Glenwood Springs — Colorado Mountain College President Matt Gianneschi told the Joint Budget Committee that CMC serves 11 campuses across resort and mountain communities, provides residential options at several sites and focuses on affordability for students who live in high‑cost areas.

Gianneschi described CMC’s mix of program offerings: trade‑oriented courses in Leadville (including lift maintenance and ski‑area operations), health and nursing programs based at select residential campuses, and robust English‑as‑a‑second‑language offerings at other locations. He said many students attend multiple campus sites before graduating and that CMC recently completed a faculty compensation analysis that places full‑time faculty pay between 125% and 140% of national means; adjunct pay remains a focus and the college plans an 11% adjunct increase to improve parity.

Gianneschi also detailed a locally funded affordability model: CMC reduced local mill levies in recent years and has committed tax revenue to sustain low, in‑district tuition (about $104 per credit hour) and a quasi‑endowment that supports a college promise program. He noted that the college’s adult basic education and English language programs reach thousands of residents, and he pointed to a new oral‑health clinic and a dental‑hygiene program that expanded local access to clinical training and care.

Why it matters: CMC operates in high‑cost communities where housing and labor markets create unusual budget pressures. Local tax support and affordable tuition help students who otherwise lack access to higher education and training in rural and resort areas.

Ending: Gianneschi invited committee members to visit CMC campuses and noted the institution’s focus on completion, workforce alignment and affordability for rural students.