Les McPherson, ‘86, credits CMU’s community to his ability to juggle a career, school and family
Les McPherson, ’86, found himself drawn to Grand Junction and the university after the closure of the Colony Oil Shale Project (COSP) impacted the Rifle community’s economy. Amidst the downturn that gripped the area, McPherson found excitement in his new home, reflecting on the COSP closure as a pivotal event that altered his life’s course.
Working full-time at a small accounting firm owned by Don Gulley while balancing full-time studies, this challenging period offered him incredible opportunities that pushed him to open his own accounting firm.
McPherson regards CMU as the heart of Grand Junction’s community, and feels honored to be part of its legacy. Inspired by the thousands of graduates before and after him, he cherishes his connection to what he describes as a vibrant “village,” “tribe,” “clan” and “herd,” which he is proud to belong to.
He credits Professor of Accounting Edward Boehler and Professor of History Morton Perry, as well as fellow students with preparing him for the experiences he would face in his nearly four-decade career. The university’s rigorous academic environment instilled in him a relentless pursuit of solutions and balanced outcomes — shaping his approach to life’s obstacles.
During his sophomore year, McPherson married his wife, Theresa, and became a father to two children with a third on the way before graduation. Since graduating, he has lived within two blocks of campus, witnessing first-hand the extraordinary changes at CMU. While the campus has evolved physically, McPherson appreciates its dedication to students and its preparation for the future.
“The changes that I have been able to witness with CMU have been off the charts. It seems surreal to know that I have been able to be a part of it. The CMU that we see today is not physically the same that I experienced in the ‘80s, but it is definitely still the same when you see the dedication that it has to its students. Go Mavs!”
When not running his firm, you can find McPherson spending time with family, reading, camping or golfing.
Graduation Year: 1986
Hometown: Rifle, Colorado
Profession: Certified Public Accountant
Most Impactful Professor: Professor of Accounting Edward Boehler and Professor of History Morton Perry
Favorite Book: Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
Favorite Place on Campus: Tomlinson Library and Hotel Maverick
Life Motto: “Value others before myself.”
Hobbies: Spending time with family, reading, camping and golf
Accomplishments: Devoted husband, father and grandfather, 40+ years of coaching youth soccer, serving on multiple non-profit boards, impacting lives globally.