Since 1962, Dr. Vandenbusche has taught and coached in Gunnison and has presented countless public talks. He has authored 11 books and taught the history of the U.S. West with a focus on water, public lands, skiing, and the environment. His book, "A Land Alone: Colorado’s Western Slope," has been the standard text of the region since its publication in 1981. He was a State Historian’s Council member and served as the State Historian for the 2020–21 term.

Video Premiere  July 2020

Katie LaSalle talks to Dr. Duane Vandenbusche, who will take over as Colorado's State Historian on Saturday, August 1 2020 -- Colorado Day!  Denver7 is teaming with the History Colorado Center to once again celebrate Colorado's big day.  You can learn more at HistoryColorado.org/Colorado-Day   Click on the link at the left to see the interview with Dr. Vandenbusche

Article July 29, 2020

Duane is remembered by his former student, Mark Walker in the Crested Butte News:. "I’m one of more than 2,200 students who have been taught or coached by Dr. Duane Vandenbusche at Western Colorado University over the last 58 years. He will be the first state historian representing the Western Slope in the 96-year history of the position, and when I learned he would be Colorado’s official state historian on August 1, I thought it a good time to reread my favorite of his 11 publications, The Gunnison Country, review it and publish the review on August 1 in his honor. "  Click on the link to the left to see the newspaper acticle. 

Video Premiere April 2018

Hollywood Comes to Western State University! The World Premiere & Gala Dinner on April 28, 2018 was held in Gunnison. The documentary "Breaking the Mold", starring our favorite professors (and WSCU icons) Dr. Bruce Bartleson and Dr. Duane Vandenbusche.  It was aired on Rocky Mountain PBS later in 2018.  Click on the link at the left to see the documentary honoring Duane and Bruce.