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.

Dave Eppich

daveeppich@gmail.com

Profession: Organizational Leader | Economic Development Executive

Education

  • 1990, MS, Management, The American College, Bryn Mawr, PA
  • 1974, BS, Biological Science, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

 

Professional Summary

  • Experienced leader in organizational development, strategic planning, and executive management across higher education, nonprofit, tribal, and for-profit sectors.
  • Expertise in quality process improvement, organizational change, and regional economic development.
  • Published author and contributor to national initiatives in higher education and community planning.

Career Highlights

  • Economic Development Manager, Southern Ute Indian Tribe
    • Led the development and implementation of a successful five-year comprehensive economic development strategy.
  • Vice President for Student Services, San Juan College
    • Directed a division of 13 departments over a 13-year tenure.
    • Oversaw enrollment, student support, and institutional advancement.
  • Special Assistant to the President for External Affairs, Fort Lewis College
    • Served for 25 years with roles including state and federal legislative advocacy, marketing, tribal and public relations, and economic development.
    • Directed the San Juan Forum, a regional economic development coalition across four states and multiple jurisdictions.
    • Also served as volunteer Men’s Soccer Coach.
  • Higher Learning Commission Peer Reviewer
    • Team leader in the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) for institutional accreditation.

Board & Community Service

  • Durango Community Development Commission (current)
  • Vice Chair, NM Student Loan Guarantee Corporation
  • Chairman, Colorado Region Nine Economic Development District
  • Board Member, Bank of Durango, Colorado State Rural Development Council, Durango Area Chamber & Resort Association
  • Appointee, Governor’s Task Forces on Smart Growth and Telecommunications
  • Chair, Leadership La Plata Steering Committee
  • Member, 9-R School District Blue Ribbon Committee
  • President, Florida River Estates HOA & Water Co.

Publications

  • Co-author: Assessing Student Learning in the Community & Two-Year College (Stylus Publishing, 2013)
  • Author:
    • “Native American Tuition Waiver” – Colorado Legislative White Paper
    • “A Model for Regional Cooperation: The San Juan Forum” – Presented at Wright State University