Haleigh Hanifen

My biggest commitment at WSCU currently is being Student Government Association President. I am also a Western Ambassador, a member of the Women’s Rugby Team,  an Academic Leadership Program Scholar, and involved within the Multi-Cultural Center. I’m also currently working at the admissions desk in Taylor.


WSCU is the right school for me because everything about the WSCU community makes me feel right at home. The students, the faculty, and the Gunnison community members are all so welcoming and incredibly friendly. Western has always been a place where I feel like I can make a positive difference, and the opportunities I have been provided are beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I’ve been given the chance to meet and network with some incredible people that I don’t believe I would have been able to had I gone to a larger university. At WSCU, I’m not just a number — I feel like a vital part of the campus.


My favorite professor is Dr. Scott Newman, who has driven my passion for the accounting profession. He is incredibly enthusiastic about his courses and has managed to make a subject that so many find dry and boring into something that I want to make my career. He engages all his students, and even writes his own textbooks to use in class! The entire Accounting faculty is great, but Scott has truly made such a difference in my education and I am incredibly grateful.


My favorite thing to do in Gunnison in the winter, is I love to snowboard. All other times of year, I like to be outside enjoying the Gunnison sun. Going down to the river is always a great place to study or just relax with friends.


One thing I've learned about myself since coming to Western is that I actually love the cold weather! My hoodie and boot collection has increased dramatically and I’m praying for a big snowfall this season, I’m ready to snowboard again!

One WSCU experience I will always remember is getting recruited by the women’s rugby team…I was cornered in the fitness center as I was trying to fill up my water bottle! Those girls have been some of the greatest friends and rugby has been a fun new sport for me to try.


When I graduate I intend to hopefully get a job in the public accounting industry and obtain my CPA license.