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.

Susan Bolton

smbolton@comcast.net

Profession:  Engineer | Ecologist | Water Resource Management

Education

  • 1991, PhD, Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University
  • 1985, MS, Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University
  • 1979, MS, Zoology, North Dakota State University
  • 1976, BS with Distinction, Organismic Biology, University of Colorado

 

Career Highlights

Dr. Susan Bolton is a distinguished engineer and ecologist with expertise in hydrology, water resource management, and environmental sustainability. She holds a PhD and MS in Civil Engineering from New Mexico State University, an MS in Zoology from North Dakota State University, and a BS in Organismic Biology from the University of Colorado. Her research and academic career have focused on the intersection of engineering and ecology, particularly in the areas of surface water quality, riparian ecosystems, and watershed management.

Dr. Bolton’s research developed predictive models for water, sediment, and nutrient transport in the Rio Grande River to support ecological management strategies, earning her the Dissertation Thesis Award for Outstanding Water Resources Dissertation from the University Council on Water Resources. She spent 26 years as a professor at the University of Washington’s College of Environmental and Forest Sciences, teaching a diverse range of courses including hydrology, stream ecology, floodplain management, and sustainable development. From 1997 to 2003, she directed the Center for Streamside Studies, leading applied research on watershed and salmon habitat restoration and co-editing a book on Puget Sound stream restoration.

Beyond academia, Dr. Bolton has actively contributed to global sustainable development initiatives. She has led and participated in projects across Costa Rica, Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Kenya, addressing issues such as clean water access, irrigation systems, sustainable agriculture, and environmental health. As a faculty representative on the Engineers Without Borders board of directors, she has played a key role in advancing community-driven engineering solutions. Her work in Lima, Peru has been recognized with multiple awards for its innovative approach to social and ecological design.

Dr. Bolton continues to be an influential figure in the fields of environmental engineering, water resource management, and global sustainability, applying her expertise to both scientific research and real-world environmental challenges.