Contact Us
We want to introduce you to our campus and answer any questions you have about admission, financial aid, scholarships, housing, support services and more. On this page, you can get our contact information, meet our team and find your counselor.
Meet the Recruitment Team
- The Team
- Elizabeth Adams
- Bailey Ashida
- Whitney Bonner
- Sean Broghammer
- Jenae McCarty
- Vanesa Mercado Diaz
- Dylan Sanchez
- Jordan Sparks
- Rudy Vargas
Elizabeth Adams
Admission Counselor
970-351-2063
Elizabeth.Adams@unco.edu
UNC_Colorado
elizabeth.uncoadmissions- I grew up all over the Denver-Metro area of Colorado knowing that I wanted to end up at the University of Northern Colorado. There was just something about Greeley that made me fall in love! From the beautiful campus to the rich community, I knew I would find a home here. A first-generation transfer student, I graduated from UNC in the class of 2018 after having been very involved as a student. From spending time as a resident assistant, working with student leaders in the Residence Hall Association, and becoming a sister of Alpha Sigma Alpha, I truly have a special place in my heart for our Bears.
- Favorite place at UNC: Garden Theatre at sundown
Favorite place in Greeley: Zoe's Cafe! It's the perfect place to study.
What is your favorite UNC fact? Forty percent of UNC students are the first in their family to attend college — a pretty well-known fact, but as a first-generation student, this is really special to me!
Who is your favorite fictional bear? Ojo, from Bear in the Big Blue House
Bailey Ashida
Admission Counselor
- 970-351-2025
- Bailey.Ashida@unco.edu
- UNC_Colorado
- UNC_Colorado
- Hi! My name is Bailey Ashida. I grew up in southeastern Colorado in the small towns of Swink and Ordway. After graduating high school in 2016, I attended Otero Junior College and graduated in 2017. I chose UNC after attending a transfer fair at OJC. The admission counselor showed me the beautiful pictures of campus and explained how great the community was here, and I was hooked! While at UNC, I worked as a student employee in the Admissions office. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sociology in December 2018 and now here I am as an admission counselor for UNC! It is funny how life works out. I plan to get my master’s degree in higher education and pursue a career in higher ed administration. When I’m not bragging about how great it is to be a Bear, I’m probably sleeping, traveling, or attending concerts!
Favorite place at UNC: Central Campus when all the trees are changing colors.
Favorite place in Greeley: Sanborn Park at sunset.
What is your favorite UNC fact? Angela Parrish, the vocalist in “Another Day of Sun” from La La Land, is a UNC alumna!
Who is your favorite fictional bear? Big Al from Country Bears
Whitney Bonner
Associate Director of Recruitment and Outreach
- 970-351-1864
- Whitney.Bonner@unco.edu
- UNC_Colorado
- UNC_Colorado
- I grew up in Vernal, Utah, and have called Colorado home since 2004. I earned a bachelor's degree in Geology (rock nerd) and a master of science in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University. I dream about completing a doctorate...and am not quite ready to go back to school! I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors doing just about anything, traveling and reading fiction mystery novels.
Favorite place at UNC: Presidents Row — the buildings are so unique, and our tour guides say they are very Harry Potter!
Favorite place in Greeley: The downtown area has so many options for dining and shopping, it's hard to pick a favorite place!
What is your favorite UNC fact? Forty percent of students at UNC are first generation, which means two of every five members of our student population are the first in their family to attend college. As a first-generation student, this resonates with me and makes me proud to be a Bear!
Who is your favorite fictional bear? Winnie the Pooh! ...oh bother...
Sean Broghammer
Director of Admissions
- 970-351-2667
- Sean.Broghammer@unco.edu
- sbroghammer
- seanbroghammer
I grew up in Anchorage, AK., but have called Colorado home since 2002. I earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a master of education from Washington State University, and I completed my doctorate in Higher Education Student Affairs Leadership from UNC in December 2017. I enjoy spending time away from work with my wife and three kids.
Favorite place at UNC: The area between Butler-Hancock and Michener Library. Great place to walk and also happens to be the first tee box of the UNC Frisbee golf course!
Favorite place in Greeley: There are lots of parks I like, but for food, I really like Ambrosia Hibachi grill.
What is your favorite UNC fact? When Gunter Hall was renovated, the half court of the gymnasium was preserved and remains in place in a main floor hallway.
Who is your favorite fictional bear? I don't have a favorite fictional bear, but my favorite real bear was Binky, who was a Polar Bear at the Alaska Zoo. Google "Binky Polar Bear" for an interesting story about a tourist!
Jenae McCarty
Admission Counselor
- 970-351-1611
- Jenae.McCarty@unco.edu
- UNC_Colorado
- jenaem_unco
- I graduated from UNC with my bachelor’s degree in Communications in 2013. During my time as a student at UNC, I worked on campus as a student ambassador in the Office of Admissions. I was also involved in Greek Life as a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority and spent much of my free time participating in campus events. As an admission counselor, I enjoy sharing my experience and helping students discover the many opportunities available at UNC. When I am not recruiting, I spend my time traveling the world and enjoying all the outdoor goodness Colorado has to offer.
Favorite place at UNC: I love Central Campus in the fall; it's absolutely beautiful.
Favorite place in Greeley: Downtown Greeley is a great place to hang out. There are many cute shops, restaurants, art galleries and more.
Favorite place in Greeley: Downtown Greeley is a great place to hang out. There are many cute shops, restaurants, art galleries and more.
What is your favorite UNC fact? I love that UNC has almost every tree native to Colorado on campus. I think that's pretty unique! You can learn more about the UNC trees here!
Who is your favorite fictional bear? Corduro.
Vanesa Mercado Diaz
Admission Counselor
- 970-351-2460
- Vanesa.MercadoDiaz@unco.edu
- UNC_Colorado
- unc_colorado
- Yo hablo español.
I was born in Brighton, CO., and have lived all of my life in Colorado. I grew up in Commerce City, CO., where I attended Adams City High School. I graduated college May 2017 with my bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Criminology and minored in Spanish and Ethnic Studies. I am excited to work with the community I grew up in and connect with students all over the Denver area. I love to do outdoor activities, travel and visit new places as much as I can.
Favorite place at UNC: Anywhere under a tree!
Favorite place in Greeley: Any of the local coffee shops!
What is your favorite UNC fact? A long, long time ago, our colors used to be purple and gold!
Who is your favorite fictional bear? Baloo
Dylan Sanchez
Admission Counselor
- 970-351-1711
- Dylan.Sanchez@unco.edu
- UNC_Colorado
- unc_colorado
- I originally come from Castle Rock, Colo., and I am a proud graduate of the University of Northern Colorado. This is my second year working as an admission counselor. I'm starting my master's degree this fall in Sport and Exercise Science with an emphasis in Sport Administration. I hope to one day work for a professional or collegiate athletics office.
Favorite place at UNC: My favorite spot on campus would have to be the Gunter Green. Gunter Hall is easily my favorite building on campus, and I have lots of memories of Frisbee games, playing with dogs and great friends on the Gunter Green.
Favorite place in Greeley: I love the Ice Haus in downtown Greeley. The UNC hockey team has a history of being one of the best teams in its division, and the Ice Haus is a great place to go show some Bear Pride. Right across the street is Stuft Burger Bar, so before or after the game, Stuft is a great option to grab some food.
What is your favorite UNC fact? Going back to my love for Gunter Hall: My favorite fun fact is that Gunter Hall used to serve as UNC's main gymnasium where the indoor games were played. The center court of the old arena is in the middle of one of the hallways and just reminds me of the incredible history written in the walls of our campus.
Who is your favorite fictional bear? Fozzie Bear. Wocka Wocka Wocka!
Jordan Sparks
Admission Counselor
- 970-351-2818
- Jordan.Sparks@unco.edu
- UNC_Colorado
- unc_colorado
Hello, my name is Jordan B. Sparks. I am an admission counselor here at the University of Northern Colorado. I started my journey at UNC in 2013, earning a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration with a Marketing emphasis, and I am currently pursuing a master of science in Sport and Exercise Science with Sport Administration emphasis. I am a huge Denver Nuggets fan and love sports in general. Go Bears!
Favorite place at UNC: Native American Student Services & Asian/Pacific American Student Services (Kohl House)
Favorite place in Greeley: Cinemark theater ($5 Tuesdays)
What is your favorite UNC fact? UNC school colors used to be purple & gold – rather than the blue and gold of today!
Who is your favorite fictional bear? Yogi Bear
Rudy Vargas
Enrollment Coach and Recruiter
- 970-351-2910
- Rodolfo.Vargas@unco.edu
- rudy_vargas
- rudy_vargas_unco
- Yo hablo español.
Hello! My name is Rodolfo (Rudy) Vargas. I was born in Matamoros Coahuila, Mexico, and I am an enrollment coach and university recruiter, and I am also coordinator of the DREAMer Engagement Program at UNC. I moved to the U.S. at the age of 12, and Greeley has been my home for 14 years. I graduated from Greeley Central High School, and then UNC, where I studied Spanish. I am very passionate about my native language, and I love writing poetry. I am currently in the Master of Public Health program through the Colorado School of Public Health at UNC, and I am involved with different organizations on and off campus. More than just a job and/or educational institution, UNC has been a home to me for nine years. My goal is to “be the person I needed when I was younger.”
Favorite place at UNC: Belford Hall and Candelaria Hall
Favorite place in Greeley: Cancún Restaurant, Wingshack, Pupuseria Salvadoreña. I have many!
What is your favorite UNC fact? A UNC alum created a small robot version of BB-8 (Star Wars), and another one designed the new logo for Instagram!
Who is your favorite fictional bear? Two: Kenai and Koda from Brother Bear
Find Your Admission Counselor
We like you. Let's stay in touch.
Sign up to receive emails and other communications to guide you through your college application process.
