Adams State University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Adams State University has 5 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, inclusive excellence, agribusiness development, academic leadership, and administrative governance.

Committed to accessible higher education, Adams State University fosters academic excellence through diverse undergraduate and graduate programs while driving regional economic growth across Colorado.

Leadership Roles at Adams State University

  • President - Stephanie Framel
  • Professor, Writer, Inclusive Excellence Liaison To President - Carol Murphy
  • Adams State Agribusiness Club President - Sarah Schaller
  • President - David Tandberg
  • President - Bennie Chacon
  • Stephanie Framel - President

    Stephanie Framel, the President at Adams State University, directs the overarching institutional strategy and academic mission. Framel oversees the alignment of undergraduate liberal arts programs with evolving workforce demands in the physical and social sciences. By managing relationships with the Board of Trustees, the President ensures fiscal sustainability and operational efficiency across the Alamosa campus. This leadership role involves championing student success initiatives that bridge the gap between traditional education and modern career requirements. Stephanie Framel actively cultivates partnerships with regional stakeholders to expand the university's influence throughout the state. Through rigorous oversight of faculty development and curriculum standards, the President maintains high academic quality. Framel drives the long-term vision for the institution, ensuring that every department contributes to the core mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to a diverse student body while navigating the complexities of the higher education landscape.

    Carol Murphy - Professor, Writer, Inclusive Excellence Liaison To President

    Carol Murphy, the Professor, Writer, Inclusive Excellence Liaison To President at Adams State University, architects the framework for campus-wide diversity and equity initiatives. Murphy integrates inclusive practices into the academic curriculum, ensuring that the liberal arts experience reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives. As the primary advisor to the President on social equity, the Liaison facilitates communication between faculty and administration to resolve systemic barriers. Carol Murphy produces scholarly content that highlights the university's commitment to social justice and educational access. By coordinating workshops and policy reviews, the Liaison fosters an environment where students from all backgrounds thrive. This role requires constant collaboration with department heads to ensure that inclusive excellence remains a central pillar of the university's strategic plan. Through these efforts, the Liaison strengthens the institutional culture, promoting a sense of belonging that directly supports student retention and academic achievement across all disciplines.

    Sarah Schaller - Adams State Agribusiness Club President

    Sarah Schaller, the Adams State Agribusiness Club President at Adams State University, drives student engagement within the agricultural and business sectors. Schaller coordinates professional development opportunities, connecting students with industry leaders to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical application. By organizing regional networking events and field experiences, the Club President enhances the visibility of the university's agribusiness programs. Sarah Schaller manages club operations, including budget allocation and event planning, to ensure that members gain valuable leadership experience. This role involves collaborating with faculty advisors to align club activities with the broader business and science curriculum. Through these initiatives, the Club President fosters a community of future agricultural professionals prepared to address the unique challenges of the regional economy. Schaller ensures that the club serves as a vital resource for students seeking to build careers in the competitive agribusiness landscape, ultimately supporting the university's mission of workforce development.

    David Tandberg - President

    David Tandberg, the President at Adams State University, manages the administrative governance and external relations of the institution. Tandberg focuses on optimizing the university's operational scale, ensuring that graduate programs in business and educator preparation meet rigorous accreditation standards. By representing the university in state-level policy discussions, the President secures necessary resources to support the expansion of nursing and fine arts departments. David Tandberg collaborates with the executive team to refine the university's market position, emphasizing the value of a liberal arts education in the modern economy. This leadership role involves overseeing the allocation of institutional funds to prioritize high-impact research and student support services. Through strategic planning, the President ensures that the university remains a cornerstone of the Alamosa community. Tandberg drives initiatives that enhance the institution's reputation, ensuring that academic programs remain relevant and accessible to students seeking advanced degrees and professional certifications.
    David Tandberg

    Bennie Chacon - President

    Bennie Chacon, the President at Adams State University, leads the implementation of institutional growth strategies and campus infrastructure development. Chacon oversees the integration of technology into the classroom, ensuring that students in history and counselor education programs utilize modern tools for academic success. By managing the university's physical assets and campus environment, the President creates a space conducive to learning and community engagement. Bennie Chacon works closely with the faculty senate to maintain high standards of academic integrity and teaching excellence. This leadership role involves balancing the needs of diverse departments, from the fine arts to the social sciences, to ensure a cohesive educational experience. Through proactive management of institutional resources, the President supports the university's mission of providing a comprehensive liberal arts education. Chacon drives the development of new partnerships that expand the university's reach, ensuring that the institution continues to serve as a vital educational hub for the region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Adams State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Adams State University?
    Adams State University is led by Stephanie Framel (President), along with executives such as Carol Murphy (Professor, Writer, Inclusive Excellence Liaison To President) and Sarah Schaller (Adams State Agribusiness Club President).
    Who is part of Adams State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Adams State University includes leaders such as Stephanie Framel (President), Carol Murphy (Professor, Writer, Inclusive Excellence Liaison To President), Sarah Schaller (Adams State Agribusiness Club President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Adams State University have?
    Adams State University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Adams State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Adams State University includes roles such as President, Professor, Writer, Inclusive Excellence Liaison To President, Adams State Agribusiness Club President, President, President.