Civil Engineer Alumna Crowned Miss Rodeo Colorado
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Colorado State University alumna and civil engineering graduate Amy Jo Fields is the 2007 Miss Rodeo Colorado, the 52nd First Lady of Professional Rodeo for the state. Inaugurated as Miss Rodeo Colorado at a coronation celebration at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Fields was welcomed into America's rich rodeo history last spring.
Since the Civil War era, rodeos have been a unique aspect of America's western heritage. Although women have been active on the ranch and in rodeo life since the 1800s, in the last 50 years pageants have grown into national scholarship programs. Today, cowgirls compete annually to promote a love of horses, rodeo and the western way of life. As Miss Rodeo, Colorado Fields will serve as the official spokesperson and good will ambassador for the state of Colorado and the sport of professional rodeo.
In addition to individual state competitions, Fields will also have the opportunity to compete nationally at the Miss Rodeo America pageant this December in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here contestants participate in everything from appearance and horsemanship to speech and interview competitions.
"I will prepare for the contest much like I would an engineering exam," said Fields of the December competition. "Study, practice, study, practice."
A native of Colorado, Fields first developed a love of rodeo, ranching and western heritage while helping operate a family cow/calf operation in Falcon. Prior to Miss Rodeo Colorado she has served as the 2005 Girl of the West and 2003 El Paso County Fair and Rodeo Queen. Today, in addition to her duties as Miss Rodeo Colorado, Fields works in rodeo administration for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, planning special events and contestant correspondence. She also finds time to manage a small cattle herd of her own.
Although a top competitor with success in and out of the arena, Fields' career has not been without its challenges. Having suffered a serious head injury her senior year of high school, Fields' accomplishments in rodeo and engineering attest to her determined and persevering nature. Prior to entering the civil engineering program at Colorado State, Fields was faced with a severe concussion and neurological issues. Overcoming these obstacles and the demands of the curriculum has been one of her greatest accomplishments.
"My journey at CSU was long and often full of struggles, yet I would not trade any of it for the world," says Fields. "I grew up at CSU and achieved things I never thought were possible. The elite civil engineering faculty enabled me to reach my full potential and realize that all things are at my fingertips if I choose to accept the challenge."
While at Colorado State, Fields worked at the Center for Contaminant Hydrology researching groundwater remediation techniques, and served as member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). After completing her royal duties, Fields' future engineering plans include work with local land development firms promoting "smart growth" mentalities, and a possible master's degree in environmental engineering.
"To say I graduated from one of the top civil engineering programs in the country is amazing and an accomplishment no one can ever take away," said Fields. "It built in me the personal understanding that I can accomplish anything if I want it bad enough and am willing to work hard enough for it."