Carrie Besnette Hauser Outdoors for Everyone Endowment

Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser served as president and chief executive officer of Colorado Mountain College from 2013-2024. During Carrie’s tenure, the longest of any president in CMC history, the college celebrated significant transformation and achievements, including being designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution and Colorado’s only Dual Mission institution, closing equity gaps and reaching historic graduation rates, and investing over $100 million in facilities and affordable housing in CMC’s high-cost region.
In addition to her professional leadership, Carrie is an avid mountain climber and a former Grand Canyon River guide. Her list of summits includes Colorado’s 58 highest peaks (14ers), Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Rainier, and the Mount Everest Basecamp. While serving as CMC’s president, Carrie also represented western Colorado and rural communities as a community volunteer. She served on the boards of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and American Rivers, and two terms on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
The Endowment is designed to be flexible and nimble. The proceeds can be applied toward a traditional scholarship and/or gear stipend for students enrolled in any of CMC’s Outdoor Industry related programs or the costs associated with CMC Study Abroad trips requiring outdoor gear for participation. This scholarship was created to honor for Carrie’s love of the outdoors and her commitment to accessibility.