News
CMC board announces process and timeline to fill Pitkin County seat
CMC board announces process and timeline to fill Pitkin County seat The Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees has announced a process for filling its Pitkin County District 1 board seat that was held by the late trustee Markey Butler, who passed away on Feb. 4. Under state law, immediately following the occurrence of a vacancy on the CMC Board of Trustees, the board must adopt a resolution acknowledging the vacancy and appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy within 60 days after the vacancy occurred, which is April 5, 2026. Since the vacancy occurred more than 90 days prior to the board’s next regular biennial school election (November 2027) and Trustee Butler’s unexpired term was for more than 2 years (she was reelected November 2025 for her second four-year term), the appointee will serve until the next regular election. “We are heartbroken by the loss of Trustee Butler and still processing the huge contributions she made to her community and to Colorado Mountain College,” said CMC Board of Trustees Chair Kerry Buhler. “We know that Markey would encourage the board to maintain the college’s momentum and begin the process of filling this very important position. We look forward to reviewing applications from candidates living in the Aspen School District who are interested in serving as a trustee for the college.” Applicants for the open seat must reside in the boundaries of the Aspen School District (“District 1” according to CMC policies). An individual appointed to the open trustee seat will need to run and be elected in the college’s next regular biennial school election in Nov. 2027. The following is the anticipated timeline to appoint the new trustee: Feb. 16 – March 16 — Interested individuals may submit an application letter (details below) for consideration by the board. March 16, 2026 — Board reviews applications March 23, 2026 — Board interviews final candidates and selects candidate for appointment to vacant seat May 19, 2026 — Installation of new trustee … Read more: CMC board announces process and timeline to fill Pitkin County seat
Read More2026 CMC Culinary Dinner at Keystone Ranch
The Colorado Mountain College Foundation is excited to announce the 2026 CMC Culinary Dinner at Keystone Ranch, an annual celebration of community, creativity, and culinary excellence. This signature fundraising event brings together friends, supporters, and food lovers to savor a remarkable dining experience while supporting hands-on education for CMC culinary students. The dinner will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Keystone Ranch, located at 1437 County Road 150 in Keystone, Colorado. Guests can enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring a specially curated menu created by CMC student chefs. Beyond exceptional food and beverage pairings, the event highlights the skills, creativity, and professional training that students gain through the Culinary Program. Support Students and Celebrate Culinary Talent Tickets are now available, and early reservations are encouraged as seating is limited. Guests may choose from several ticket options designed to match their level of support: Individual Tickets ($200): Includes one event ticket and a personalized gift, with recognition in the annual Impact Report. Patron Sponsor Tickets ($500): Includes two event tickets and personalized gifts, plus recognition on the event poster and in the Impact Report. In addition to individual tickets, the Foundation offers a range of sponsorship opportunities — from Scholarship Sponsorships to Culinary Sponsorships — each providing meaningful support for student education and program needs, along with event recognition benefits. Whether you want to support student scholarships or provide equipment and tools for culinary education, there’s a sponsorship level for every level of involvement. An Evening to Remember At past dinners, guests have enjoyed innovative dishes such as Korean BBQ braised pork belly, ahi tuna tartar, braised bison short rib, and a trio of flourless chocolate cake — all paired with locally sourced beverages and wines. The 2026 dinner promises another extraordinary menu reflecting the evolving talents of CMC student… Read more: 2026 CMC Culinary Dinner at Keystone Ranch
Read MoreCMC announces passing of Pitkin County Trustee Markey Butler
Colorado Mountain College is saddened to share the news that beloved community leader and Pitkin County Trustee Marchita (“Markey”) Butler passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Read more: CMC announces passing of Pitkin County Trustee Markey Butler
Read MoreCMC Breckenridge, CMC ArtShare and Breck Create partner on Art and Sustainability Symposium Feb. 12
Colorado Mountain College Breckenridge, CMC Foundation’s ArtShare program and Breck Create have partnered to present the upcoming Art and Sustainability Symposium. The event is from 4-7 p.m., Feb. 12, and will bring together nationally known and local artists, students, sustainability leaders and community members exploring the intersection of creativity and environmental stewardship. Read more: CMC Breckenridge, CMC ArtShare and Breck Create partner on Art and Sustainability Symposium Feb. 12
Read MoreRoad to recovery portrayed in CMC play opens Feb. 6, runs through Feb. 15
The Sopris Theatre Company at Colorado Mountain College will present “The White Chip,” a three-character play about addiction, recovery and self-reinvention. The play opens Feb. 6 and runs through Feb. 15 with live and livestream options. Read more: Road to recovery portrayed in CMC play opens Feb. 6, runs through Feb. 15
Read MoreColorado Mountain College and CU School of Medicine Launch New Pathway for Aspiring Physicians
Colorado Mountain College has entered into a new partnership with the University of Colorado’s School of Medicine that creates an exciting opportunity for CMC students pursuing careers in medicine. Under a recently signed agreement, qualifying CMC students will receive a guaranteed interview with the CU School of Medicine—a significant milestone in an otherwise highly competitive admissions process. The partnership is designed to strengthen the pathway from CMC to medical school, particularly for students in rural and mountain communities. While an interview does not guarantee admission, it represents a critical step forward. Many medical schools interview only two to three candidates for every available seat, making the interview itself one of the most challenging barriers to overcome. To be eligible for the guaranteed interview, students must complete a bachelor’s degree, (the Bachelor of Biological Science recommended), maintain a strong academic record, and earn a competitive MCAT score. For specific requirements, students are encouraged to contact Colorado Mountain College directly for the most current and detailed information: https://coloradomtn.edu/admissions/. Students will also be expected to submit well-rounded, high-quality applications that demonstrate academic preparation, clinical exposure, and professional readiness. CMC is working with local medical professionals to expand shadowing and patient-care exposure opportunities across a range of specialties, allowing students to gain firsthand experience in clinical settings. As part of the partnership, CMC and CU School of Medicine will collaborate to help CMC students access current CU medical students for mentorship. Beginning this fall, CMC will further strengthen this pathway with the launch of the new Bachelor of Biological Science degree, along with advanced coursework in cell and molecular biology at the Steamboat Springs and Breckenridge campuses. However, the Pre-Medicine pathway at CMC is flexible and accessible across campuses. Because it is a pathway rather than a standalone degree, students may declare Pre-Medicine from any CMC location, as long as they complete the necessary… Read more: Colorado Mountain College and CU School of Medicine Launch New Pathway for Aspiring Physicians
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