Institutional Accreditation Writing Teams

The journey toward reaffirmation of our institutional accreditation is a significant undertaking, a multi-year endeavor that demands meticulous planning, collaborative spirit, and a deep understanding of our institution’s strengths and aspirations. At the heart of this process lies the Assurance Argument (self-study), a comprehensive document that articulates how we meet rigorous criteria for accreditation.

This vital document is not created in isolation. It is the product of dedicated individuals who have committed their time, expertise, and passion to crafting a compelling narrative of our institution’s excellence. We are immensely grateful to the members of our NMSU Writing Team, whose commitment and collaborative spirit is instrumental in shaping this crucial argument.

The members of this team were carefully selected for their diverse perspectives, deep institutional knowledge, and writing skills. They represent a cross-section of our community, including faculty, staff, and administrators from the Las Cruces and Grants campuses that each bringing unique insights to the table. Their collective expertise ensures that the Assurance Argument reflects the breadth and depth of our institution's commitment to quality education and continuous improvement.

We recognize and celebrate the following individuals for their invaluable contributions.

Criterion 1. Mission

Membership of the Writing Team for Criterion 1.
Name Title Unit
Gaylene Fasenko, Team Lead Professor, Animal and Range Science College of ACES
Melissa Chavira Director of Marketing, Web & Brand Development Marketing and Communications
Marissa Fowler Director of Academic Advising and Student Support Center for Academic Advising and Student Support
Teresa Linda Scholz Vice President of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity
Winnie Lee Academic Department Head College of Business
Alfred (Gene) Romero Professor NMSU Grants

Criterion 2. Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct

Membership of the Writing Team for Criterion 2.
Name Title Unit
Adam Cavotta, Team Lead Chief of Staff Board of Regents
Oladayo Bello Assistant Professor, Engineering Technology College of Engineering
Anne Hubbell Professor, Communication Studies/Associate Dean College of HEST/Honors College
Joseph Molina Director of Student Assistance Services Student Life
Renita Hicks University Registrar University Student Records
Denise Rodriguez-Strawn Director, Academic Effectiveness NMSU Global 

Criterion 3. Teaching and Learning for Student Success

Membership of the Writing Team for Criterion 3.
Name Title Unit
Ryan Goss, Team Lead Faculty Fellow/Professor, Plant and Environmental Sciences Institutional Effectiveness/College of ACES
Kate Terpis Associate Dean, Library and Information Science Library
Gabrielle Martinez Associate Registrar, Curriculum Systems University Student Records Office
Patrick Turner Associate Provost for Student Academic Success Office of the Provost
Michael Ray Director American Indian Program 
Tony Marin Associate Vice President for Student Success & Enrollment Management Office of the Provost
Oana Cimpean Associate Director  Teaching Academy 
Carlos Carpio Ochoa Academic Department Head, Ag Economics and Ag Business College of ACES
Juanita Hannan Co-Director, Research & Budgeting College of HEST

Criterion 4. Sustainability: Institutional Effectiveness, Resources, and Planning

Membership of the Writing Team for Criterion 4.
Name Title Unit
Vanetta Busch, Team Co-Lead Director of Training & Development Human Resources Services
Melody Munson-McGee, Team Co-Lead Special Assistance to the CIO Information Technology
Christopher Brown Professor, Geography and Environmental Sciences / Faculty Senate Vice Chair  College of Arts & Sciences
Rachel Boren Director of Evaluation and Effectiveness College of HEST
Patrick Clingman Vice President for Student Success NMSU Grants
Kimberly Rumford Chief Budget Officer Budget Office
Andrea Jimenez Associate Director of Financial Aid Fiscal Operations University Financial Aid and Scholarship Services
Bárbara Gamillo Associate Professor, Engineering Technology College of Engineering
Lori Montoya Director of Analytics & Decision Support  Information Technology