Ethan Knapp

Admission Counselor

970-351-2818
ethan.knapp@unco.edu

I grew up right here in Greeley, Colorado, and have watched this town grow throughout the years. There are so many great opportunities in this town, I am excited to continue to be a part of this community!

I graduated here at UNC in 2022 with a degree in Music Business with an emphasis in voice with two certificates in the music area. During my time as a student, I worked as a student ambassador where I found a strong passion for helping students and families take that next step into their future. My favorite part of working in admissions is being able to connect with students I get to meet and support them through the college search process. Outside of work, you can find me playing music, going on gorgeous hikes, snowboarding, taking on the outdoors and spending quality time with friends and family.

Favorite place at UNC: My favorite spot at UNC was definitely Gunter Green! This area is a great spot for all kinds of activities. Whether you want to read a book on a picnic blanket or play some spike ball, this is the place to do it!

Favorite spot in Greeley: Downtown Greeley! All the great events and venues going on in the downtown area makes for great opportunities to enjoy live music, great food, and meet wonderful people from the Greeley community!

Favorite UNC fact: Although UNC’s mascot has been a Bear for a long time, did you know that UNC's mascot used to be the fighting teachers? Founded in 1889, UNC was founded as a State Normal School that prepared students to become experts in education.

Favorite fictional bear: Smokey the Bear. Only you can prevent wildfires

Jilda Nevarez

Admission Counselor

970-351-3170
jilda.nevarez@unco.edu

I was raised in Glenwood Springs Colorado where I attended school k-12. I continued my education as a first-generation student at Colorado State University where I received my B.A in Political Science and a minor in International Development. During my time at CSU, I worked as an ambassador for transfer admissions for 2 years where I learned how important support to access in higher education is, especially with underrepresented students. My time working with transfer students as an ambassador made me realize my passion for helping students in higher education and finding their home away from home.

As a first-generation student I remember how difficult this process felt, so I hope to provide a little bit of guidance and help those who might feel the same.

Favorite place at UNC: Burgers and CO. I love a good burger and fries and being able to enjoy them on the patio area.

Favorite place in Greeley: La Michoacana. This is a great place to get snacks and treats with a little taste of Mexico.

Favorite UNC fact: UNC was founded on April 1st. What a birthday!

Favorite fictional bear: Smokey the Bear. I grew up in the mountains where Smokey was present at any and all school and city celebrations.

Jessica Pimentel

Assistant Director of Transfer Recruitment

970-351-3808
jessica.pimentel@unco.edu

I was born in Chihuahua, Mexico but was raised in Colorado. I have moved around a lot from Aurora, Commerce City, Denver, Thornton, and Greeley. I am a two-time alumna of UNC. At my time at UNC, I started as a non-traditional student when I transferred. UNC was just what I wanted. Not too big and not too small to get the full college experience. I received tremendous support from many people on campus and departments such as the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center, Center for Women & Gender Equity, and EMSA. Thanks to the this support I was able to open up about my identities and support other students. During my journey at UNC, I advocated for open access and financial/professional resources for undocumented students. Due to this experience, I learned that my passion was to serve students and I received my masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership.  

I wish to continue to support access to higher education of underrepresented populations.  

Favorite place at UNC: The Cesar Chavez Cultural Center and The Center for Women & Gender Equity were my favorite places to be as a student. As mentioned,I received tremendous support in these spaces, and they had so many fun events and programming.  

Favorite place in Greeley: Bittersweet Park is my favorite place for evening strolls. It is a nice place to de-stress and take in the view while jogging or walking.  

Favorite UNC fact: The oldest building at UNC is Candelaria and it used to be a bomb/tornado shelter several years ago.  

Favorite fictional bear: Boog from open season! 

José Davíd Reynoza

Assistant Director of Diversity & Access

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!

Pricillia Rain

Admission Counselor

970-351-3015
pricilla.rain@unco.edu

I grew up on the island of O'ahu, one of the Hawaiian islands, where I attended Waipahu High School located on the West side of the island. My family is originally from Chuuk, Micronesia, where I was born. We immigrated to the United States in 2001 English being my second language. I am a first-generation student receiving my bachelors degree in Business Administration with a double concentration in Management and Hospitality at Colorado Mesa University. I enjoy reading, going to the gym, watching sports, and hanging out with friends.

Favorite place at UNC: I enjoy the University Center and the Dining hall with its different food options. My favorite is the Flamin' Hot Cheeto sushi! It is a must try while on the UNC campus. 

Favorite place in Greeley: I enjoy downtown Greeley and its different options in food and shops. Winter time is my favorite time to visit the downtown area where all the trees are sparkling with Christmas lights. 

Favorite UNC fact: UNC offers 8 cultural and resource centers for students to find their community and a sense of belonging. I love that students get the opportunity to connect with others and receive support from their peers. With that many centers, you are sure to find your people! 

Favorite fictional bear:Po from Kung Fu Panda!

Shelby Scrivner

Admission Counselor

970-351-1611
shelby.scrivner@unco.edu

I was born and raised here in Colorado and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in 2019 with my bachelor's degree in Anthropology and am endlessly grateful for my time in UNC's college of Humanities and Social Sciences. During my time as a student at UNC, I worked as an Orientation Leader for about two years and served on UNC's student senate. After graduating from UNC, I had the privilege of being a staff member in the Office of Admissions at Adams State University where I coordinated campus visits and events, and supervised student ambassadors! It was in these roles that I developed a passion for providing support for students and their families during their transition to college-life, and I am delighted to continue working in that capacity now as an Admissions Counselor here at UNC. When not on-campus I enjoy video games, movies, playing DND with my friends, and listening to music. 

Favorite place at UNC: Michener Library! Libraries are some of my favorite places on earth, and as both a student and staff member, Michener has always been my favorite place to get cozy and get some work done. I'll take any excuse to visit the UNC Archives in Michener's lower level!   

Favorite spot in Greeley: John Galt Coffee Co. and Roma Pizza are two places that were definitive to my time as a UNC student and hold lots of cozy vibes and happy memories!

Favorite UNC fact: UNC's Anthropology department is home to a number of historic Puebloan ceramic works among other artifacts, and the Pueblo Pottery Exhibit currently featured on the first floor of Michener Library was curated by students for independent study and UNC Honors Program Capstone projects. 

Favorite fictional bear: Good Luck Bear! One of the original Care Bears, he initially became my favorite because he was my favorite color and had a cute little clover on his belly, but he has since remained a favorite for his sense of optimism and encouragement of self-assurance!