How does a university actually connect with its students?
In Episode 6 of TNC: On Campus, Will and Aaron sit down with Dr. Roberto Montoya, Senior Vice President for Student Services at Colorado Mesa University, to look at the relationship between students and the university from the other side.
Dr. Montoya shares how his own connection to CMU began as a student, including how KMSA helped give him a sense of belonging on campus. The conversation then moves into how Student Services listens to students, why some campus decisions happen the way they do, the changes involving club sports, and the importance of making sure students have a voice.
Aaron also brings up CMU’s “Welcome Back CMU” rap video, leading to a discussion about how music, humor, and showing a more personal side of university leadership can make administrators more approachable to students.
The conversation ultimately comes back to a simple idea: connecting students with the university takes communication in both directions.
Will and Aaron will continue the conversation in Episode 7 by reflecting on what they heard and how it lines up with their own experiences as CMU students.
More Like This
38:49 What Does Student Success Actually Look Like? | TNC: On Campus Ep. 4
What does it actually mean to be a successful college student? In Episode 4 of TNC: On Campus, Will Diaz and Aaron Lopez sit down with Bronson Henriques, Manager of Video Production, Streaming Distribution and Photography Services, to talk about student success from someone who has already gone from the classroom into a professional career. Bronson shares his own path through college, including changing directions, facing academic suspension, returning with a new sense of purpose, earning his Mass Communication degree, and eventually building a career in video production. The conversation explores whether success is really about grades, finding your purpose, gaining hands-on experience, making connections, or learning how to use the opportunities college gives you. Will and Aaron also bring their perspectives as nontraditional veteran students as the group discusses failure, accountability, networking, enjoying the college experience, and preparing for what comes after graduation. Next episode: Will and Aaron turn the conversation back on themselves and look at what success meant to them before college and how those experiences have shaped the way they define success today. TNC: On Campus is a MavMedia production.
19:14 First Time on Campus | TNC: OnCampus Ep. 2
In the second episode of TNC On Campus, William Diaz is joined by fellow student veteran Aaron Lopez to talk about what it was like stepping onto the Colorado Mesa University campus for the first time. Together, they reflect on the uncertainty, adjustment, and learning curve that came with entering college as veterans and nontraditional students. From not knowing where to go, figuring out campus systems, and learning how college works, to finding support through Veteran Services and discovering how to adapt, William and Aaron share an honest conversation about the experience of starting over in a new environment. This episode is about first impressions, learning to ask questions, adjusting to college life, and realizing that no one really has everything figured out at the beginning. Whether you're a veteran, a nontraditional student, or a traditional student trying to find your place, this conversation is a reminder that growth often starts with simply showing up and being willing to learn. Talk it out. Navigate your path. Create your future.
15:55 Finding My Place at CMU | TNC: On Campus Ep. 1
In the first episode of Talk Navigate Create: On Campus, William Diaz shares his experience finding his place at Colorado Mesa University as a veteran, husband, father, and nontraditional student. What started as a practical path toward a Business degree eventually became something completely different. From struggling to adjust to college life, stepping outside his comfort zone, and simply asking classmates questions, William found himself discovering Mass Communication and a new direction he never expected. This episode is about first experiences, changing direction, getting involved, and realizing that you don't have to have college figured out from the beginning. Sometimes finding your path starts with being willing to ask a question. The episode also opens with a moment of remembrance for the wildland firefighters who lost their lives responding to the Knowles Fire in Western Colorado. Talk it out. Navigate your path. Create your future.