Who We Are
Build a future—right where you are.
Emergent Campus is an award-winning business campus that’s building the future of the rural workforce—laying the foundation for thriving economies, connected communities, and lasting opportunity. It fosters sustainable, rural prosperity by providing support and incubation space for sector workers, remote tech workers, startups, entrepreneurs, and established businesses alike.
Founded with a deep commitment to revitalizing rural Colorado, Emergent Campus is more than just a physical space; it’s deeply rooted in the communities it serves. With vibrant campuses in Florence and Trinidad, Emergent Campus catalyzes local opportunity in Southern Colorado.
From launching local events like Tech Night Out to supporting regional talent pipelines, Emergent Campus is deeply invested in helping the places people call home thrive.
Colorado Locations
Jobs Created
Awards Won
Emergent Campus is building the future of rural workforce development by cultivating a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs, students, businesses, and organizations connect, grow, and lead. We expand tech jobs to rural areas, support remote and hybrid professionals, and recruit companies to invest in rural talent. Through workforce development, hands-on experiences, and strategic partnerships, we empower communities to thrive—right where they are.
To unlock the potential of rural communities by igniting opportunity, fostering innovation, and building thriving hubs for business, technology, and talent—demonstrating to Southern Colorado what’s possible when local collaboration fuels long-term economic growth
Our Staff
Brad Rowland
Partner and General Manager
About Brad Rowland
Brad began volunteering in 2016 to support rural Colorado workforce development through Fremont Economic Development Corp. In 2018, this became the South Central Tech Sector Partnership. He co-founded Emergent Campus in a historic Florence High School, fostering business incubation, earning awards, and creating hundreds of tech-focused jobs in the region.
Christine Louden
Executive Director, Emergent Campus Trinidad
About Christine Louden
Christine Louden, Executive Director at Emergent Campus Trinidad, leverages her rural agricultural roots and global entrepreneurial experience. A fourth-generation Colorado rancher, she actively engages in community boards and organizations, emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation and opportunities for local youth and businesses.
Makenzie Ford
Program Manager
About Makenzie Ford
Makenzie, a Fremont County native, serves as Program Manager at Emergent Campus, where she oversees daily operations, social media, and workforce development initiatives. She works closely with Startup Colorado, South Central Tech Sector Partnership, FEDC Techstart, local schools, and the growing Emergent Campus project in Trinidad, driving innovation and community engagement.
Dr. Rhonda Epper
President of Trinidad State College
About Dr. Rhonda Epper
Rhonda M. Epper, Ph.D., President of Trinidad State College, has extensive higher education experience, including roles at the Community College of Denver and Colorado Department of Higher Education. She serves on multiple boards and has been instrumental in Emergent Campus’s expansion to Trinidad, strengthening partnerships and community development.
Dr. Landon Mascareñez
Consultant
About Dr. Landon Mascareñez
Dr. Landon Mascareñaz, a leader in rural economic development and education redesign, supports the South Central Tech Partnership in business recruitment and regional growth. A co-founder of the Open System Institute and chair of Colorado’s Community College Board, he champions innovation and collaboration to advance Emergent Campus and workforce development.
Diana Armstrong
Fremont Economic Development Corporation
About Diana Armstrong
Diana Armstrong convenes the South Central Sector Partnerships, supporting tech, health, and education across four rural Colorado counties. She works with Fremont Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) on initiatives driving job creation and startups, securing over $15 million in grants. An entrepreneur, she owns Business with a Smile and co-owns Westward Machine and Tool.
Serving 2 Colorado locations
Learn About the
Florence Campus
Learn about the
Trinidad Campus
OUR REGIONAL PARTNERS
