Tyler Bean

Admission Counselor

Hiya! I’m Tyler Bean but everyone calls me Ty or Ty Bean. I grew up in Cave Creek, Arizona and attended Northern Arizona University in 2014 to pursue my degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English. After teaching for a year, I decided that I wanted a career change and moved to Seattle to attend Seattle University and get my Masters in Student Development Administration. I then moved to Greeley and am currently working at UNC as an Admission Counselor.

Favorite Place at UNC: President’s Row has such interesting architecture and I love walking through and noting all the small details. When I have more time, I plan on doing some reading under those trees and admire the architecture while reading a good book.

Favorite Place in Greeley: Well, I’ve only been here a short while, but I have to say that Downtown Greeley is a place that is very nostalgic of my undergraduate institution. I’ve visited Luna’s Tacos and Tequila and have to say that the tacos over there are pretty good.

Favorite Fun Fact About UNC: I think it’s fascinating that UNC used to be an entirely teachers college and now offers over 100 majors. Seeing the growth of institutions like UNC makes me super excited about the opportunities we provide to students and how we constantly adjust our offerings to meet the needs of our community.

Chelsea Blumenshine

Event Coordinator

970-351-2913
Chelsea.Blumenshine@unco.edu

My name is Chelsea Blumenshine, I grew up in Fort Collins, CO.  I attended Northeastern Junior College before transferring to the University of Northern Colorado and becoming a Bear! At Northeastern I played softball and was involved with the Associated Student Government.  At UNC I majored in Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality with a Business minor.  In my free time I can be found crafting or making a new DIY project. I also enjoy building and refurbishing furniture!    

Favorite spot on campus: The new firepit by the University Center, who doesn’t love a cozy night by the fire!

Favoritee place in Greeley: I enjoy taking my dog for walks at Glenmere Park. It is a cute little park that is close to campus and a great little get-a-way spot!

Favorite fact about UNC:  There are underground tunnels…what?!

Favorite Fictional Bear: Little Bear

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 I currently live in Greeley and love it. 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!”

Rosa Galindo

Coordinator of Visit Services

970-351-2063
Rosa.Galindo@unco.edu

My name is Rosa Galindo, I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley of California, right smack in the middle of the state. I earned my BA in History and Spanish Literature from the University of Iowa. I then made my way out to Colorado after travelling around the country for 6 months. When I made my way out to Colorado, I knew I just had to stay - it was so pretty! I eventually attended Colorado State University where earned my teaching license for k-12 Spanish Language Acquisition. After spending several years teaching, I decided to join the UNC Bear family, Go Bears!

Favorite spot on campus: The fire pits outside the University Center! What a great place to sit back and relax!

What is your favorite UNC fun fact? In the history of what is now UNC, we have had two live animal mascots, one was Warden the Bear and the second was Elmer the Dog. 

Favorite Fictional Bear: Baloo! :Look for the bare necessities, the simple bare necessities, forget about your worries and your strife!”

Kelly Mikiko Gates

Coordinator of New Student Experiences

•  970-351-1410
• Kelly.Gates@unco.edu

My name is Kelly Mikiko Gates. I’m originally from Valencia, California; a city 1 hour north of Los Angeles. I moved to Colorado in 2018 to start my new adventure! I went to the University of California, Santa Cruz and received my BA in Film and Digital Media. I worked at a museum in downtown LA for over 5 years, before I decided it was time to move and start anew. I have a dog, Mochi, and two cats, Charmander and Mew. And when I’m not at the dog park, you can find me at home playing video games, binge-watching tv shows, or tending to my succulents!

Favorite place at UNC: I don’t have a FavoriteFavorite spot per say, but I love how the campus looks during Autumn when the leaves all start to change colors.

Favorite place in Greeley: The many small coffee shops throughout the city, especially Blue Mug and Zoe’s Café.

What is your favorite UNC fact? The sculpture, Northern Vision, doesn’t actually face north.

Who is your Favorite Fictional Bear? The Berenstain Bears because I read so many of those books growing up!

Martha Herrera

Admission Counselor

•  970-351-3170
•  Martha.Herrera@unco.edu

Hello my name is Martha Herrera. I was born in Guanajuato, Mexico and moved to Greeley, CO when I was in elementary school. I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in December of 2018 with a bachelors degree in Human services and Criminal Justice. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling to new places when time permits.

FavoriteFavorite place at UNC: My FavoriteFavorite place at UNC is Pie Café at Campus Commons.

What is your favorite UNC fact? The Arbor Day Foundation recognized UNC with Tree Campus USA designation – there are more than 3,700 trees on campus.

Who is your favorite fictional bear? Paddington Bear. 

Paige Johnsen

Assistant Director of New Student Experience

970-351-1415
Paige.Johnsen@unco.edu

My name is Paige Johnsen (She/Her/Hers) I grew up in small town Iowa and moved to Colorado in 2016 to start life as a UNC Bear. I attended the University of Iowa where I studied sociology and American Sign Language before moving to Iowa State University to earn my master’s degree in Student Affairs. I’m now enrolled as a PhD student at UNC in the Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership program. As a student, I held positions with orientation, housing, admissions, tutoring, and athletics that sparked my passion for supporting new college students (and made me never want to leave a college campus). In my free time, I can be found watching movies, playing trivia, exploring the mountains, cooking/baking, and spending time with my friends and family.

Fav. spot on campus: I love relaxing by the outdoor firepit on the University Center patio.

Fav. place in Greeley: The Music Alleyway Murals in downtown Greeley are incredible and they make me feel cooler than I really am.

Fav. fact about UNC:  As a first-generation student, I love that there are so many of us at UNC! (46%)

Fav Fictional Bear: Little John from Robin Hood! “Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly, what a day!”

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 and graduated from UNC with my bachelor's degree in 2015, so I'm very familiar with Colorado and UNC. I am currently finishing my thesis for my Master’s degree in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. My thesis research involves 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 experience 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.

Cami Mathews

970-351-1868
sarah.mathews@unco.edu

My name is Cami Mathews and I am from Taylorsville, Utah. I attended Southern Utah University for both my bachelor’s in Marketing and my master’s in Public Administration, Communication, and Leadership. I am addicted to reality television, mainly Survivor, but also love watching softball, football, and hockey. I love cooking and baking and am always looking for the best cheesecake recipe.

Favorite place at UNC: Second floor of Campus Commons

Favorite place in Greeley: Monfort Park

What is your favorite UNC fact?  Cranford Park is a certified dog park so you can see all the doggos while walking to class.

Who is your favorite fictional bear? Pooh Bear

Tim Mellon

Transfer Admission Counselor

My name is Tim Mellon, I grew up in Chesapeake, VA and moved to Colorado in 2017.  I attended Longwood University from 2009-2013 where I received my BA in History, Secondary Education.  While at Longwood I served as a student ambassador, was a peer mentor, played on the club volleyball team, and was a member of our “Lancer Line”.  After graduating from Longwood I attended Old Dominion University and received my MS in Higher Education Administration.  In my free time I can be found hiking, rock climbing, cooking or traveling with my family.  

Favorite spot on campus: The Garden Theatre is my FavoriteFavorite spot on campus and host to one of UNC’s oldest traditions, Concert Under the Stars. 

Favorite place in Greeley: I love history so naturally my FavoriteFavorite place in Greeley is the Greeley History Museum! You can learn all sorts of interesting things about the area including a local figure, Rattlesnake Kate.

What is your favorite fact about UNC? UNC has a slew of ghost stories including one about Edith who allegedly haunts not one but two residence halls!

Who is your favorite fictional bear? Smokey the Bear… Only you can prevent forest fires!

Jon Mires

Assistant Director of Regional Recruitment

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.

Leah Schultz

Regional Admission Counselor - Denver Metro

leah.schultz@unco.edu

I grew up in Boulder County and graduated from UNC in 2017 with degrees in Communications and Tourism and Hospitality. While on campus I worked in the dining halls, as an orientation leader, and as a resident assistant. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain and New Orleans, LA! I loved my time at UNC and am so excited to share my experience with prospective future bears! When I’m not out recruiting new bears, I enjoy cooking, traveling, and spending time with my family and cat. 

Favorite spot on campus: Turner green! A great place to find a pick up game, meet new people, or relax in a hammock!

Favorite place in Greeley: Batter up Cakes

What is your favorite fact about UNC? There used to be a reflecting pool on campus and there was a tradition to dunk freshmen in the pool. The president of the university accidentally got dunked in 1927! The pool has since been covered up and the tradition is long gone. 

Ian Gembarowski

Admission Counselor

970-351-3297
ian.gembarowski@unco.edu

I was born and raised in Loveland, Colorado.  I have two bachelor’s degrees from UNC in Instrumental Music Education and Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.  During my time on campus, I was heavily involved in the Pride of the Rockies Marching Band, and I also worked on campus as an orientation leader and analysis intern in the Office of New Student Orientation.  I was also very lucky to take a study abroad class in Vilnius, Lithuania.  When I’m not telling people about why I loved being a Bear, I enjoy traveling, all sorts of outdoor adventures, and occasionally staying in with a good video game. 

Favorite place at UNC: I love Gunter Green because of some extremely fond memories of pick-up kickball games and band camp that happened there.  It’s also located next to all of the coolest buildings on campus. 

Favorite Place in Greeley: The Greeley Ice Haus, home of UNC Club Hockey and some intense broomball games. 

What is your favorite UNC fact? UNC’s colors used to be purple and gold until some of the football team’s jerseys faded in the wash in the 1960’s, leading slowly to a switch to the navy blue and gold we know today.