Jay Helman became the 13th President of Western State College in February of 2002. He joined Western in 1989 as Assistant Professor in Kinesiology and served as the Department Chair of Kinesiology and Recreation from 1992 – 96, starting the Health Promotion and Wellness program in that department. He also served as Head Men’s Basketball Coach and was named Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1996.
He earned his B.A. degree in English Literature is from Santa Clara University in California, an M.A. in Psychology from California State University at Sonoma, and a Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science from The Pennsylvania State University in 1988.
In addition to the Community Foundation, Jay is active with the following local and state organizations: Governor Hickenlooper’s Education Leadership Council, Colorado Legacy Foundation, Mount Crested Butte Performing Arts Center Board, Colorado Concern and Gunnison County Mayors and Managers, and as chair of Club 20 Education and Workforce Development Committee.
