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Coffelt earns her music education degree from Adams State

ALAMOSA, CO. (June 15, 2023) – Tessa Coffelt, from Albuquerque, N.M., graduated from Adams State University, Alamosa, Colo., during the Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony on May 13, 2023. Cisneros earned a Bachelor of Arts in music education. Adams State awarded 265 degrees.

“My mother is also a teacher, getting a degree in music education means a lot to me because I have grown up around education and am excited to be an amazing educator just like her.”

Coffelt appreciates all the opportunities at Adams State. She was the audio-visual technician work-study within the music department, and worked in the Adams State Richmond Recording Studio as well as recording and streaming student recitals and concerts for the last three years. “An opportunity that I likely would not have had at any other institution.”

Coffelt was part of the German-US Partnership research exchange through the education department. Throughout her academics, she was an active member in the Adams State Music Educators Society (ASMES) part of the National Association of Music Educators. Coffelt was also an Associated Students and Faculty (AS&F) representative, and served as vice-president, and president of the organization. She also worked with the Admissions Office at the front desk in Richardson Hall. Along with these work-study jobs and extracurricular opportunities, she delivered Domino’s Pizza.

Coffelt received the Don Richmond and the Gary Gaston Scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year. She plans returning to Albuquerque and becoming an elementary or middle school music teacher.

She was not a very good student in high school and finished online. “It took me about a year to get into the swing of things and actually be in a place where I could succeed. It then took me another year to become a great student.”

Making connections through Adams State expanded her possibilities outside of school, including running sound for bands. Coffelt also gave private lessons and adjudicated a solo and ensemble festival.

“The five years I spent at Adams State were truly incredible. The list of accomplishments, achievements, and positions held feels endless and it is all thanks to the wonderful professors, friends, and family that have been here for me along the way.”

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Tessa Coffelt earned her bachelor’s degree from Adams State University.