Adams State University

Adams State University is a public university located in Alamosa, Colorado, in the San Luis Valley. Founded as a teachers college, it has evolved into a comprehensive institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs across the arts, sciences, education, business, and professional fields. Adams State University is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and emphasizes access to higher education for rural, first-generation, and underrepresented students. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Grizzlies and maintains a strong connection to southern Colorado communities. Its academic offerings include on-campus and online programs designed to serve both traditional students and working professionals.

Adams State University was founded in 1921 in Alamosa, Colorado, as Adams State Normal School to prepare teachers for rural communities across the San Luis Valley and surrounding regions. Established after years of advocacy by Colorado legislator Billy Adams, the institution focused initially on teacher education. In 1946, the name changed to Adams State College as academic programs expanded beyond teacher training to include broader undergraduate and graduate offerings. Under founding president Ira Richardson, the campus developed key facilities and academic structures that shaped its early growth. Graduate coursework began in the 1940s, and enrollment steadily increased during the mid-twentieth century. In 2000, Adams State became Colorado’s first federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. The institution officially adopted the name Adams State University in 2012, reflecting its expanded mission and degree programs. Today, Adams State University continues to serve students throughout Colorado and beyond through on-campus and online education.