Fort Lewis College focuses on helping students succeed in their educational and professional careers, as well as building FLC into a positive economic and social force in the Four Corners region. At FLC, students earn degrees relevant to current labor markets and study under faculty and staff dedicated to local partnerships and active learning.
Our mission at FLC is to put students at the center of all we do, and create inclusive, experiential learning environments that foster innovation, growth, and community engagement. Central to our mission is our distinct commitment to provide educational opportunities and pathways for Native American students.
We are the most affordable four-year college in Colorado and are committed to providing access to higher education for working families, Dreamers, students of color, and first-generation students. We have created the FLC Tuition Promise to ensure that Colorado students whose families make less than $70,000 attend FLC tuition-free.
We have more than 55 degree options from three schools: the School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business Administration, and School of Education. Students are able to explore their passions in new ways and discover how to leverage their undergraduate education into a lifetime of opportunities. Our faculty are dedicated to their success and providing them with a full experiential education. Faculty connect students with field schools, internships with local businesses, and student organizations so students can apply their studies to real-world situations and hone in on what career is right for them.
This year, we're embarking on an exciting journey to redefine our impact and shape our future through a new strategic planning process. We are engaging the entire Fort Lewis College community in creating an inclusive, well-informed, comprehensive strategic plan to help us navigate the evolving landscape of higher education, focusing on opportunities for growth, inclusivity, and excellence.
This initiative is a collective endeavor led by our Strategic Plan Steering Committee, President, Vice Presidents, and Board of Trustees. It aims to capture the diverse voices of our community and position us for success in 2025 and beyond. Learn more about our strategic planning process and how to get involved.
Steve Schwartz has been a pillar of Fort Lewis College since 1997, bringing a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to his roles. Throughout his tenure, he has served in several key positions, including Vice President for Finance & Administration, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Institutional Research, and Director of Budgets.
As Vice President for Finance & Administration, Schwartz has played a crucial role in shaping the college's financial and operational landscape. He has been instrumental in executing the college's state legislative strategy, leading capital construction projects across the campus, and managing financial operations and budgets.
Prior to his impactful career at Fort Lewis College, Schwartz honed his skills as a business analyst for a division of Ashland Inc. in Lexington, KY. At Ashland, a market leader in highway construction, chemical and thermoplastic distribution, specialty chemicals, motor oil, and car care products. Schwartz was their financial analyst and facilitated strategic and annual planning efforts for the company's retail gasoline subsidiary.
Schwartz's journey is a testament to resilience and lifelong learning. A first-generation college student and proud alumnus of Fort Lewis College, he graduated as a non-traditional student at 33, earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1992. Schwartz then pursued and completed his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Kentucky.
Before his academic achievements, Schwartz worked as a journeyman tool and die maker in the Chicago metro area, a background that enriched his practical understanding of business and operations.