Meet Our Farmers

Kelley Jennings, Greenhouse and Garden Manager: I am originally from Texas where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from Texas A&M University. I've lived, gardened professionally and raised children in Colorado Springs since 1997. I am hoping to be able to utilize my knowledge and experience of the natural world, garden creation and experimentation to create an organic garden here at UCCS that is at once useful and profitable, diverse and alive, sustainable and lovely, and of course provides for new educational experiences for students and is a valuable resource for educators.

I am a senior Filmmaking and Media Arts major, graduating Fall 2017. I spent several years after high school working at a local tree nursery, which led to me learning about the UCCS Farm and Greenhouse. I started volunteering here because it was a place where I could unwind, and I really appreciate learning about the planning processes for farming and watching things grow.

My name is Sam Ruhala and, because of the UCCS Farm, I'm pursuing sustainable agriculture as a profession. Due to graduate in 2019 with a degree in Geography and Environmental Studies, I have several more years of farming at the Greenhouse and plan on learning as much as possible within that time.

I am a Manitou Springs Native, though I went to school in Berea, KY, for my undergraduate degree in Psychology. Gardening has always been a hobby of mine and while in KY, I developed a passion for herbal medicine and began growing many of the plants that I use salves and remedies. I worked in community resource development before I returned to CO in late 2012 and chose to continue my education. I love working at the UCCS Farm and being part of bringing healthy, organic food to the campus. I have completed a certificate in Disaster Public Health Management and currently pursuing my MPA. I hope to complete a doctorate in Trauma Psychology sometime in the near future and work with those who are suffering long-term effects of trauma from disasters, conflict, and the like.