Chavez to head Taos branch

Dr. Alicia Fedelina Chávez has been named executive director of the UNM Taos Branch Campus effective Oct. 1, 2002, announced UNM Provost Brian L. Foster recently.

Chávez, a native of Taos, New Mexico, has a long history of working in postsecondary education. She served as dean of students at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, from July 2000 through Jan. 2002. During this time she also served as faculty in the department of educational administration.

“I am confident that Dr. Chávez will do an outstanding job as executive director of UNM-Taos,” Foster said. “She has the experience and knowledge to direct and guide the branch campus as it continues to grow. Chávez will have the opportunity to make sure that the branch campus continues to meet the needs of those it serves.”

Chávez will direct the overall operations of the Taos Branch, including academic curriculum development and instruction, facilities, human resources, administration and financial management. “I am excited to join the UNM community and to take on this role within my hometown of Taos,” Chávez said. “It has been a long time dream of mine to return home and contribute as an educator in New Mexico. I am looking forward to working in partnership with faculty, staff and community members at UNM-Taos to continue building strong learning opportunities and assist with student success in Northern New Mexico.”

Chávez said her top priorities will include building student services, developing the campus proper, continuing to build partnerships with various postsecondary institutions to offer excellent curricular opportunities for students and to continue developing a strong core of faculty and staff.

“I believe that my interest in facilitating ongoing collaborative partnerships with students, faculty, staff, community members and state decision makers will assist in continuing to build a successful campus,” Chávez said

Chávez served as diversity development consultant at Iowa State University from 1993-94. She served as director of the Hispanic Cultural Center at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley from 1991-92, in addition to other appointments.

Chávez’ academic scholarship focuses on multicultural and diversity development throughout higher education. Her work has been published in a wide variety of books and academic journals. She is currently authoring a book, “From Ripples to Waves: Reengineering Higher Education for Multiculturalism and Diversity.” In addition, she is editing a collection of essays titled, “Unfamiliar Voices: Latin Women Speak on Education, Culture and Society.” Chávez received her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration-Policy Studies from the University of Arizona in Tucson in 1998.