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 (Dick) Grossman

richard@population-matters.org

Profession:  Obstetrician-Gynecologist | Public Health Physician | Population Activist | Journalist

Education

  • 1965, BA, Zoology and Psychology, Swarthmore College
  • 1969, MD, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
  • 1970, Medical Internship, Hartford Hospital
  • 1976, Residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of New Mexico
  • 1993, MPH, Loma Linda University, School of Public Health

Career Profile

Dr. Richard Grossman has spent nearly 40 years delivering babies and providing medical care in Durango and the surrounding area, with a brief period working in Puerto Rico in the early 1980s. He also served as medical advisor for the Basin Health Department for about 30 years.  After completing his medical internship, he worked as a conscientious objector to war in Questa, New Mexico, before specializing in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

His passion for population issues and environmental sustainability has driven much of his advocacy work. Some key contributions include

  • Inventing a "rip-stop" condom to promote contraceptive use.
  • Writing the world's only regularly appearing newspaper column on human population for over 20 years.
  • Pioneering a new genre of art: "contraceptual art."

In addition, his strong ties to Fort Lewis College (FLC) have led him to

  • Co-develop and teach the first online course on human population at FLC.
  • Organize World Population Day observances in Durango.
  • Bring guest speakers to FLC's Lifelong Learning Series on population issues.
  • Volunteer-teach Biology 141 (People and the Planet) at FLC.

Dr. Grossman is a firm believer in fostering closer ties between the community ("town") and Fort Lewis College ("gown"), advocating for mutual intellectual and financial benefits. He is eager to continue supporting FLC in various ways, including through teaching and community engagement.

Volunteer & Community Service

  • San Juan Symphony – Former Board Member
  • Durango Nature Studies – Former Board Member
  • Quaker Earthcare Witness – Former Board Member
  • FLC Environmental Center – Former Board Member
  • Planned Parenthood Federation of America National Medical Board – Former Member
  • Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health – Former Board Member
  • Pine River Valley Centennial Rotary – Member & Student Exchange Committee
  • Durango Choral Society – Member
  • Professional Associates of Fort Lewis College – Member