Joey Andenucio, A17, is a teacher, a proud Puebloan, and a small business owner who is passionate about education, community, and creating meaningful experiences for others. As a graduate of the CSU Pueblo School of Education, Joey has carried the lessons, relationships, and experiences from his time as a ThunderWolf into every aspect of his professional and personal journey.
For Joey, earning his Master’s degree was more than an academic achievement. It was an experience that strengthened family bonds, shaped his approach to teaching, and reinforced his commitment to creating positive experiences for students.
One of Joey’s most memorable moments at CSU Pueblo was completing his master’s degree alongside his sister. Growing up, the two siblings were at different stages of life and never had the opportunity to share a classroom experience. Graduate school changed that.
“Completing our masters together brought us closer together and challenged us to try to do better than the other one,” Joey shared.
Together, they researched and completed their thesis focused on work environments and their impact on staff and student performance. The findings from that research continue to influence Joey’s work as an educator today, shaping how he approaches his classroom and advocates for positive student experiences.
Joey entered the teaching profession later in life, and his Master of Education experience at CSU Pueblo provided him with the foundation and support he needed as he began his career.
“The Masters in Education that I received at CSU Pueblo has helped me on my journey as an educator,” Joey said. “Working on my master’s in my first year teaching helped me learn a foundation of best practices in the classroom. It also helped me create a network of very knowledgeable teachers and professionals in the field.”
Today, Joey serves as a fifth grade reading teacher at Columbian Elementary School, where he continues to inspire students through education, mentorship, and advocacy.
Beyond the classroom, Joey is committed to strengthening the Pueblo community through his involvement with the arts. As Vice President of Broadway Theatre League-Pueblo, he helped launch an initiative to raise funds to bring local high school students to Broadway performances. The program has grown significantly and reflects Joey’s belief that the arts provide students with opportunities to explore emotions, perspectives, and important conversations.
“The arts show us so many different human emotions and perspectives. It begins conversations,” Joey said.
Joey also stays connected to his community as a small business owner, co-owning Thrifty Gents Floral and Events with his husband, Casey. Through his professional work, community involvement, and continued relationships with fellow alumni and CSU Pueblo faculty, Joey remains connected to the ThunderWolf community.
“The classmates that I had have remained professional colleagues. The professors are still a source for questions and inspiration,” Joey shared. “The connections from my time at CSU Pueblo have stayed with me on my professional and personal journey of making Pueblo my home and professional community.”
For current students and recent graduates, Joey encourages them to embrace every opportunity to build relationships and get involved.
“Make connections. Get involved in the community. Remember that nothing is set in stone. Have fun.”
Joey’s story is a reminder that a CSU Pueblo education extends far beyond the classroom. Through teaching, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and service to his community, he continues to embody the ThunderWolf spirit and make a lasting impact in Pueblo and beyond.
