Steve Mills: Community First

Steve Mills made it his mission to make sure Colorado Mountain College was in tune with the communities it served.

For example, in the 1970s, when surveys determined that 10 percent of the adult population lacked a high school diploma; the college “built the biggest adult basic education program in the state,” Steve says.

Steve also looked to local businesses to provide the training they needed for staff. In Glenwood Springs, the police department, hospital, and local carpenters’ union paid tuition for their employees to take professional development courses at CMC.

“The college tuned in to community needs,” says Steve, who was hired in 1969 to manage CMC Aspen, and was later named director of continuing education across the entire district.

Among many other highlights during his time at CMC, Steve secured grant funding for English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education.

In 1978, Steve transitioned to vice president of Administrative Services. He
reported directly to President Dr. F. Dean Lillie on all campus operations.

Steve went on to direct capital building projects for new locations in downtown Glenwood Springs and Vail. He also led the creation of online systems for registration at all college sites and application tracking systems for full-time students.