Chad Mickschl

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"The outdoor program gave me a great foundational knowledge and set of skills to build upon and start a career in the outdoors. The staff is some of the most qualified and student-centered staff that I have experienced. They are there for their students first and want to see them succeed. I am still great friends with the OUT staff at CMC."

Chad Mickschl continued his education after the Outdoor Education program by receiving a B.A. from Lake Forest College and Avalanche Level III certification. He has worked as a mountain guide, avalanche forecaster, and outdoor education instructor. He works for the Bureau of Land Management as a Recreation Technician during the summer.

Ryan McCulley

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"Ryan McCulley was great to work with and provided expertise that was imperative for the implementation of our guide and outfitter process. I will highly recommend this program to other Forest Service administrators...throughout the state. We were able to hire Ryan as a seasonal employee... I feel comfortable giving him any project and know he will do just fine."   -Kathryn D. Hardy, District Ranger, Pike/San Isabel National Forest

Ryan McCulley works with the Pike San Isabel National Forest Service

Tyler Vaughan

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“Colorado Mountain College is where I first found my love for the outdoors. This school showed me what I was capable of. Before CMC, I didn’t know there was world of opportunities just waiting there for me.”

Tyler Vaughan is currently involved in a Bachelor's Program in Social Science at Ashford University. He is now a faculty Instructor in the Outdoor Education Program, teaching rock climbing and assisting on other outdoor courses.

Dr. Chris Dionigi

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"Colorado Mountain College was an excellent place to begin my career. Large universities are great places later... when research, laboratories and major libraries become critical. In my first two years, it was much more important for me to have excellent instructors and opportunities for personal attention."

Dr. Chris Dionigi is assistant director for Domestic Policy for the National Invasive Species Council in Washington, DC. The NISC, part of the department of the interior, was established by presidential order to coordinate the invasive species efforts of more than 30 federal agencies.

Michael Whigham

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"Throughout my professional and personal experiences, I have utilized the leadership, teaching, technical and interpersonal skills which I learned in the Outdoor Education program. These skills and knowledge have allowed me to excel in the fields of experiential education and leadership development."

Michael Whigham transferred to the Recreation program at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, where he graduated Cum Laude. He later returned to CMC and served as Interim Assistant Professor, Adjunct Faculty and Director of Teambuilding programs, as well as maintained employment with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School). Michael received a M.S. in Environmental Education at Antioch New England graduate school.

Gary Keeling

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photo - gary keeling“The faculty promote a forum style of discussion in class. That really attracted me. In the past, my educational experiences have been that teaching has been one-way. The discussion format is what these classes are all about:  you study, then come into class and articulate your ideas. That was a huge turning point for me – it helped me have a forum to express myself that I didn’t before. Everyone is given a voice."

Gary Keeling, Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies graduate