CMC trustees move forward on Glenwood welcome center, Vail Valley dental hygiene program

Aug. 31, 2022 - Following the first week of the fall semester, the Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees met at the Leadville campus Aug. 29-30 for a regularly scheduled board meeting and annual planning retreat.

The college’s current strategic plan, Reaching Greater Heights, concludes in 2023, so a new collegewide plan is formulating, which will continue to identify CMC’s priorities as well as a framework to achieve and communicate them.

The college will be gathering input from students, employees and community members in the coming months. Opportunities for the public’s involvement will be available this fall and will be advertised in local media and online.

Additionally, trustees approved submitting a proposal for a $700,000 matching grant to the Garfield County Federal Mineral Lease District.  This project, if funded, would renovate a prime Glenwood Springs ground-floor, corner commercial space at 8th Street and Grand Avenue owned by CMC. The proposed welcome center would be operated and staff jointly by CMC and the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association.

The renovated space will offer multiple ways to connect visitors with the local area’s businesses and recreational opportunities as well as provide information about CMC’s 11 campuses. GSCRA and CMC staff will provide in person contact, as well as virtually and through dual languages. Large windows and a glass-door entry will welcome visitors to the center, which will include two new public restrooms and a water station.

Pending the results of the FMLD grant, matching funds from CMC, a contribution from the City of Glenwood Springs and a small contribution from GSCRA, work can begin on the renovation of the new center, likely to start in 2023.

Trustees also unanimously approved updating the college’s facilities master plan to designate the CMC Vail Valley at Edwards campus as the location for a proposed dental hygiene program. Designating the location allows the college to move forward with its application to the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Impetus for the program came about with the region’s increased need for dental hygienists. CMC conducted a feasibility study and cost analysis that was completed in June and recommended moving forward on the program. A portion of the Edwards’ campus building will be remodeled and an addition will provide a total 5,382 square feet of program space. The program is scheduled to be operational in fall 2024.