UCCS News will be highlighting a series of campus wins, accomplishments and accolades. Please explore the list below to check out what other teams are up to, and help celebrate their good work!
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College of Public Service
In a follow-up to the submission for the week of September 23, we introduce you to three of the five new faculty who joined the College of Public Service this fall.
Alex Ochs, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work
Dr. Alex Ochs (he/him) is a licensed clinical social worker with more than a decade of direct practice experience in pediatric and adult HIV health and mental health care settings and private practice. His clinical experience includes providing psychotherapy and integrated behavioral health care to individuals with chronic illness and disabilities, trauma, and mental health challenges.
Broadly, Dr. Ochs’s research examines health disparities and equity among LGBTQ+ individuals and vulnerable youth populations. More specifically, his work focuses on HIV and STI prevention among youth experiencing homelessness and explores how their social networks, including family, peers, intimate partners, and service providers shape access to sexual health care. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, he studies the social and structural factors that impact health decisions and outcomes. His work ultimately aims to guide the development of policies and programs that remove barriers to care and strengthen sexual health equity for marginalized youth.
Andrew Rivera, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work
Andrew Rivera completed his Master of Social Work at Texas State University in 2013, then worked in community non-profit and hospital settings, serving as a Field Instructor for various BSW and MSW programs. In 2020, he joined the Department of Social Work and Sociology at Angelo State University as a Clinical Instructor and later as BSW Field Director.
Andy’s areas of Interest include medical social work, geriatric social work, group work, suicide prevention, and social policy.
Marcelo Ferreira, Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Administration
Prior to joining UCCS, Dr. Ferreira served as an emergency management practitioner for local government, nonprofit, and critical infrastructure for over 15 years. An interest in the professionalization of emergency management and a passion for teaching others about the complexities of coping with the impacts of disasters led Marcelo to pursue a career in academia. Marcelo Ferreira holds a Ph.D. in Emergency Management from North Dakota State University, Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from Arizona State University, Certificate in Collaborative Leadership in Homeland Security from University of Connecticut, and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of Delaware. He also holds several professional credentials. In 2024, Dr. Ferreira was recognized with the “Top 40 Under 40 Award” by the International Association of Emergency Managers.
Marcelo’s Areas of Interest include emergency management & homeland security, emergency management strategy and organization in public administration, emergency management program standards, and international emergency management & disaster risk reduction.
Exciting News from the Orientation Department
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new reservation system within Slate—a significant step forward in creating a more seamless and efficient onboarding experience for new students. This enhanced system brings improved functionality, greater data accuracy, and expanded opportunities for collaboration across departments.
Previously, the reservation process relied on multiple systems, manual workflows, and extensive interdepartmental coordination. The new integrated approach streamlines these efforts, saving time and reducing complexity.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners in Academic Advising, Admissions, and the Slate implementation team. Your support, guidance, and enthusiasm were instrumental in bringing this vision to life!
UCCS Farmers Market & Fall Festival Wrap-Up
What a fantastic way to close out the season! Our final UCCS Farmers Market and Fall Festival brought together over 350 students, staff, and community members for an afternoon full of fall fun, community spirit, and sustainability.
The UCCS Student Government Association (SGA) and campus clubs and organizations hosted a spirited Trunk or Treat, while the Family Development Center (FDC) brought autumn magic with fall games and a pumpkin patch that delighted guests of all ages.
The Dunk Tank was a splash hit, thank you to our brave volunteers:
- Season Doebler, Director of the Family Development Center
- Alex Baker, Assistant Dean of Students
- Aidan Burke, Student Government President
- Isabella Polombo, Student Government Vice President
We also want to recognize our student volunteers who made this event possible; your hard work and enthusiasm brought our campus community together in the best way.
Thank you to our vendors, campus partners, and attendees for making this celebration such a success. Together, we wrapped up the market season with laughter, connection, and a shared commitment to sustainability.
Here’s to another incredible year at the UCCS Farm, where we grow more than food; we grow community.