CONTACT: Frank D. Martinez, 505-277-59155915

October 29, 2002 TUCUMCARI NATIVE EXTENDS UNM'S REACH IN NEW MEXICO Connections. That's what being born and growing up in Tucumcari provided, and still provides, for Jerónimo "Jerry" C. Domínguez, University of New Mexico vice provost for Extended University and dean of Continuing Education and Community Services. Domínguez is one of eight children born to the late Ismael and Fidelia, who were also natives of the Tucumcari area. He was one of three of the children born in the family's home. The family residence, still owned by Domínguez and his brothers and sisters, now provides the connection for them to gather on major holidays and other family occasions. "Tucumcari is still very much a family destination. The family home is still a destination for Christmas, holidays and reunions. We keep it because we feel that, at some point, one of us is going to want to go back to Tucumcari," he says. The home also provides a connection to values he learned from a very young age. "It's home. It's a hard thing to give up. The house has no major financial value, but it has tremendous emotional value for all of us," he explains. As a teenager, Domínguez was involved with a church organization that provided him the opportunity to work with the area's less fortunate residents. "It made a big impression on me. It helped motivate me and taught me the importance of getting involved. It helped me appreciate the value of getting a good education and of having a support system," he says. In high school, he became the first Hispanic student body president. Tucumcari also provided him with a connection to the outside world. "During the time I was growing up, Tucumcari was recognized for being on Route 66. With it came many hospitality and service industries. It was an opportunity for us to meet people from all over the country. I worked in restaurants, motels and gas stations. It was interesting to meet and talk with people from different states," he says. Following high school graduation, Domínguez enrolled at Eastern New Mexico University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in speech pathology and psychology. He then earned a master's degree in speech pathology from UNM in 1972 and then a Ph.D. in special education, also from UNM, in 1982. His professional career began as assistant director of Programs for Children in the UNM School of Medicine's Mental Health Center. From 1972 through 1984, he held various research, academic and administrative positions at UNM and elsewhere. In 1982-83, Domínguez experimented as an entrepreneur, serving as an educational consultant and majority owner of a private computer business. In 1984, he secured grant funding to establish Project SET-UP within Continuing Education and Community Services. In 1995, Domínguez was named dean of the UNM Division of Continuing Education and Community Services and, in 1999, assumed the additional title of vice provost of Extended University, further helping to connect UNM to communities statewide. He and his wife, Meave StevensDomínguez, Ph.D., are the parents of two boys, Jared and Jalen, with whom he enjoys spending time. A sportsman, he coached youth teams and enjoys outdoor sports. He works hard to impart the values he learned in Tucumcari to his sons, both of whom are involved in athletics and both, he says, will be "future Lobos." Domínguez has many relatives and friends in Tucumcari. In addition, each year Tucumcari High School "invites all of the classes from previous years making it one of the largest reunions in the state," he says. "So, I really enjoy going back." "I'm proud to be from Tucumcari," he adds. ###

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