Biography
Armando Valdez, is the 16th President of Colorado State University Pueblo. Prior to being named the President of Colorado State University Pueblo, Valdez served as chair of the Colorado State University System Board of Governors and as the state director for USDA-Rural Development in Colorado, he is also owner of Valdez Land & Livestock, LLC, a family farm and ranch operation nestled near Capulin, Colorado.
Born and raised in the picturesque San Luis Valley, Valdez proudly claims a 16th-generation American heritage, tracing his roots back to northern New Mexico in the early 1600s. The Valdez family first established its presence in southern Conejos County in the 1860s, contributing significantly to the region's rich history.
Valdez was an emeritus professor of business at Adams State University, he devoted 15 years to the School of Business, making substantial contributions as an assistant professor of management. Notably, he founded and directed the Health Care Administration program and played a key role in the development of the agribusiness program. His impactful tenure earned him accolades such as the Presidential Teacher Award in 2010, the Student Engagement in Teaching Award in 2008 and 2015, and the Excellence in Advisement Award in 2013.
Beyond academia, Valdez has been an active participant in various community and civic roles. His commitment is reflected in his service on the Conejos County Land Use Planning Commission, chairman of the Conejos County Board of Adjustments, and leadership as chair of the St. Joseph Parish Finance Committee. Additionally, he has contributed as Board president for the Guadalupe Parish Credit Union, a member of the 12th Judicial District nominating commission, and a member of the Noxious Weed District for Conejos County.
In 2018, Valdez was appointed to the Board of Governors of the CSU System, where he served as vice chair before assuming the role of Board chair in June 2023. His dedication to higher education and community welfare is evident in his leadership.
A proud alumnus of Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Valdez holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and an MBA. He pursued further academic excellence by completing coursework for a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education and Human Resource Studies at CSU Fort Collins, though his dissertation remains a work in progress.
Find the news release about Valdez here; it contains links to his CV and additional information about the presidential search.
Presidential Communications
Fall 2024 State of the University
Welcome Message, February 8, 2024