Adams State president reports enrollment uptick, warns of funding pressures
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Summary
Adams State University president reported increases in full-time enrollments and retention, described major campus projects in planning, and warned the university will face tighter state budgets and the loss of Title V/HSI funding.
Adams State University President (identified in the meeting record as President Tandberg) delivered a mid-fall update to the Alamosa City Council, reporting gains in full-time enrollment and improved student retention but warning of immediate fiscal headwinds after federal Title V/Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) funding was effectively defunded.
"We saw an increase in full time enrollments," the president said, noting retention rose by about 5.5 percentage points among traditional, degree-seeking students. He described a campus climate and student engagement that have improved and said the university is working to secure external resources to sustain successful programs previously supported by Title V dollars.
The president told council members the loss of HSI funding is a serious challenge: "Those dollars were important when it came to having available resources to innovate," he said, adding that the university will be aggressive in seeking other funding. He also warned of a tight state budget ahead and said Adams State will "lobby like heck" to minimize cuts.
On facilities, the president described several planned projects including a likely new facilities building and a campus geothermal heating and cooling installation to be pursued through a state energy performance contracting program. He said the university maintains strong reserves and a balanced budget but will approach the next budget cycle with caution.
Council members from Alamosa expressed gratitude and support; several identified themselves as alumni and praised the partnership between the university and city on housing, street and trail planning. Mayor Pro Tem and councilors noted collaboration on events such as homecoming and the benefits of improved campus-community relations.
The presentation closed with the president thanking the council for their support and indicating continued work on enrollment, retention and resource development.