During the 2022-23 academic year, we are highlighting one Colorado State University student or alum from each of Colorado’s 64 counties. The Centennial State’s land grant university has a connection to the diverse lands and people from the counties of Moffat to Baca, Montezuma to Sedgwick and everywhere in between.

Barbra Macias

Major: Animal Science and Agriculture Business (2013 graduate)

Why did you choose CSU: I chose CSU because it is our family’s alma mater. Starting with my grandparents who attended CSU when it was still the Colorado State College of Agriculture. Also Brett Kaysen was a strong recruiter, who knew I was excited to join the judging teams (wool, meat, livestock). Growing up showing livestock in Colorado, it was just the obvious next step.

Favorite thing about CSU: My favorite thing about CSU is the student pride! In the Animal Science department we were all proud to be CSU Rams, and it felt like family.

Clubs/organizations in college: Livestock judging, meat judging, wool judging, Meat Science Quiz Bowl team, Academic Quadrathlon, CSU Block and Bridle, Collegiate Cattlewomen, Stewards of Animal Sciences

Scholarships/awards in college: Scholarships from Bernard and Joan Henry, National Western, Colorado Farm Bureau, McPherson Undergrad, Block and Bridle Livestock; Outstanding Animal Science Senior Candidate and Outstanding Animal Science Freshman awards

Favorite achievement: I have two favorite achievements, one from high school where I was the ninth person to make the Livestock Auction at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, with two species in the same year. While in college I was able to obtain the High Individual at both the NWSS and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in wool judging.

Career goals: To make a difference, for our generation and the next.

Quirky fact(s): After graduating college I moved home and joined the local roller derby team. I was never into sports but this was my jam!

Favorite instructor(s)/class: To be honest, I loved most of my animal science classes but if I had to pick just one I’d say Livestock Nutrition – Shawn Archibeque, Ph.D. – This class never disappointed, and he was such a fun professor.

I’d like to thank: Brett Kaysen, Dr. Devin Pond, Travis Hoffman, Shane Bedwell – these are the professors/advisors/coaches that helped me achieve the best college experience and pushed me to be the best version of myself.

Favorite NOCO food and hangouts: Our group of friends had a place to hang every night of the week, two of my favorite hangout places would have been Lucky Joes and Sundance Saloon.

Favorite CSU tradition: Football games

What do you tell people from Saguache County about CSU: I love to tell people about CSU – from the amazingly beautiful campus to the awesome unique town. One thing you can’t find anywhere else is the small-town feel, and all the students with similar interests!

What should people know about Saguache County: Saguache County is a huge county, with very few people.

Biggest adversity you’ve overcome at CSU: Coming from a small town with a graduating class of 24, I’d have to say the biggest adversity I overcame at CSU was getting used to large classes, tons of people, and I hate to admit it, but not always being the best at everything I did. However, that only made me work harder and appreciate my accolades and accomplishments that much more.

Role/influence of CSU Extension in Saguache County: I’m the 4th generation to grow up in Saguache County. My family has farmed in Saguache County for decades, growing mostly potatoes and grain, and raising cattle, sheep and pigs. After attending CSU I returned home to help with the family farm. I am currently employed by CSU Extension as the Saguache County coordinator.