GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Colorado Mesa University (CMU) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Roberto Montoya as its new Vice President for Student Services, a homecoming for the CMU alumnus who has dedicated his career to advancing educational student service and success. Montoya, who earned his bachelor’s degree from CMU, brings a wealth of experience from higher education, public service and private sector leadership roles.
Most recently, Montoya has served as Associate Vice President of Partner Success at InsideTrack, driving nationwide coaching initiatives that strengthen student success and retention, particularly at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Previously, as Chief Educational Equity Officer at the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), he led transformative efforts, launching the Healthy Minds and Hunger Free Campus designations and co-founding the Colorado HSI Consortium. Through strategic collaboration with institutions, policymakers and community partners, he expanded access and support for first-generation, low-income and rural students, ensuring student success remained central to statewide higher education policy.
“Returning to CMU feels like coming full circle,” Montoya said. “This university contributed to the arc of my life’s story and helped shaped my educational journey, and I’m honored to give back to students on a campus where every Maverick feels a sense of belonging and has an opportunity for a better life, through education.”
Montoya’s journey reflects a blend of academic and private sector impact. With a master’s in Ethnic Studies from Regis University and a PhD in Urban Education from the University of Colorado Denver, he has taught, researched, and led initiatives to expand educational access. Beyond academia, he has held management roles with two Fortune 500 companies and served as a manager at Denver International Airport, demonstrating his ability to lead diverse teams and drive impact across sectors. At CMU, Montoya aims to elevate Student Services by fostering a culture of belonging that leads with CMU’s values of Love, Dignity, Courage, Resilience, Humility, Curiosity and Power.
“Leadership is about serving others and building a community where everyone thrives,” he said. His vision aligns with CMU’s mission as a Human Scale University, emphasizing personal connections and student-centered growth.
President John Marshall praised Montoya’s appointment, saying, “Dr. Montoya’s passion for students and his proven track record makes him the perfect fit to guide our campus community and I am proud to call Dr. Montoya my colleague.”
Montoya officially begins his role this spring, ready to inspire and serve the next generation of Mavericks. For more information, contact the Office of the President at Colorado Mesa University.