Gov. Romer grew up in Holly, working in the family business from a young age. Raised during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, he learned responsibility early. He tended livestock, hauled grain, and stood alongside the farmers and ranch hands who shaped his understanding of dignity and service.

Gov. Romer came to CSU and was elected student body president while on disciplinary probation for four years after a trip down to Boulder. You'll have to listen to the podcast episode for the full story. After earning his bachelor's in agricultural economics in 1950, he went on to law school at the University of Colorado, then studied ethics and divinity at Yale. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a military prosecutor in Germany. Returning to Colorado, he served in the state House and Senate, then as State Treasurer, and twelve years as Governor. He later led the Los Angeles Unified School District as superintendent.

In the episode, Gov. Romer reflects on the culture of rural Colorado and the values it gave him. He shares his perspective on the future of agriculture and water, and the divide between urban and rural America. He closes with advice for today's CSU students: hold yourself accountable, hold the people you work with accountable, and stay endlessly curious.

Set to celebrate his 98th birthday this year, Gov. Romer remains active in Colorado agriculture and optimistic as ever about the state's future.

In this episode of The Next 150, President Amy Parsons sits down with University Distinguished Professor of English Camille Dungy, and University Distinguished Teaching Scholar Dan Beachy-Quick — both Guggenheim Fellows and treasured members of CSU's creative writing faculty.

Camille and Dan share the stories behind their newest poetry collections — Camille's America, A Love Story and Dan's Elements & Offerings — and each reads a poem from their new works. The conversation explores their path to poetry, what makes the art form uniquely powerful, and what CSU's Creative Writing program, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, means to the literary world. They also reflect on mentoring the next generation of poets and offer advice for students looking to find their creative voice.

More About Our Guests ⤵️

Camille Dungy is a University Distinguished Professor and Director of the Creative Writing Program at Colorado State University. She is the author of five collections of poetry, the essay collection Guidebook to Relative Strangers, and the memoir Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden. She has won an American Book Award and received fellowship support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation, which named her a Fellow in 2019. Her new collection, America, A Love Story, is an honest and compassionate examination of the mounting griefs of contemporary American life. Former U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón says, "These new poems by Camille Dungy had me floored." 

Dan Beachy-Quick is a poet, essayist, translator, and University Distinguished Teaching Scholar at Colorado State University. He is the author of numerous poetry collections, including North True South Bright and Mulberry — a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Award — and Variations on Dawn and Dusk. His newest collection, Elements & Offerings, was published by LSU Press in January 2026. His essay collection A Whaler's Dictionary is widely regarded for its literary and philosophical depth. In 2015, Beachy-Quick became the first humanities faculty member at CSU to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship. He is also a recipient of the Monfort Professorship, the first awarded within the College of Liberal Arts, and his work has been supported by the Lannan Foundation.

As Colorado marks 150 years of statehood, the nation approaches its 250th birthday, and CSU's Archives and Special Collections celebrates 50 years of preserving the university's history, we sat down with two people who know how CSU's history fits into that shared story better than anyone — Mark Shelstad, Head of Digital and Archive Services, and Clarissa Trapp, Instruction and Outreach Archivist, at CSU Libraries.

They provide an inside look at a collection spanning 550 archival collections, 24,000 rare books and over 150 terabytes of digital files — from a piece of cuneiform dating back to 2350 BCE, to born-digital content captured today. They share how the archives narrowly escaped the 1997 Spring Creek flood, what makes documenting a land-grant university unique, why today's students are active creators of CSU's history, and what the future of preservation looks like in an increasingly digital world.

More about our guests:

Mark Shelstad is the Head of Digital and Archive Services at CSU Libraries and an associate professor. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of Minnesota-Morris and an M.A. in Public History with a specialization in archival administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Mark got his start through a graduate internship at the Minnesota Historical Society and went on to work at the University of Wyoming's American Heritage Center, the University of Texas at San Antonio Libraries as Head of Special Collections, and the Wyoming State Archives as Deputy State Archivist before joining CSU 11 years ago. He and his team manage CSU's institutional memory, collections relating to Colorado agriculture and water, special collections and born-digital content from across campus.

Clarissa Trapp is CSU Libraries' Instruction and Outreach Archivist and an assistant professor. She holds a B.A. from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, and a M.L.I.S. from San Jose State University. Clarissa started her career at Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa, where she spent six years working at a living history museum before arriving at CSU as a graduate student in 2009 to study history. A summer job in the archives shifted her path — she joined the staff as a Digital Collections Technician in 2016, earned her library science degree during the pandemic and stepped into her current faculty role in 2024. She specializes in connecting campus and community members with archival materials and is a go-to expert on Colorado and CSU history.

Stephanie, a veterinary neurologist directing CSU’s Brain Research Center, and Julie, a neurotoxicologist and associate director, partner with the national Dog Aging Project to follow thousands of dogs—including President Amy Parsons’ pug, El Jefe—across their lifetimes. Their Brain Health Study is revealing striking similarities between canine cognitive decline and human Alzheimer’s disease.

In this episode, they share how owner generosity, national collaboration, and cross-campus mentorship are accelerating progress toward earlier detection, better support for families with aging pets, and ultimately more effective treatments for both canine and human dementia. They also share their behind-the-camera experience with 60 Minutes, and highlight the essential role of CSU students who help drive this research through sample processing, data analysis, and hands-on lab work.

Don't miss El Jefe's special appearance in this episode, reminding us that behind every data point is a beloved family member.

While back on campus, Amy joined President Amy Parsons for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation about the moments that shaped her journey, from nearly quitting swimming before transferring to CSU, to finding the right coach at the right time, breaking American records, and winning Olympic gold.

She reflects on the friendships and mentors who defined her CSU years, the lessons that carried her through elite competition, and how discovering renewed purpose beyond the pool has shaped the work she’s doing today. Fresh off a cover feature in People magazine and preparing to launch her own podcast, Amy speaks about using her platform for disability advocacy and visibility.

The result is a candid, funny, and profoundly human conversation about identity, resilience, and staying true to yourself. This episode is a reminder that greatness is rarely linear, and that resilience and authenticity matter more than medals alone.

A second-generation Ram and fifth-generation Five Points native, Norm shares how transferring to CSU shaped his confidence and direction, and how a 20-year career at Janus led to a bold pivot toward community leadership. 

He also shares his work as executive director of the Five Points Business Improvement District and president of Denver's Juneteenth Music Festival— one of the largest in the country. 

The conversation explores revitalizing Welton Street into a “modernized cultural marketplace,” reintroducing jazz to a new generation, and collaborating with CSU's College of Health and Human Sciences' Fermentation and Food Science program to create “The Art of Darkness” stout. Norm also shares his advice for students on finding passion, building strong habits, and staying focused.

In this episode of The Next 150, President Amy Parsons sits down with Michael Smith, founder, chairman, and CEO of Freeport LNG. Michael shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path—from studying chemistry and math at CSU in the 1970s to founding Basin Exploration in Fort Collins to launching and leading Freeport LNG. The conversation explores what it takes to build companies that last, the role luck plays in success, and why giving back to CSU matters to him. His support has created full-tuition scholarships in the Colleges of Business, Natural Resources, and Natural Sciences, along with the Michael Smith Natural Resources Building and the Iris & Michael Smith Alumni Center. Plus, hear Michael's advice on following your passion, taking chances, and preparing for a changing world.

More about Michael Smith:

Michael Smith founded Freeport LNG Development, L.P. in 2002 and serves as the company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, Freeport LNG has become the seventh largest LNG export facility in the world and the second largest in the United States. The facility is the largest all-electric liquefaction plant of its kind, reducing carbon emissions by more than 90 percent compared to gas turbine-driven facilities.

Prior to Freeport LNG, Michael founded Basin Exploration, Inc., in Fort Collins in 1981, building it into a publicly traded oil and gas company and serving as Chairman, CEO, and President until its sale in 2001.

Michael has served on numerous business and community boards across Colorado, including National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Colorado Ocean Journey, and the Colorado Governor's Minerals, Energy, and Geology Policy Advisory Board.

Colorado State University awarded Michael an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2008. His wife, Iris, also supports CSU through the Flint Animal Cancer Center and One Cure within the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

In preparation for the Stock Show kicking off this week, the Next 150 podcast hits the road to the National Western Center's new Legacy Building to talk with Wes about the transformation underway at one of the largest livestock shows in the world.

Wes shares his journey from growing up in Texas as an extension agent’s son to leading the Stock Show during a pivotal moment marked by new facilities, expanded year-round programming, and a renewed focus on education.

The conversation also explores strengthening the rural–urban connection, the importance of youth programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America, and how the partnership with Colorado State University and CSU Spur helps shape the future of agriculture and Western heritage.

While in Ram Country, she joined President Amy Parsons for an energizing and deeply personal conversation. Becky reflects on her rise from an undersized, undrafted point guard to one of the most influential coaches in basketball today. She shares how she found her way in the WNBA, forged a groundbreaking path in the NBA as the first female coach, and ultimately built a coaching dynasty in Las Vegas. She discusses the grit required to push through closed doors, the importance of character and chemistry inside a winning locker room, and the lessons she carries from every chapter of her journey.

She also looks back on her years at CSU, the friendships that still anchor her life, the memories of a packed Moby Arena, and the on-court learning experiences that shaped her approach to the game. Becky explains how those early years taught her to think differently, compete with joy, and lead with authenticity — traits that continue to define her coaching today. 

Kwane shares how one unexpected encounter outside a 7-Eleven in California changed the course of his life and sparked the idea for Project Street Vet, a national nonprofit providing free veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness that now spans six cities. He discusses rediscovering why he became a vet, the power of trust between providers and pet owners, and the many unexpected chapters of his career — from shelter medicine, to Hollywood movie sets, to a book now being considered for a feature film.

He also reflects on his years at CSU, the moment he learned he’d been accepted into the D.V.M. program and how holding one of the most diverse professional licenses has allowed him to build an unexpected career that still traces back to his CSU education 28 years later.

This episode captures the heart and humanity of one of CSU’s most inspiring graduates.

More about Dr. Stewart:

Kwane, co-founder of the nonprofit Project Street Vet, helps unhoused pets and people in need – that’s his calling. 

He has been a California practicing veterinarian for more than 28 years, working in nearly every part of the profession to refine his clinical and business expertise. 

Kwane was the CNN Hero of the Year for 2023, recognized for his impactful work, and for his outspoken, compassionate, charismatic and genuine nature. 

A graduate of CSU in 1997, Kwane started his career as an associate and emergency clinician, and he quickly become the chief medical officer of VETCO Hospitals Inc. in 2002. In 2007, he took the reins of a struggling municipal shelter and reversed one of the worst euthanasia rates in the country during his five-year tenure. Later in 2013, he became chief veterinary officer of American Humane and director of their legacy movie program. Today, he serves as Netflix’s chief veterinary advisor in charge of global animal oversight, protecting animals behind the scenes. 

Kwane is committed to efforts that connect unhoused people and their pets with quality care at no cost. That work – and inspiring stories of hope – is chronicled in a docuseries called The Street Vet. He also published a book in 2023 called, "What It Takes to Save a Life," which is being considered for a true-to-life movie. 

On the next episode of The Next 150, CSU President Amy Parsons sits down with the student body presidents from CSU Fort Collins and CSU Pueblo for a powerful and engaging conversation about leadership, belonging and self-discovery.

Together, Jakye and Shay share how the Divine Nine — the nine historically Black fraternities and sororities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council — helped shape their confidence, visibility and purpose as Black student leaders navigating two very different campuses across the CSU System.

From unexpected mentorship to stepping into roles they never saw coming, they open up about their growth and what it means to represent their peers across Colorado’s statewide university system.

Jakye Nunley is a third-year business administration student at CSU Fort Collins, concentrating in management and finance. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and currently serves as the student body president, representing more than 30,000 students through the Associated Students of CSU (ASCSU). His campus involvement includes roles as Deputy Director of Health, Judicial Liaison and Chief of Staff within ASCSU, along with leadership in United Men of Color, the Black/African American Cultural Center and collaboration with the CSU Health Network.

Shay Wilson is the President of the Associated Students’ Government (ASG) at CSU Pueblo and a first-year Master of Social Work student. She earned her bachelor’s in psychology with minors in media entertainment and cannabis studies this past August. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Shay has served within ASG as Vice President, Chief of Staff and Senator at Large, and she is also active in the NAACP, the Black Student Union, and the Pueblo African American Concern Organization. She is the namesake of the “Shay Wilson CSU Pueblo Foundation Trustee Scholarship.”

Mike leads teams at T-Mobile responsible for shaping the company’s brand, long-term strategy, and driving innovation in customer experience. Over more than two decades with the company, he’s played a role in some of the company’s biggest moments, including the launch of its signature Un-carrier strategy, and expanded the company’s scope beyond wireless into broadband, advertising and digital-first customer experiences. For three years in a row, Forbes has named him one of its 50 Most Influential CMOs.  

Previously as president of the T-Mobile Business Group, Mike oversaw rapid growth in enterprise and government partnerships and helped launch initiatives like Project 10Million, the company’s flagship philanthropic effort to connect millions of under-connected K-12 students across the country with free or subsidized internet service and hotspots.  

Originally from Carbondale, Colorado, Mike graduated from CSU in 2000 with a B.A. in sociology. For the past six years, he has served on the College of Business board and, a decade ago, co-founded a scholarship that provides full-ride support for Carbondale students pursuing business or construction management. Through his leadership, T-Mobile’s partnership with CSU has established 10 scholarships across multiple campuses and supports the university’s land-grant mission through rural engagement initiatives, an annual CSU Showcase event, and the Green and Gold Guard NIL Collective for student-athletes. Finally — and probably most important — he is also a proud husband and father. 

Chris leads Microsoft’s national engagement across federal, state, and local governments, higher education, and the defense industry — a portfolio that includes nearly 3,500 professionals. As the executive sponsor for the Microsoft–CSU Division of IT partnership, he plays a key role in shaping how technology can support student success, research innovation, and institutional transformation.

Together, they explore how the partnership is expanding access to education, advancing research in areas like laser technology and fusion, and addressing growing cybersecurity needs. They also discuss the intersection of culture and technology, the human side of digital transformation, and how CSU can best serve learners far beyond its Fort Collins campus.

Plus, hear Chris’ advice for today’s students—emphasizing curiosity, adaptability, and the importance of becoming AI literate in a rapidly evolving digital world.

More about Chris Barry:

Chris Barry, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, leads the Public Sector Industries segment in the United States, encompassing the federal, state and local government, higher education, and defense industrial base sectors. Chris oversees a dedicated team of nearly 3,500 professionals who are dedicated to leveraging Microsoft Cloud and AI solutions to drive digital transformation, enhance productivity, and achieve business goals. His team comprises sales, service, and customer success experts who leverage their industry-specific knowledge to empower customers to achieve more. A seasoned technology leader and adept at driving transformational change, Chris has nearly 23 years of experience at Microsoft and has held leadership roles in sales and marketing for both Enterprise and Partner Groups in the U.S., Canada, and globally. Chris has also served as the Chief Operating Officer for Microsoft’s Industry Solutions business, where he developed strategies to maximize impact for top industry accounts and scaled solutions through partner ecosystems and worldwide sales teams. Most recently, he served as President of Microsoft Canada, leading a team dedicated to delivering transformative outcomes for Canadians. Chris is passionate about driving meaningful and lasting relationships, building diverse and inclusive teams, and driving positive organizational outcomes. He believes culture is a powerful differentiator and delivering outstanding customer service requires leadership that emphasizes achievement, impeccable service, and problem-solving through autonomy and inventiveness. Chris serves on the Board of Directors for Toronto Global and splits his time between Seattle and Washington, D.C. Outside of work, he enjoys fly fishing, photography and boating.

A trailblazer by every measure, Kim has received widespread recognition. She has been honored with the Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medal for Growth and Innovation, the Brewers Association Recognition Award, and the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Conservation Achievement Award. In February, Kim was inducted into the Colorado Business Hall of Fame.

She was named CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences Honor Alumna in 2017 and received the William E. Morgan Alumni Achievement Award in 2018.

Kim has also served on numerous national and regional boards and committees, including the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority, the Brewers Association Board, and the Governor’s Renewable Energy Authority. In December of 2024, Kim concluded an eight-year term on the CSU System Board of Governors, where she served two years as Chair. In 2013, Kim and her family launched the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation to champion social and environmental change through mission-driven philanthropy and impact investing.

From Flint’s storied career as the most iconic entertainer in Western sports to YD’s rise as a student-athlete and top roper, this episode covers CSU's deep rodeo roots, the evolving world of bull riding, and what it means to lead with heart in and out of the arena. 

Flint Rasmussen is one of the most recognized figures in rodeo entertainment and a legend in the arena. After graduating from Western Montana College with a degree in secondary education and teaching math and history, and coaching sports, Flint traded the classroom for the arena and went on to redefine the role of a rodeo entertainer. An eight-time ProRodeo Cowboys Association Clown of the Year and eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Clown and Barrelman, he became the exclusive entertainer for PBR’s premier tour for nearly two decades and a 26-time PBR World Finals Arena Entertainer. He helped shape the storytelling side of Western lifestyle as host of the talk show "Outside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen" for 20 years. A 2024 National Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee and 2025 Bull Riding Hall of Fame inductee, Flint now works on the corporate side of PBR. But above all, the Montanan values being known simply as Paige and Shelby’s dad.

YD Descheny, a Navajo student from Rock Point, Arizona, is forging his own path in the sport as a member of CSU’s Rodeo Team. After attending Diné College and Lamar Community College, YD is now a senior competing in team roping and studying equine science in CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences. He has already earned recognition as one of the top five headers in the Central Rocky Mountain Region and recently took home $15,000 at the 2025 World Series Team Roping Championships in Cheyenne. Representing both his heritage and CSU with pride, YD embodies the grit and promise of the next generation of rodeo athletes.

Don’t miss this behind-the-chutes episode of The Next 150 podcast.

Senator Polly Baca, appointed to the CSU System Board of Governors in 2020, earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Colorado State. She went on to make history as the first Hispanic woman elected to the Colorado State Senate, the first woman of color to chair the Democratic Caucus in the Colorado House, and the first Hispanic woman in the U.S. nominated for Congress by a major political party. She worked for Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton, and served as Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee for eight years. Baca has been inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, the Colorado Latino Hall of Fame, and the National Hispanic Hall of Fame, with multiple awards named in her honor.

Dr. Nate Easley was also appointed to the Board in 2020, and currently serves as Vice Chair. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in history and his master’s degree in education from CSU, before completing his Ph.D. at American University. A national leader in educational equity, Easley has served as CEO of the $50 million Denver Scholarship Foundation and as President of the Denver Public Schools Board of Education. He is the founder of Easley Found Solutions. He has held board leadership roles with the National College Attainment Network and School Board Partners, and has spent his career advancing college access for first-generation, low-income, and minoritized students. 

Together, Baca and Easley reflect on the impact of their CSU experiences and how they continue to champion educational opportunity and student success across the state and beyond.

Plus, Eugene offers candid insight on journalism’s evolving role in democracy and advice for students navigating college and beginning their future careers. 

While on campus for CSU's Outfitting Tomorrow Summit, Luis Benitez joined President Amy Parsons on this episode of The Next 150 podcast. Luis is a globally renowned adventurer, the first director of the Office of the Outdoor Recreation Industry here in Colorado, and the current vice president of global government affairs for Lululemon. They discuss his winding journey from a kid on the swim team to leading expeditions on every continent, advocating for public lands, and shaping national policy around outdoor recreation. Luis opens up about his career, purpose-driven branding, and the bipartisan power of getting outside. 

Plus, hear his advice for students here at CSU who are finding their voice and forging their own unconventional paths. 

Plus, learn how AI could unlock the next big breakthroughs in preventing infectious disease and why President Parsons was gifted a signed book by best-selling author John Green.

Content advisory: This conversation includes mentions of suicide and drug use.

Recently awarded the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s Music and Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year, Chuck reflects on his five-decade career and his deep commitment to mentoring students and inspiring the next generation of music industry leaders. Taking us down memory lane, he regales us with CSU’s rich live music history—from unforgettable (and rainy!) nights at Hughes Stadium to packed shows at Moby Arena with artists like Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones.

As founder and director of the College of Business' innovative Music Business Program, Chuck also shares why CSU is the perfect home for the program and his vision for its future.

Now, let’s rock and roll and see where Chuck’s passion takes us! 🎸

As the 2024-2025 CSU Basketball seasons get underway, let's reminisce with two CSU basketball icons, McKenna Hofschild and Joe Palmer. McKenna earned her graduate degree in Business from CSU and is one of our most decorated players. She holds the Mountain West's all-time assist record, ranks second in program scoring, earned four All-Mountain West team selections, and maintained the nation's second-highest assist average. McKenna reflects on making CSU history, inspiring the next generation of athletes, and the explosive growth of women's sports during her collegiate career. 

She's joined by Joe Palmer, who holds undergraduate degrees in history and social behavioral science and a graduate degree in sports management from CSU. Joe shares his big move from Division III to the thrill of March Madness and what it was like to become a fan favorite for his clutch performances (including three memorable 3-pointers against Colorado) and his trademark headband.

Together, they share personal growth stories and life lessons, and discuss how sports bring people together.

Immerse yourself in the world of organ music with Joel Bacon, a two-chair endowed CSU music professor. Turn up your volume to experience Professor Bacon performing some of his favorite compositions and learn how his passion for the organ sparked the creation of CSU’s Halloween Organ Extravaganza. He also reflects on his history with the world's largest pipe organs and shares advice for CSU students looking to expand their horizons.

After retiring as a four-star general in 2016, Sec. Kelly went on to serve as the 5th U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and later as White House Chief of Staff under the Trump administration. 

We explore Sec. Kelly’s strategies for students on becoming informed voters, emphasizing the need for civil discourse, diverse news sources, and community engagement. Sec. Kelly reflects on his military career, public service, and the shared values that give him hope for the future of American democracy.

The conversation explores facets of civic education and active citizenship. Martín and Sam also dig deep into the importance of student voting and how their respective centers equip CSU students with the tools to participate in deliberative democracy.  

Plus, Professor Kreidenweis shares her journey as a leading scientist and mentor, offering advice for students and professionals while highlighting how discovery and mentorship nurture the next generation of experts. 

From the importance of mental health to finding common ground in a polarized world, Isaac and Stephen share insights on how music and arts education can serve as powerful tools for self-expression and advocacy for today’s youth and CSU students. 

Plus, hear some one-of-a-kind CSU stories, including an anecdote about the founding of the CSU Breakdancing Club! 

From the CSU campus to making history as Major League Baseball’s first female primary play-by-play announcer, Jenny shares insights about her time at CSU, her groundbreaking career in sports broadcasting—including her work at the Colorado Rockies—and the role of female sports announcers in a male-dominated field.  

Plus, hear Jenny’s advice for CSU students looking to follow in her footsteps.