Celebrate CLA! Faculty and staff recognized for outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and service in 2026
The College of Liberal Arts acknowledges the accomplishments and efforts of our outstanding faculty and staff for 2026.
CSU’s Joe Blake Center for Engaged Humanities Announces 2026-2027 Faculty Fellows
The Joe Blake Center for Engaged Humanities at Colorado State University has named four faculty members as Faculty Fellows for 2026-2027: Maura Velazquez Castillo, Johnny Plastini, Nabile Galván Garcia, and Sarah Cooper.
CSU announces six new University Distinguished Professors
Six esteemed faculty members are joining Colorado State University’s elite scholars this month by becoming University Distinguished Professors – an honor based on the highest level of achievement in teaching, research and service, an achievement that has been recognized nationally and internationally.
Cello professor releases new album Beyond Words
CSU Cello Professor, Meredith Blecha-Wells, releases Beyond Words: A Collection of Art Songs for Cello and Piano on Navona Records.
John Pippen selected for 2026 summer residency at the National Humanities Center
John Pippen, an associate professor of music in the College of Liberal Arts’ School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, has been selected to spend a month at the National Humanities Center this summer.
Orchestra director Rachel Waddell named 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator semifinalist
Following reviews by a panel of national music educators, Dr. Rachel Waddell, Colorado State University Director of Orchestras, was named one of twenty-five semifinalists for the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum’s Music Educator Award. Dr. Waddell was chosen from a national pool of 2,000 initial nominations and is the only semifinalist from the state of Colorado.
Colorado State University Wind Symphony to embark on prestigious concert tour of Spain
The Colorado State University Wind Symphony has been invited to perform in Spain this March. After receiving acclaim for their recordings, the ensemble has been invited by the “Grenadine Federation of Bands” to participate in a collaborative concert tour spanning three major cities: Madrid, Granada, and Málaga.
Music student Bella Penna plays National Anthem at Lt. Col. Matthew Tillman’s Ram Battalion retirement
Music student Bella Penna plays National Anthem at Lt. Col. Matthew Tillman’s Army ROTC Ram Battalion retirement.
CLA Grad Students Win at the CSU Grad Showcase 2024
Colorado State University graduate students presented their creative work, research and entrepreneurship during the 2024 GradShow on Nov. 20. Out of 241 participants across all eight colleges, five CLA students won top honors.
Music alumna, Xareny Polanco, named 2025 CMEA Outstanding Young Educator
Colorado State University music education alumna, Xareny Polanco, B.M.E. ‘21, has been awarded a 2025 Colorado Music Educators Association Outstanding Young Educator Award.