Among the more than 1,600 graduates who celebrated earning their degrees during the 2021 spring commencement ceremony, 11 were UCCS and University of Colorado system staff members.
Most took advantage of the tuition benefit provided to CU employees and qualified dependents. UCCS employees can waive up to nine credits per academic year for undergraduate and graduate courses. For additional information, visit CU Employee Services.
Staff who earned degrees included:
- Billie Jo Baptiste ’07, M.S.N.-F.N.P. ’11, director of health services for the Gallogly Recreation and Wellness Center. Now a triple graduate from UCCS, Baptiste earned her doctor of nursing practice, the terminal nursing degree and the highest level of education available in the field.
- Bradey Disbrow, faculty liaison for the UCCS Bookstore. He earned his master’s degree in counseling and human services.
- Ali Langfels, program assistant for the Department of Computer Science. She earned her master’s degree in leadership in education.
- Mark Paquette, principal program coordinator for the Career Development Center in the College of Business. He earned his master’s degree in leadership in education.
- Lauren Shakes, scholarship program manager for the Office of Development. She earned her master’s degree in public administration.
- Molly Shipp, administrative professional for Enrollment Management. She earned her master’s degree in public administration.
- Eric Thompson, senior audit manager for the CU system. He earned his master’s of business administration.
- Caroline Chubb, instructional technologist for the School of Public Affairs. She earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.
- Phillip Haisley, senior instructor in the department of English in the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in educational leadership research and policy.
- Beckie Pyles Munoz, budget and HR professional for the Department of Chemistry. She earned her master of arts degree in leadership in education.
- Stephanie Trujillo, orientation enrollment specialist for UCCS Orientation. She earned her master of arts degree in leadership in education.
The list of graduates only include those of which University Communications is aware. If an omission was made, please email [email protected].
These 11 graduates are members of a record-setting 1,624 graduates in UCCS’ spring Class of 2021, the university’s largest graduating class in history. The virtual commencement ceremonies took place beginning on Friday, May 14 at 1 p.m. Tune in online. In addition, the May 17 Picture on the Plaza event will mark the first time in decades that UCCS offers an outdoor, on-campus graduation event. 570 graduates are signed up to walk down the pedestrian Spine, hear their names read and receive a diploma jacket and photos. Learn more.