Topazio Aranda

Admission Counselor

970-351-3013
topazio.aranda@unco.edu

Hello! I grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico and Chattanooga, TN- so if you need recommendations for the best green chile or an awesome swimming hole, I’m your gal! Colorado has been home now for 5 years, so it doesn’t get better than a fall drive through the Rocky Mountains. I was a first-generation student and have my undergraduate degree in Sociology and Psychology from CSU.

I enjoy the everyday social aspects of being a human and so I particularly enjoy talking with students about what they see themselves achieving. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, attending concerts and eating good food. I am so excited to be here. Go BEARS!

Favorite place at UNC: Any open space with grass and trees! 

Favorite spot in Greeley: Downtown

Favorite UNC fact: UNC has every type of tree planted on its campus except two!

Whitney Bonner

Associate Director of Recruitment and Outreach

•  970-351-1864
•  whitney.bonner@unco.edu

I grew up in Vernal, UT, a small town in eastern Utah and have called Colorado home since 2004. I joined the UNC Bear community in the fall of 2017. As a first-generation student, I attended Mesa State College where I studied Geology and served as a student Ambassador and Orientation Leader, sparking my desire for helping students navigate the college search and selection process. I then completed a master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, being physically active, watching scary movies, and traveling!

Favorite place at UNC: Presidents Row residence halls! The buildings are so unique, and our tour guides might tell you they are very Harry Potter!

Favorite place in Greeley: The downtown area has so many options for dining and shopping!  

What is your favorite UNC fact?  Forty percent of students at UNC are first generation, which means they are the first in their family to attend college. As a first-generation student, this makes me proud to be a Bear!

Who is your favorite fictional bear? Winnie the Pooh. “Oh bother!”

Dr. Dave Fedorchak

Director of Admissions

970-351-3579
david.fedorchak@unco.edu

I grew up in Olyphant, PA, a small town outside of Scranton, PA (for all you fans of The Office). I was a first-generation college student and my undergraduate degree is in Exercise Science, my master’s degree is in Sports Management and I have my Doctorate in Education focused on Leadership in Higher Education. I am focused on helping students and families navigate the college search and selection process so that they can make the best decision. I previously worked at colleges in PA, NY, FL and MD. I am a former college football player, love to be physically active, attend concerts and travel. GO BEARS!

Favorite place at UNC: I actually have two favorites spots on campus; the firepit outside of the University Center and the Campus Recreation Center where you can catch me at 6 a.m. for a workout to start the day!

Favorite spot in Greeley: I really enjoy exploring the restaurants and shops in downtown as well as the Poudre River Trail.

Favorite UNC fact: I love the student population that we serve and our amazing Cultural Centers on campus.

Favorite fictional bear: Yogi Bear. “Hey Boo Boo, let’s go get some pic-a-nic baskets!”

Bryson Kelly

Assistant Director of Recruitment

970-351-1023
bryson.kelly@unco.edu 

I grew up in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in a town called Bailey, CO. I graduated from UNC with my bachelor's degree in 2015 and my master's degree in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity in 2020, so I'm very familiar with Colorado and UNC. My thesis research for my master's degree involved how physical activity and a sense of belonging help predict first-year university student retention. When I'm not at the university, I am either spending time outdoors on the golf course or in the mountains. I've worked in many offices across campus as a student and loved my experiences here, which is one reason I decided to continue to serve students by working in the Office of Admissions.

Favorite place at UNC: Gunter Hall and Gunter Green, which used to serve as our athletic and recreation complex before it was renovated in 1996.

Favorite place in Greeley: Poudre trail that runs from Greeley up to the rest of Northern Colorado.

What is your favorite UNC fact?  Our original colors were purple/gold, but the rumored reason our colors changed to navy/gold was our football team’s uniforms being improperly washed. The purple bled out and turned to navy.

Who is your favorite fictional bear? Smokey the Bear. Growing up in the mountains, Smokey would come to our school to talk about fire safety.

Dean Klinkerman

Admission Counselor

970-351-1772
dean.klinkerman@unco.edu

I grew up in Fowler, CO, a small town in southeast Colorado. I graduated from Colorado State University where I also served as an Admissions Ambassador and Coordinator, where I found a passion for helping students and families. My favorite part of my role is working with students and families to help them through the college selection process in order to get them where they want to be when they graduate. When I’m not working with students, you can find me on the golf course, playing basketball, playing music, or hanging out with friends and family.

Favorite place at UNC: I love watching basketball games at Butler-Hancock Arena and football games at Nottingham Field, and love watching Bear’s Baseball games – I love the energy around the Athletics facilities and that side of campus!

Favorite spot in Greeley: Glenmere Park – Just a few blocks west of campus, it’s a really great place to go for a walk (preferably with my dog by my side), sit by the lake, watch the trees change in the fall, and play in the grass. A really underappreciated part of Greeley!  

Favorite UNC fact: UNC does a ton of different research around campus, including studying traumatic brain injuries and concussions, snake venom in cancer treatments, biofuel alternatives from a "diesel tree," West Nile virus, noise-induced hearing loss and prevention, lasers to monitor volcanoes, and bats.

Favorite fictional bear: Koda from Brother Bear! 

Jon Mires

Assistant Director of Regional Recruitment

970-351-1611
jon.mires@unco.edu

I was born in Colorado so have the coveted “native” status but moved away when I was four and grew up in Southwest Nebraska. I attended Hastings College (NE) and graduated in 1998 with a degree in Communication Systems and Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing minors. I have spent 22 years in higher education and love working with students and families through the college search process. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, camping and almost anything outdoors and watching my boys participate in sports and activities.

Favorite Place at UNC: I love the spot outside of the University Center right near Klawz the bronze bear statue. It is the highest point on campus with great views and a perfect place for a picture.

FavoriteFavorite Place in Greeley: The downtown. It’s a perfect place to grab a bite to eat or just hang out.

What is your favorite UNC fact: I love the 17-1 student-to-faculty ratio. A bigger school with small school opportunities.

Cedric Nixon

Admission Counselor

970-351-2913
cedric.nixon@unco.edu

I was born in Aurora, Colorado, but my family moved to Greeley to be closer to my grandparents when I was in elementary school. I joined UNC as a first-generation Bear in the fall of 2017. I studied History with an emphasis in Secondary Education, and worked as a Senior Orientation Leader, UNC’s Chief Student Justice, and for UNC Athletics. In my free time I love balancing a love for the outdoors, especially hiking and cycling, with a love for video games. You will rarely find me without friends, both new and old!

Favorite place at UNC: Butler-Hancock Arena and Nottingham field! I love connecting with UNC’s community through our sporting events. As our fight song goes: “And to our fighting team, we hold our spirits high!”

Favorite spot in Greeley: The Poudre River Trail! It is such an amazing slice of nature that is so close to campus.

Favorite UNC fact: UNC started as a State Normal College. As someone who studied education, I really appreciated our deep roots in education. 

Favorite fictional bear: The Ice Bear from We Bare Bears 

Morgan Parsley

Admission Counselor

970-351-3297
morgan.parsley@unco.edu

I am originally from the small town of Hampton, Nebraska and attended Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. I graduated from WSC in May of 2018 with a degree in Speech Communications with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership and Public Relations which is just a very long title to say I am good at talking! While in college I served as a Navigator or tour guide, Student Ambassador, and Orientation Leader which helped me realize my passion for higher education and helping students find their home for the next four years!

I just recently moved to Greeley, CO and can’t wait to meet some future Bears! I enjoy spending time with friends, family and my fur babies, Milo and Bellie! I also enjoy being outside, being active, and binge-watching TV shows! 

Favorite place at UNC: Anywhere there is an open field! UNC offers so much green area that allows students to participate in a variety of different activities including frisbee, pick up games, yard games, hammocking or just picking a shady spot to get a good read or studying in! I am so excited to take advantage of all the open space!

Favorite spot in Greeley: Downtown for sure! There are so many artistic murals, fun shops, and amazing places to grab a quick bite. I can’t wait to dive in and explore the area more because there is always something new to find!

Favorite UNC fact: I find it amazing that 72% of incoming first-year students are awarded grants or scholarships! In 2020, UNC students received over $30.8 million in scholarships and institutional aid! College can be pricey but there are a variety of ways to receive financial help, just ask!

José Davíd Reynoza

Admission Counselor

970-351-1351
jose.reynozaayala@unco.edu

Saludos! I grew up in a city not too far from here called Brighton, about 45 minutes from Greeley. At the time it was a lot smaller of a town. I attended school with roughly the same group of students at three different stages (elementary, middle school, high school). Mi familia is originally from Durango, Durango in Mexico and Spanish is my first language! I am a first-generation student and I recently received my bachelors with my degree in Musical Theater and a minor in dance here at the University of Northern Colorado.

In my time as a student at UNC I served as a student ambassador for almost 4 years, worked closely with our cultural centers, performed in several mainstage theater productions and I helped start a student organization named Operation: Cheesecake to promote proper representation and serve as a theater for social change. In my free time I love reading plays, watching movies and dancing!  

Favorite place at UNC: I find so much peace hammocking out by Cranford Park. There is always a chance to see some energetic dogs playing fetch and the trees are the perfect size/distance to position your hammock to catch the sunset’s rays in the best way and maybe read a good book. 

Favorite spot in Greeley: Other than old downtown, I really enjoy going on jogs or walks around Glenmere Park. The small lake there brings a cool variety of wildlife and community that I love.

Favorite UNC fact: UNC has over 100 registered student organizations. I loved being able to build a group with my friends and I appreciated so much the ability to receive support from the school for the student groups. Also, with that many groups, you are certain to find your people!

Pablo Valentin

Assistant Director of Events and Orientation

970-351-2450
pablo.valentin@unco.edu

I grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and moved to Colorado in 2021. In 2015 I became the first in my family to receive a post-secondary degree when I graduated from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont where I received my BFA in Creative Media. From there my journey took me to western New York where I received my MS in Higher Education Student Affairs Administration from Nazareth College. Working with students as they make the choice to continue furthering their education is the greatest privilege of my life. Outside of work, I really enjoy riding my electric bike, photography, and camping.

Favorite place at UNC: This may seem odd, but the Campus Bookstore in the University Center. I love seeing all the new ways we get to show our Bear Pride with all the fun new gear they bring in. Books of course are also important… but those UNC sweatshirts? The wide variety of coffee mugs? Come on… it doesn’t get any better.

Favorite spot in Greeley: Aside from spending time on campus, heading downtown is always a great time. As a Philadelphia native, I can give A Taste of Philly on 16th Street the thumbs up for a solid East Coast Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. There is such a great variety of shops and restaurants. I highly recommend spending time in the community and getting to know the local businesses.