COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – University of Colorado Colorado Springs Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Director of the Mountain Lion Strong Program Dr. Jess Kirby was recognized by the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference after being a finalist for the 2024 NCAA Dr. Dave Pariser Faculty Mentor award. Dr. Kirby received her certificate at last week's 2025 RMAC Hall of Fame and Awards ceremony.
"I am incredibly honored to receive this award," said Dr. Kirby. "As the Director of Mountain Lion Strong, I have the unique privilege of supporting and mentoring the student-athletes at UCCS in building mental wellness and resilience for longevity and enjoyment in their collegiate careers. I am so proud of the entire Mountain Lion Strong team for being leaders in elevating and normalizing mental health in sport. This recognition is only possible because of the extraordinary student-athlete peer leaders who work hard every semester to create a culture and community that values and elevates the mental well-being of every UCCS athlete."
The Dr. Dave Pariser Faculty Mentor Award is named after a Bellarmine physical therapy professor who died in 2013 and recognizes faculty members at Division II schools for their dedication to supporting and mentoring student-athletes, as well as their commitment to Division II student-athletes' lifelong learning, competition and well-being.
"Dr. Kirby is the epitome of an involved and supportive faculty mentor, and is beyond deserving of her recognition as a finalist for the Dr. Dave Pariser Faculty Mentor Award," commented Audrey Bloomquist, RMAC Director of Championships and Marketing and former member of the Mountain Lion Strong program. "Her passion for student-athlete well-being is contagious, and her work continues to set the standard for mental health support across not only the RMAC, but Division II. Dr. Kirby's efforts in helping student-athletes find their 'life in the balance' will continue to make a lasting impact on collegiate athletics for years to come. Thank you, Dr. Kirby!"
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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs competes in 14 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
