CONTACT:
Linda Relyea
719-587-7827
lsrelyea@adams.edu
www.adams.edu/news
ALAMOSA, CO. (May 28, 2026) – At Adams State University, located in Alamosa, Colo., Travis McKinzie, a dual major, gained unique perspectives from professors and classmates across two distinct but interrelated fields. “Attending Adams for the last 10 semesters has been an amazing experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.” He plans to pursue a graduate degree in cognitive science, an interdisciplinary field related to his interests in psychology, technology, and philosophy of mind.
McKinzie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Bachelor of Science in business administration/general business at the Adams State Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony on May 16, 2026. He was named an Outstanding Graduate by the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
“Adams State has offered me an unprecedented opportunity to develop as an individual across a variety of dimensions. I was a wrestler for five years and gained a real sense of what it means to dedicate oneself to a team effort and toward development of skills, resilience, and a meaningful pursuit of personal goals.
“I simply want to find a sustainable level of peace and well-being as I pursue projects that I am wholly invested in.”
Gina Mitchell, Ph.D., professor of psychology, advisor for Psi Chi Club, helped McKinzie and all members organize and host events and accompanied them to psychology conferences. McKinzie’ advisor, AJ Webb, D.H.S., assistant professor NTT of management, mentored him during an internship that became the subject of his 2026 Student Scholar Days presentation.
“These two, alongside a long list of other professors helped reshape my worldview, my perspective on human behavior, and challenged me to become a more well informed, ethically minded citizen.”
McKinzie received multiple scholarships and participated in internships. He held a work-study job in Computing Services. “Big shoutout to Jeremy Jaramillo (manager of campus AV) and Brittany Raines (manager of support services) for being amazing bosses who worked with me for years in putting together a manageable work study schedule while taking on a full undergraduate course schedule and wrestling career.”
Connections McKinzie made with teammates, new friends, classmates, coaches, supervisors, staff, faculty, local residents, and businesspeople of the San Luis Valley, supported his success.
“I always felt I could lean on others if the activities of my life became overwhelming. My worst experiences over the last five years came as a result of self-isolation, where for many complicated reasons I stopped fostering and creating connections with the communities that were always there for me.”
McKinzie graduated in five years with two degrees with a reasonable amount of debt.
The most important aspect of his growth is in education and humility. “I certainly know more about myself, the world, and the methodology that scientists, philosophers, and other academics employ to discover and explain the mechanisms of worldly phenomena. The fruits of my efforts are found in my ever-growing curiosity, and a sense of gratitude for the lucky circumstances of my life. I thank all people involved in the process of encouraging me to be more open minded, humble, and grateful during my time at Adams State!”
-30-
To download full image, right-click and choose “save image as”
