Carson Collins was named the 2021-22 Maverick of the year for all her involvement and leadership around the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) campus.
Collins is the Director of External Affairs for Associated Student Government (ASG), a senior resident assistant (RA) for Rait Hall, Club Advisory Board representative for mock trial and Alpha Chi, a tutor at the writing center, and a desk attendant for Rait hall.
She is currently a senior looking to graduate in December 2022 with a major in English and minoring in criminal justice and communication studies. Collins plans to attend law school after graduation to pursue a career in the innocence project.
Originally from Hotchkiss, Colo., Collins moved only a short hour away to get her degree.
“People were, I wouldn’t say disappointed, but they were just surprised that I chose CMU. They were expecting me to go further or to a bigger school. But CMU overall actually offers great financial aid and that’s why I chose it here. I’m really glad I did because I found my Mav-ily,” Collins said.
After committing to CMU, Collins started to attend in 2018 where she met a lot of people who helped her get to where she is today.
“I was planning on going to Colorado State University (CSU) and I think that that campus is so huge. I wouldn’t have had the connections and relationships I’ve made here at a big school like that,” Collins said.
As a freshman, she started to get involved in campus clubs including Residence Hall Council (RHC) and the conduct board. From there she joined Associated Student Government, working her way up to earn the title of Director of External for Student Life.
“I basically put on all the events for the student government. I was in charge of tailgates last semester… and it’s really setting up events. And if there’s one thing I’ve grown a new appreciation for, it’s event planners,” said Collins.
Collins was also in charge of the planning for the MAV Awards, from the flowers to food. She had some help from her committee and Elissa Doodle, who did all the branding, the winners’ slideshow, and the award ordering.
“I helped plan everything except for the awards because they were trying to keep it a secret from me that I won,” said Collins.
She plans to be the head of CAB’s event planning committee next year, along with an RA of Bunting Hall, hoping to help out her last set of freshmen before graduating.
“Some advice from somebody who’s super involved, I would say get involved, find your community, join groups or try something new. Not every club is going to stick with you but at least go out and go to a couple of meetings… Getting out of your room and doing things such as going to as many sporting events as you can or just events in general, because looking back when you graduate, you’re gonna remember things you did.”
