Learn about our members

Professional Associates (PA) is a community of nearly 50 educators, scientists, innovators, business leaders, policymakers, and professionals who bring their real-world experience to support Fort Lewis College. Members share a commitment to strengthening student learning, enriching faculty teaching, and advancing community partnerships across the Four Corners.

Expertise across disciplines

PA members represent seven core areas of expertise:

  • Medicine, public health, and life sciences
  • Engineering, physical sciences, and technology
  • Environmental science and ecology
  • Education, sociology, and community development
  • Arts, communication, and humanities
  • Leadership, strategy, and organizational management
  • Law, policy, and government service

This breadth of knowledge allows PA members to serve as guest lecturers, mentors, advisors, and collaborators—bringing valuable insight to classrooms, academic programs, and community initiatives.

History and purpose

Professional Associates was established in 1999 by President Kendall Blanchard as a strategic advisory group. Since then, its role has expanded to include direct support for students, faculty, and community programming—while maintaining a strong advisory partnership with college leadership.

Meet our members

Each member brings a unique background and perspective to Fort Lewis College. Browse the directory below to explore individual bios, professional experience, and areas of expertise.

Richard G Ballantine

rgb@durangoherald.com

Profession: Publisher of Ballantine Communications

Education:

  • 1968, BA, History, Stanford University

 

Career Highlights:

   - Community & Civic Leadership

  • Colorado Forum: Serves as a member, contributing insights on regional policy, education, transportation, water rights, and media issues
  • Crow Canyon Archaeological Center: On the Board of Trustees since 1988, helping bridge heritage education and Indigenous knowledge

   - Fort Lewis College Champion

  • Former President, Fort Lewis College Trustees
  • Former President, Fort Lewis College Foundation
  • Awarded 2018 CASE District VI Volunteer of the Year for exceptional ongoing philanthropic activity.
  • Ballantine funded and championed the Community Concert Hall “Reflection” art installation at FLC, along with major donations of Native American weavings, visiting lectureships, scholarships, and public art—cementing the family’s legacy in campus culture.

    - Journalism & Media Evolution

  • Former President, Colorado Press Association
  • As publisher, Richard guided Ballantine Communications to expanded reach: acquired Cortez Journal, Mancos Times, Dolores Star, launched Tri City Record in 2023, and built robust digital marketing and media services across the Four Corners.
  • Embraced multimedia: print editions, websites, directories, lifestyle magazines and community events—sustaining a local voice in a changing industry.

    - Farming & Personal Passions

  • Continues to run his 400-acre farm on Florida Mesa—growing hay, oats, alfalfa, and using vintage tractors—while energetically gardening, collecting and restoring Alfa Romeos. Local figures say he’s “Southwest Colorado from the tip of his toes to the top of his head”.

    - Integrity & Legacy

  • Raised in a Durango media family rooted in editorial integrity, Richard upheld that tradition through transparency.
  • Served in the US Army in Vietnam, 1970-1972.
  • Praised by Colorado Governors Hickenlooper and Richard Lamm and other civic leaders for prioritizing journalism’s public purpose over profit.

    - Awards & Honors (Selected)

  • 1997, Colorado Newspaper Person of the Year
  • 2002, Recipient of the Sigma Delta Chi Award for public service journalism
  • 2018, CASE Volunteer of the Year for educational philanthropy

Richard Ballantine’s life is a tapestry of journalism, stewardship, civic leadership, higher education philanthropy, cultural patronage, and active farming. His quiet but steadfast approach continues to shape Durango's identity and community institutions.