teaching hotel, where CMU students from all majors are employed, and how the hospitality industry has evolved, including the impact of technology on managing hospitality services. Listen now!

Join us on this episode of the CMUnow Podcast as we sit down with Colorado Mesa University Associate Professor of Computer Science Karl Castleton. Castleton's non-traditional higher education journey has led him to discover his passion for technology. From joining the National Guard to pay for college, to being a first-generation college student and inspiring his mom to pursue her college degree, Castleton has done it all. But his journey didn't stop there, since graduating he has worked with everything from nuclear materials to medical devices, and even programmed one of the first models for self-driving cars. Listen as Castleton discusses the past, present and future of computer science and technology and the importance of continuous learning in these ever-changing fields.

Providing opportunities to make higher education accessible to all students. In this edition of the CMUnow Presidential Podcast, Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall sat down with three Reisher Scholar students to discuss the Reisher Scholars Program. The students shared their positive experiences with the program and highlighted its many benefits, including financial stability, a strong support system and access to additional resources. They explained how these resources helped them overcome challenges and achieve success, emphasizing the program's importance in making higher education accessible to all students. The Reisher Scholars Program provides financial aid, academic advising, career counseling and personal coaching to help low-income Colorado residents attend college. To be eligible students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher, demonstrate financial need, be full-time incoming sophomores or transfer students and be leaders on and off campus. Learn more about the Reisher Scholars Program.

Assistant Professor of Dance and Dance Program Director Kathy Diehl began her career as a professional ballet dancer at the age of 12. Although she didn't always have a passion for dance, her perspective changed when she began training at a new ballet company, where a teacher recognized her potential and made training an exciting experience. Diehl's teaching style incorporates her background in psychology, using dance to foster critical thinking, self-awareness and empathy for others. She recognizes that the field of dance can be highly competitive and emphasizes the importance of building community and collaboration among her students. By doing so, she hopes to prepare them for successful careers as artists in the field.

In this Special Edition podcast, Assistant Professor of Communications at the University of the Fraser Valley in Canada, Joy Enyinnaya, PhD, shares her unique approach to activism, media economics and her life experiences in Nigeria. According to Joy, the most effective way to engage in activism is through education and mentorship, which she incorporates into her teaching to spark thought-provoking conversations in her classroom. Furthermore, she is committed to uplifting those around her and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Tune in to learn more about Joy's inspiring work and perspective!

Department Head and Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Mo LaMee developed his passion for theatre at a young age. Initially being drawn to theatre's multidimensional nature and artistic freedom as it provides an avenue for creative expression. While the Robinson Theatre has been the longstanding home of Colorado Mesa University’s performing arts program, ground has recently been broken for the new Center for the Performing Arts. According to LaMee, this new center represents a fresh beginning for the arts at CMU.

"I have the best job in the world," said Educational Leadership Coordinator Mark Schmalz. Schmalz has spent the last 40 years teaching everything from K-12, to teaching abroad, to being an elementary principal, to now teaching at Colorado Mesa University. Schmalz strives to provide new experiences and influences to his students, focusing on teaching a wide range of pedagogies to help students find their individual teaching styles. Most recently, Schmalz has helped create Starfish International, a non-profit focused on designing and funding a K-8 school in Mathare, Kenya.

In this Special Edition Podcast, Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall sat down with Texas Christian University's Dr. Frederick Gooding, Jr., aka Dr. G, for an open conversation about hip hop as a genre and its role in changing culture and shaping generations. Listen as Marshall and Gooding critically dissect JAY-Z's 99 Problems and Ice Cube's It Was A Good Day and how upon closer inspection the two men dive into the deeper meaning of the lyrics.

When Blake Bickham, PhD, entered the education system to teach high school English, he quickly realized how teaching itself was a small fraction of the job. During his two-year commitment to the Peace Corps in Uzbekistan, he focused on building relationships and connecting with students in addition to teaching. During his time overseas, he helped train Peace Corps volunteers, sharing his experience as a teacher to prepare them for the classroom. Now he does the same here at Colorado Mesa University, preparing student teachers to enter the workforce.

Nathan Perry, PhD, started earning his doctorate at 22 years old and during this time learned he had a talent for explaining complicated concepts in an non-complicated way. He's taken this skill and uses it in the classroom as well as in his regional research reports. Perry takes a non-political and academic integrity approach to all studies he conducts including those on energy, outdoor recreation and public land issues. As an expert on economics he dives into the definition of economics, which might surprise you, and how it is a privilege to impact policy that affects all of our lives daily.

Dr. Victoria Warnaar didn't initially pursue Occupational Therapy but instead began her career as a social studies teacher for middle and high school students. As a teacher, she recognized that some of her students required additional tools or life skills to show up and be successful learners. Now as an OT professional, she serves others in the same manner by making small changes in the lives of her patients to revolutionize their daily living.

Colorado Mesa University is proud to be a leading pioneer in bringing awareness to outdoor recreation studies. Being located in western Colorado gives CMU students incredible access to the outdoors, with some of the best climbing, hiking, mountain biking and more in the nation. Outdoor Recreation Program Director Sarah Shrader, shares CMU's passion for helping students pursue a future of higher education in outdoor recreation.

Tiffany Kinney, PhD, has always been a lover of English. With an interest in archival research, she is passionate about stepping away from those who have dictated historical narratives from positions of power and instead seeks to give voice to marginalized groups past and present.

As a first-generation student who reached the pinnacle of higher education, James Perez, PhD, has done it all. From playing in a band, to working in radio, to graduating with a Master’s in Linguistics and doctorate in communication, Perez constantly challenges himself and finds ways to continue to learn about the world of language.

As a professor of mass communication, Elaine Venter, PhD, is researching and teaching about an industry that is subject to change on a daily basis. From Elon Musk buying Twitter to Web3 and building community through video games. She discusses how technology accentuates and integrates with real life as well as the opportunities and pitfalls these virtual worlds hold for all of us.

With the recent increase of the national conversation focusing on the topic of criminal justice reform, Professor of Criminal Justice Katie Dreiling, PhD, speaks about the importance of policy change and increased funding and support.

Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall facilitates a conversation about people and politics, both past and present, with Katie Packer Beeson and Rich Beeson. Katie is a political consultant who has managed numerous campaigns at every level, including state legislature, Governor, U.S. Senate and Presidential. Rich’s campaign experience is just as extensive. He served as the Political Director for Romney for President in 2011-2012 and as the Deputy Campaign Manager for Marco Rubio for President in 2015-2016.

As people all across the country struggle with mental health, Michelle Sunkel, PhD, is training the next generation of healthcare professionals as to how to bridge the gap between the lack of resources and the absence of funding. As an expert in the field of social work and the director of the Master of Social Work program at Colorado mesa University, Sunkel breaks down how as a society we can better support those suffering through education, awareness and policy.

On this special edition podcast, Colorado Mesa University Associate Professor of Theatre Arts and Director of Guys and Dolls Benjamin Reigel and CMU senior, Ian Rowzee, sat down to give listeners an exclusive look into their upcoming performance. Rowzee, who plays Nathan Detroit in the musical comedy, spoke about the classic and how his love for theatre grew after getting involved in choir. Listen to Rowzee and Reigel dive into the history behind Guys and Dolls in this episode.

Agriculture does more for society than just making sure there’s food on the table. Western Colorado Community College’s Bryan Reed, who has worked in the organic and sustainable food industry in Colorado since 1993, explains why sustainable farming matters and how we’re taking lessons from the past to move us into the future.

In August 1994, Colorado Mesa University Professor of Art Suzie Garner left West Texas A&M after graduate school, arrived at CMU for a one year appointment and never left. In this episode, Garner takes us on a journey from one watercolor workshop in Yellowstone National Park to an adventure all her own.

Associate Professor of Art Araan Schmidt started melting iron when he was just 8 years old. He has since spent the last decade sharing his love of transforming stubborn materials and precious metals like brass, aluminum and iron with Colorado Mesa University undergraduate students. Contemporary and traditional artists continue to inspire Schmidt to keep pushing the boundaries of sculpture, arguably creating some of the most unique pieces of art the world has ever seen.

WCCC Lecturer of Early Childhood Education Stephanie Stelljes wanted to teach ever since she was a young girl. Fast forward some 20 plus years later and Stelljes has done just that. At Western Colorado Community College (WCCC), she’s instilling a love of learning that trickles down from the next generation of child educators to the Grand Valley’s youngest students. The curriculum includes guidance strategies around social and emotional development to managing classrooms.

Colorado Mesa University Assistant Professor of Mathematics Ana Berrizbeitia, PhD, teaches a subject many love to hate. Yet, Berrizbeitia sees math as a giant playground, an art form and a way to communicate complex ideas.

From aerospace engineer on the NASA Space Shuttle Landing Team to the Colorado Mesa University campus, Associate Professor of Statistics Rick Ott, PhD, has an array of experiences that have helped shaped how students learn statistics in todays ever-evolving world.

Tropical Ecology has been a focal point for Thomas Walla, PhD, since his first trip to Ecuador in 1991. Since that time he has sought to bring the wonders of tropical diversity to the classroom and his research program. Walla's research includes measuring the diversity of interactions along the eastern Andes to the Amazon. Most recently, he’s joined a team participating in the XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, funded by Elon Musk and the Musk Foundation.

Associate Professor of Biology Johanna Varner, PhD, is inspiring the next generation of female scientists through her love of pikas, a small, mountain-dwelling mammal, and their response to climate change. Varner’s work as a pika biologist landed her likeness in the world’s largest collection of statues of women to exist in one place. In this podcast, she talks about what it’s like to have her statue at the Smithsonian Institute and why more women should be represented in the sciences.

A misnomer of accounting is that you have to be good at math. Turns out, it’s more about dissecting and communicating information. In this podcast, CMU Professor of Accounting Suzanne Owens-Ott breaks down what a life of an accountant looks like, including the good, the bad and the ugly.

CMU Assistant Professor of Management Carlos Baldo, PhD, tells us about his life both in the private and public sector and walks us through how he’s preparing the students of today for tomorrow.

Ann Gillies, PhD, spent 15 years in the special education field before transitioning into teacher education. Gillies is a passionate advocate for inclusive education and is now teaching the next generation of teachers who will make a difference in the lives of students with exceptionalities.

As a young adult, Nick Bardo bounced around the globe teaching, from the Republic of Kiribati to China and many places in between. The United States Peace Corps showed him that no matter where in the world he was, home was in a classroom.

Western Colorado gets a new summer police academy! Starting May 9, the Western Colorado Law Enforcement Academy will be officially in session. The academy was created in partnership with the Montrose Police Department, Colorado Mesa University Montrose Campus and the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office.

Jodi Noga teaches nursing students how to care for patients and their families in life and in death. From the emergency room to hospice, after 26 years in the field, Noga has seen it all. Now, she’s passing on the knowledge that whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, a nurse can make all the difference.

President Marshall sat down with diversity, inclusion and equity expert Dwinita Mosby Tyler, Colorado State Representative Leslie Herod, theatre arts department head Mo LaMee and students Isabel and Lauren to discuss the power of the arts how they bring people together like few things do.

Originally from western Ukraine, radiologic technologist Olga Grisak has seen it all. As a program coordinator and faculty member at Colorado Mesa University, Grisak teaches her students not only the technical and patient skills needed to do the job, but also how to be the ears and eyes for the radiologist.

Costume design plays a unique role in storytelling. By switching up pieces of clothing, the audience can see a change over the course of the story: a rise or fall of fortune, a shift in personality, even how a character fits inside a world. Colorado Mesa University’s Jill Van Brussel helps tell stories but also has an inspiring one all her own. This conversation take twists and turns you didn’t see coming.

Music theatre is all about telling a compelling story to create a shared experience. Colorado Mesa University’s Director of Musical Theater Jeremy Franklin explains what it is about the arts that bring us all together.

WCCC Fire Science Program Lead Technical Instructor and Grand Junction Fire Department Battalion Chief Chris McCoy has 27 years of fire service experience and a heart for helping people. Battling fires while weighing the risk vs. reward is part of the job and one that he doesn’t take lightly. On this CMUnow Podcast, find out if bravery is inherent or learned and why some run in when others run out.