Western State College

The 2,000 students of Western State College of Colorado live and study in an environment strongly influenced by the area in which they have chosen to spend their college years.

Located in a high alpine valley surrounded by Colorado's Rocky Mountains, the campus consists of 40 buildings on 130 landscaped acres, plus 250 acres of adjoining undeveloped land. In addition, the college owns 1,100-acre Tenderfoot Mountain across the valley. At 7,750 feet above sea level, Western State is the highest baccalaureate-granting institution of higher learning in the United States.

Because of the mountains, some WSC professors like to claim that they live and teach in the "finest natural outdoor laboratory in the country". This claim is especially relevant to certain disciplines, most notably art and photography, geology and the environmental sciences, and the evolving outdoor recreation program.

The mountains also exert strong influences on out-of-classroom activities for students and staff. Our athletes take advantage of high altitude training, and all students choose from among a list of seasonal mountain activities.

Founded in 1901, the faculty and staff are adding to the college's traditional strengths of business and accounting, teacher preparation and the arts and sciences with nationally recognized interdisciplinary programs dedicated to a core of general studies and to outdoor education. This challenging and inspiring environment provides a setting for many intensive, participatory and cooperative learning opportunities.

Quick Facts

Location: Gunnison, Colorado
RMAC Member Since: 1924
Founded: 1901
Colors: Crimson and Slate
Nickname: Mountaineers
Enrollment: 2,000
Stadium: Mountaineer Bowl (4,000)
Arena: Paul Wright Gym (1,800)
Athletic Phone: (970) 943-2079
Fax: (970) 943-2754
Faculty Athletic Rep. Fax: (970) 943-7042
Website: www.wscathletics.com

Athletic Department Mailing Address

Western State College
Paul Wright Gym
Gunnison, CO 81231

Name History

1911-1922: Colorado State Normal School
1923-Present: Western State College