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... 

Sofia Ezeamii

Admission Counselor

•  970-351-3013
•  Sofia.Ezeamii@unco.edu
•  UNC_Colorado
•  unc_colorado

I was born and raised in Lake St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Colorado in 2016 to attend the University of Northern Colorado. During my time as an undergraduate student, I worked in the Office of Admissions as a Student Ambassador. I graduated from UNC in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition with a minor in Psychology. I will begin pursuing my Master’s in Public Health in the fall with hopes to work in the birth and lactation field. I am excited to share my love of UNC throughout Colorado and the Midwest!

Favorite place at UNC: My favorite place on campus is Cranford Park. It’s full of trees, so it’s gorgeous during the fall and spring, and you get a great view of Gunter Hall. Plus it’s a certified dog park!

Favorite place in Greeley: My favorite place in Greeley is the Blue Mug right next to Frasier Hall. They have amazing coffee, and it’s a great place to study or catch up with friends.

What is your favorite UNC fact? UNC has six Lactation Stations on campus and is considered a Breastfeeding-Friendly Business! 

Who is your favorite fictional bear? Bear from Bear in the Big Blue House!

Martha Herrera

Admission Counselor

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

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.

Favorite place at UNC: My favorite 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. 

 

Leah Schultz

Admission Counselor

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

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. 

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!

Ian Gembarowski

Admission Counselor

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

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.

Tyler Cobb

Admission Counselor

970-351-1772
tyler.cobb@unco.edu
UNC_Colorado
 unc_colorado

My name is Tyler Cobb and I grew up in Newport News, VA. I moved to Denver, Colorado in high school and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. I was a Denver Scholarship recipient and attended UNC from 2010-2014. I majored in Communication Studies in addition to being active on campus as a member of Black Student Union, Black Women of Today, and a cheerleader! Additionally, I worked in the Office of Financial aid during my time at UNC. Prior to working in college admissions, I worked in education specifically in the high school setting. My interests and hobbies include thrifting, reading, yoga, cooking, traveling, coaching cheerleading and gymnastics. I am looking forward to working with future bears and sharing all of the great things UNC has to offer! 

Favorite place at UNC: The Bank of Colorado Arena formally known as Butler Hancock--- I have so many wonderful memories cheering at basketball and volleyball games. This was a huge part of my college experience! 

Favorite place in Greeley: Roma! This Italian restaurant is one of the many treasured college hang out spots in Greeley. 

What is your favorite  UNC fact? In 2011, the Men’s Basketball team made their first NCAA Tournament appearance. As a cheerleader, I had the opportunity to go and it was amazing! I’d like to think I was a little part of history. Fingers crossed for another March Madness appearance!