From left, Dr. Patricia Trujillo, Stephanie Montoya and Dr. Trujillo at the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast and Stephanie Montoya. Courtesy/NNMC
NNMC News:
ESPAÑOLA — Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) has announced that Dr. Patricia Trujillo, director of Equity & Diversity and Stephanie Montoya, staff reporter and public relations specialist, are leaving NNMC to join the staff of the New Mexico Department of Higher Education.
Dr. Trujillo has been appointed by Gov. Michelle Luján Grisham as deputy secretary of Higher Education. She has been with NNMC for more than 10 years and has contributed greatly to the campus in her role as the founding director of the Office of Equity and Diversity and as a faculty member in the Department of Languages and Letters.
Among Dr. Trujillo’s many accomplishments are bringing college and community partners together for such events as the ¡Sostenga! Garlic Harvest festivals, the Historias de Nuevomexico conferences, and this year’s Dr. King Legacy Breakfast. She was diligent to her charge of bringing awareness to equity, inclusion and belonging to NNMC. Trujillo was a leader on campus who directed policy, climate, and curriculum initiatives. She was a tireless advocate for the ¡Sostenga! Farm, and a thought leader throughout our community.
When asked for a comment, she shared, “I love Northern and my heart is always with the Española Valley. I am excited for this opportunity and take with me the lessons and the support I developed in our beloved community.”
Montoya has been appointed the Public Information Officer for HED. She first joined Northern in 2013 through 2015 and then returned in 2019 after working at GEAR UP, a college readiness program based out of the NM HED and earning her M.A. in Communication & Leadership at Gonzaga University. Montoya made lasting contributions to Northern’s Communications & Marketing team, including the successful Mill Levy Campaign for trades education, as host of Live@Northern on KDCE, and writer of feature stories and press releases celebrating student success and the mission of the College.
“The experiences and support I have had in my time at Northern have really helped me to grow my capacity as a professional, and increased my dedication to raising awareness about the power of education to New Mexico’s communities,” Montoya said. “I greatly miss Northern, but am excited to lead communications around higher education on a statewide level.”
Dr. Trujillo and Montoya will bring their creativity, innovation and determination to NM HED where they will work with HED Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez and Gov. Luján Grisham to keep initiatives in higher education moving forward.
“When you have a team of superstars shining brightly, with everyone working toward a common purpose, it is not uncommon for opportunities to appear,” NNMC President Bailey said. “While the departure of Dr. Trujillo and Ms. Montoya is certainly bittersweet, we must also celebrate and be grateful for their amazing service to our students and our institution, and support them in their new roles. They are flying like Eagles, and we are incredibly proud.”