Plaza Building, Health Center closed due to a water main break.

Student in front of MSU Denver sign

Ashley Hernandez

Ashley is a current Roadrunner senior, studying Criminal Justice and Criminology with a minor in Trauma Studies. An aspiring prosecutor, Ashley has grown to love the criminal justice system and recognizes the hands-on learning environment provided at MSU Denver as a key contributor to her success. She is the first in her family to attend college and hopes to pave the way for her sisters and instill in them that higher education is possible.

Meet Ashley

Graduation hat toss picture.

The Roadrunner Promise

Promise of free tuition aims to eliminate financial barriers to college

In 2022, MSU Denver expanded a program called the Roadrunner Promise, which makes college more accessible for hundreds of additional first-time students. Nearly 5,000 MSU Denver students, roughly 30% of the University’s undergraduate population, do not pay for tuition and fees, and that number is about to grow.

Roadrunner Shoutout Award

April 2023 | Student Shoutout Winner

Ashley Vanessa Hernandez, front-desk worker in University Advancement

Nominated by: Amy Reichardt, office manager and student supervisor in University Advancement, who wrote: 

“Ashley started in University Advancement as a student worker in the Call Center. She was then hired at the front desk and has graciously and effectively welcomed visitors and guests, supported staff members and been a part of the gift-processing protocol. Her smiling face and friendly nature have made a real difference in the office.
   
“More importantly, this spring, Ashley has taken it to the next level. She has shared her MSU Denver student story with the MSU Foundation’s Steering Committee, with the Board of Trustees, and has even testified in front of the Colorado General Assembly’s Joint Budget Committee and Education Committee. By stepping up and sharing her story with Colorado leaders and policymakers, Ashley is making sure they know that MSU Denver students are real changemakers and are deserving of funding and support.
   
“We are thankful for Ashley’s powerful testimonials, and we are also thankful that she is just a great person. She definitely deserves a Roadrunner Shoutout.”