Colorado Talent Pipeline

By Lynne Winter ’17

Whether guiding fellow MSU Denver students through formulas in Principles of Chemistry or dissecting bodies in the Advanced Human Cadaver Anatomy lab, Elena Herrera has found, and given, tremendous value as a teaching assistant.

“I love being a TA,” said the Biology major and first-generation college student.

The Teaching Assistant Program has offered students opportunities to gain hands-on teaching experience, providing academic help to nearly 19,000 students since its launch in 2020.

A $30,000 gift from Christy and Ferd Belz that boosted the Roadrunners Rise campaign beyond its $100 million goal will also allow the TA program to reach more students at critical points.

Herrera knows TAs make a meaningful difference, with students often being more comfortable asking for support from a peer than a professor. The benefits for Herrera include building communication and teamwork skills, preparing her for a future in medicine caring for others.

“Everything I’ve learned during my time at MSU Denver has prepared me to do just that.”