Rebecca K. ‘Becky’ Rowley, Ph.D.
SFCC President

SFCC News:

SANTA FE — Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) announces SFCC President Becky Rowley, Ph.D., will keynote two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16, in the William C. Witter Fitness Education Center at 6401 Richards Ave. The 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. ceremonies will honor students by their schools of study.

“SFCC is pleased to provide everyone with a more comfortable and meaningful experience with the updated format,” President Rowley said. “We’re proud of our students and excited to recognize this significant accomplishment in their educational journey. We look forward to celebrating them and their achievements alongside their families, friends, and the entire campus community.”

President Rowley, who has led SFCC since 2019, was selected as keynote speaker for her longstanding commitment to student success. She has strengthened partnerships with local businesses and community organizations to better align education with workforce needs, while expanding opportunities such as apprenticeships and internships that connect students to careers after graduation. She has also served in a leadership role with the New Mexico Independent Community Colleges consortium and has been actively involved in statewide initiatives like the Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services (CHESS), helping advance collaboration across New Mexico’s colleges. On campus, she has championed family-friendly spaces and expanded support for parenting students, among many other initiatives since the start of her tenure.

The ceremony will honor 635 graduates who completed in fall 2025 or will complete this spring semester or summer term. This represents a 16 percent increase in the number of graduates over the same period last year. The event will be shown live at https://www.sfcc.edu/graduation-commencement/.

At commencement, the college will honor first-generation graduates – the first in their families to complete a college credential – by having them wear special first-generation honor cords. SFCC is proud that 78 percent of this year’s graduates are first-generation students. The college recognizes they are now role models for their families and community members who are looking to them as trailblazers to a new life.

Rebecca K. “Becky” Rowley, Ph.D., has served as president of Santa Fe Community College since 2019 and brings more than 30 years of higher education leadership experience. She has focused on student success by strengthening partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, aligning programs with workforce needs, and expanding apprenticeships and internships that connect students to careers after graduation.

President Rowley has held leadership roles with the New Mexico Independent Community Colleges and has been actively involved in statewide initiatives such as the Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services (CHESS). On campus, she has championed family-friendly spaces, support for parenting students, and wraparound services that help all students navigate academic, financial, and personal challenges.

Dr. Rowley holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of New Mexico and is an avid runner who has completed 26 marathons, including eight Boston Marathons.

Commencement schedule

The graduates will participate in ceremonies related to their schools of study.

• 9 a.m. ceremony
  • School of Sciences, Health, Engineering and Math
  • School of Fitness Education
• 1 p.m. ceremony
  • School of Business, Professional Studies and Education
  • School of Trades, Advanced Technologies and Sustainability
  • School of Liberal Arts
  • School of Art and Design

The two ceremonies will feature two different Student Speakers.

Diana Aguirre – Student Speaker, 9 a.m. ceremony (AAS, Medical Assisting)

Diana Aguirre, 20, began her studies at the University of New Mexico, but paying for a dorm room was financially challenging. The first-generation student returned to Santa Fe and began attending SFCC while working at El Parasol Restaurant. Uncertain where to start her studies, her advisor suggested the Medical Assisting program.

“I’ve really loved my clinicals. I enjoyed interacting with patients and providers,” she said. She’s used her bilingual English and Spanish skills in her hands-on clinical experiences at the Presbyterian Medical Services (PMS) Wellness Center and at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center’s pediatric department. She plans to continue studying health care in preparation to apply to the Nursing program.

Aguirre is grateful for her family’s support. She also appreciates the encouragement from her teachers, too. “What really helped me the most was how tight I got with my classmates,” she said. “We ate together, we studied together and we held each other accountable.”

Renee Jo Platero – Student Speaker, 1 p.m. ceremony (Certificate, Early Childhood Education)

Renee Jo Platero, 58, a Diné single mother of three and grandmother of five, earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Multicultural Education from New Mexico Highlands University. She teaches third grade in Bloomfield and enrolled in SFCC’s Alternative Licensure program to gain certification in early childhood education.

Studying online allowed her to balance coursework with her long commute from her home in Nageezi on the Navajo Reservation. Her dedication to students, along with support from the program, lifted her spirits after losing both her mother and brother. “This program really has helped me even in my teaching job. I like the emphasis on emotional and social learning, as well as literacy.” 

In her spare time, Platero listens to hard rock, watches Denver Broncos and New York Knicks games, enjoys the outdoors and attends her grandchildren’s sport events. “My family calls me ‘the nerd’ because I love learning,” she said. “I also love teaching, since I want to inspire young people.”

SFCC Graduation Fast Facts

Please note: This data is derived from those students who graduated either in the 2025 Fall semester or applied to graduate after the 2026 Spring semester or summer term. Data is from May 7, 2026.

635 SFCC graduates are eligible to receive 814 awards. Approximately 94 students will receive more than one award. Of those awards: 557 are for certificates and 257 are for associate degrees.

• Significant to note: Total awards are up 27 percent from 2025.
  Distinct number of graduates is up 16 percent from 2025.
• 78 percent (467) are first-generation students.
• 60 percent are from Santa Fe; 8 percent from Albuquerque; 3 percent from Española; 3 percent from Rio Rancho. The remaining NM graduates are from 58 communities around the state (ranging from Alamogordo to Zia Pueblo) with the highest concentration from Northern New Mexico. Nine additional states are represented by 15 students: California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, New York, and Texas.
• Graduates range in age from 16 to 84.
• 56 percent (357) self-identify as Latino/Hispanic. And 5 percent (30) identify themselves as American Indian or Alaska Native.
• 67 percent (425) self-identify as female and 33 percent (210) male.
• 19 graduates identify themselves as military veterans, military spouses, or dependents of military veterans.
• The total number of certificates to be awarded is 557.
• The total number of associate degrees to be awarded is 257. The associate degrees to be awarded include Associate in Arts (123), Associate in Applied Arts (1), Associate in Science (9) and Associate in Applied Science (124).
• The highest number of associate degrees (from Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026) are: AAS Nursing (27); AA Human Services (25); AA Business Administration (20); AA in Early Childhood Education (17).
• The highest number of certificates (from Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026) are: Certificate in Community Health Worker (46); Certificate in Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (32); Certificate in Early Childhood Development (30); Certificate in Phlebotomy (28); Certificate in Teacher Certification: Special Education (28).

For more than 40 years Santa Fe Community College has been the pathway to success for individuals and the community. SFCC provides affordable, high-quality programs that serve the academic, cultural, and economic needs of the community. The college welcomes over 10,000 students per year in credit, noncredit, workforce training, personal enrichment, and adult programs. A “Best for Vets” and a “Military Friendly” school.