Award Winners

Ruth Prescott

Ruth H. Prescott, executive associate to the president, received the Above and Beyond Award May 10. She was honored for her consummate professionalism, especially during the search for a new president. During his presentation of the award, Pacheco said, “It’s easy to look back at this time and discount the effort that was expended in accomplishing the search. Let the record reflect that this search can be characterized by the grace and professionalism that she imprinted upon it through her efforts. We each in our own way establish an image of our institution by the manner in which we conduct ourselves before others. Ruth Prescott represented our institution to the public, to search committee members and to potential candidates in a manner that we might all take pride in.”

Ronald E. Logan and Francisco M. Martinez

Ronald E. Logan and Francisco M. Martinez, both with ICT’s Telecommunications and Networking Services, received the Above and Beyond Award May 10. They were honored for the outstanding support they provided to the presidential search process. Along with others from their department, they stepped up to handle the audio/visual and webcasting of numerous events that occurred as part of the search. Those events ranged from listening sessions starting last fall to open forums recently held as part of the final interviews. In addition, they also recently took on the additional task of webcasting all Board of Regents’ meetings. In making this the nomination Ruth Prescott said, "Ronald and Francisco are the type of colleagues with whom the other employees love to work. You can count on them to get the job done in outstanding fashion with no drama. It’s not an overstatement to say that many of the events they staff are tension-filled sessions with significant institutional interests at stake. Francisco and Ronald make certain that the board or president don’t need to worry about some aspect of the technology going awry."

Dana Wiebe

Dana Wiebe, secretary for the Animal and Range Science Department in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, was presented the Above & Beyond Award March 11. Wiebe provides support to 17 faulty members, maintains student records and serves as a primary point of contact for entering and continuing students for advising. In addition, she has become an expert in Web CT/Blackboard and Canvas, the online academic engine, and is now the go-to person for students and faculty on any questions about this software tool. In the nomination, Jack Thomas, a professor in the department, said, “Since her arrival 11 years ago, Dana has taken the initiative to develop and implement numerous changes to assist faculty in the accuracy and effectiveness with which new and returning students are academically advised. Dana also is so proficient in navigating Banner, the Student Financial Aid system and the Star Audit System that students from other colleges sometimes seek her out for help in navigating these systems." In addition to finishing her degree at NMSU, Wiebe’s husband, mother, sister and brother are also graduates of NMSU along with numerous cousins. NMSU really is in her blood.

Patrick Torres

Patrick Torres, county director/agricultural agent for Santa Fe County, was presented with the Above and Beyond Award Jan. 28. Torres provides educational outreach programs and works closely with organizations such as the Cattle Growers, Dairy Producers, New Mexico Beef Council, Apple Growers, Herb Society and Farm to Table. He also works with NMSU Extension specialists to provide current and relevant programs to the citizens of the county. "Mr. Torres has constantly demonstrated a capacity to work with a diverse clientele, knowledge of a vast array of subjects, and a keen awareness of what needs to be done to provide assistance to people of varying levels of need. He has always demonstrated a willingness to step up to the plate with humility and kindness.," said Lowell Catlett, dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. "Patrick is a superb example of the positive impact a county extension agent can have in a community. He takes tremendous pride in serving the citizens of New Mexico and has earned their respect," said Jon Boren, associate dean for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and director of NMSU's Cooperative Extension Service.

Terry Cook

Terry Cook, assistant vice president for student engagement, received the Above and Beyond Award Dec. 14. In her role as assistant vice president for student engagement, Cook and her staff assist students in their transition from high school to college and provide them with the support they need to be successful in their academic and career goals. Her areas of responsibility include the Aggie Welcome and Orientation program, Student Success Centers, Athletic Academic Support Program and Career Services Center. In the nomination, Vice President Bernadette Montoya said, “Terry is known for her energy, dedication, and integrity in helping our students succeed. She is known as a colleague who will share, collaborate and contribute to any project that shows promise of serving students. Terry leads by example: She accepts only her best effort and inspires others to do the same.”

Ron Girmus

Ron Girmus, a biology professor at NMSU Carlsbad, received the Above and Beyond Award Oct. 15 in Carlsbad. Girmus’ areas of expertise are anatomy and physiology. He also serves as chair of the Assessment Committee and serves on the Academic Quality Improvement Program Committee. In making the nomination, NMSU Carlsbad President John Gratton said, “Dr. Girmus is always willing to accept additional responsibilities if the need arises. He takes full accountability for ensuring that his tasks are completed in a timely fashion and in an extremely competent manner. He continually exhibits a sincere level of dedication to both NMSU Carlsbad and to NMSU.” Mark Buckholtz, interim vice president for academic affairs at NMSU Carlsbad, added, “Dr. Girmus is an able and respected teacher, expert in his knowledge of his discipline, a recent recipient of the Roush Award, and a key contributor to the continued excellence of NMSU Carlsbad’s Science Department. But, over and above these accomplishments and qualities, I recommend Dr. Girmus because of his important work for the college during the last year in assessment and accreditation.”

Jeanelle Chavez

Jeanelle Chavez, program coordinator for the Indian Resource Development Program, was presented with the Above & Beyond Award Aug. 20. In making the nomination, Joe Graham, director of the IRD Program said, "She has provided crucial direction and vision to our American Indian students and part-time student employees. She engages tribal constituents and the general public in a liaison role between tribal entities and NMSU to help our program fulfill its state-mandated goals and objectives." Chavez does an outstanding job with the annual DreamMakers Program held at NMSU. This program is open to seventh- and eighth-graders from New Mexico Pueblos, Apache Tribes and the Navajo Nation. She also was NMSU’s sole representative on the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) Planning Committee that brought the NIEA National Conference to Albuquerque in October 2011. She played a key leadership role on the committee and is well regarded nationally by her tribal education colleagues.

Kim Huddleston, business manager for the President’s Office, the Sr. Vice President for External Relations and University Communications and Marketing Services, was presented with the Above & Beyond Award June 21. In her role as business manager for this diverse group of departments, Huddleston manages funds from a wide range of sources including the Instruction and General Fund, the Agricultural Experiment Station, the Cooperative Extension Service, grants and donors. During difficult financial times, Huddleston helped each unit manage tight resources and find solutions despite reduced budgets. She also accepted the responsibilities of managing the budgets of four additional departments. One of Huddleston’s strengths is her ability to manage budget challenges with a positive attitude, which helps develop employee good will despite difficult financial stress. Jeanne Gleason, who leads Media Productions, one of the University Communications and Marketing Services units that Huddleston manages budgets for, said, “Perhaps the biggest reason Ms. Huddleston deserves the Above and Beyond Award is the way she deals with unpleasant situations – times when she can’t make everyone happy with the budget or when we all get difficult financial news. While many other business managers understandably might become defensive or remote, Ms. Huddleston takes the time-consuming approach of ensuring transparency and fairness mixed with sincere human compassion.” Maureen Howard, associate vice president for University Communications and Marketing Services, said, “Kim readily jumps in wherever needed, takes on more than her share and never says ‘not my job.’”

Robert Peterson, director of planned giving for the New Mexico State University Foundation, was presented the Above & Beyond Award May 11. As the director of planned giving, Peterson is responsible for the Planned Giving Program. He identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors and donor prospects. Peterson was nominated for the Above & Beyond Award specifically for his efforts in managing the estate of the late Norma Jean Fisher. Fisher named the NMSU Foundation as the executor for her estate, a position of great trust which is typically bestowed to a relative, close personal friend or attorney. In order to facilitate a timely closing, Peterson readily accepted the task and stepped in as personal representative for her estate. This involved responsibilities such as final settlement of pay for caregivers, identifying and notifying next of kin, establishing a bank account in the name of the estate and executing checks and deposits, coordinating an estate sale for final disposition of assets and meeting with attorneys to assure the estate was properly closed. The funds gained from the estate were ultimately used to establish the Lester and Norma Jean Fisher Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.

Greg Vogel, a hazardous waste specialist in the Environmental Health and Safety Department, was presented with the Above & Beyond Award March 12. Vogel ensures all NMSU chemical, biohazard and universal waste is safely picked up, researched, processed and shipped (an annual average of 70,000 pounds). To do this he must suit up twice a month in a chemical resistant suit and air-supplied respirator to mix hazardous chemicals in 55-gallon drums. This saves the university thousands of dollars annually by reducing disposal costs. This process requires that he carefully perform unknown hazardous chemical analysis and emergency chemical spill response as needed. In addition to these services, Vogel also conducts dynamic environmental compliance and defensive driving training classes for faculty, staff and students. In May 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency conducted an unannounced hazardous waste inspection of the NMSU campus. Vogel led a team of inspectors through various departments explaining how NMSU manages waste. No major violations or fines followed. The inspectors stated that NMSU had a solid hazardous waste management program. NMSU Environmental Health and Safety Director Katrina Doolittle said, "Greg makes the extra effort to ensure that the outcome of his work is of high quality and very professional. He is a committed team member, exceptionally considerate of others and he puts NMSU success above his own."

Jane Moorman, a senior communications specialist for University Communications and Marketing Services, based in Albuquerque, was presented the Above & Beyond Award Jan. 30. Moorman provides communications support for the College of Agricultural Consumer and Environmental Sciences, covering the Cooperative Extension Service as well as the Agricultural Experiment Station. Her territory includes five tribal Extension offices, 15 county Extension offices and five agricultural science centers. “Jane is always ready for new challenges. She shares her enthusiasm for new projects with other members of the news team,” said Maureen Howard, associate vice president for University Communications and Marketing Services. “To expand the reach of her news stories, Jane has gone beyond the existing media contacts and developed new relationships with media outlets specializing in agricultural stories. For example, many of Jane’s stories have aired in more than 100 markets on the syndicated television show AG Day. This expanded coverage has been a strong tool to get the word out about our premier stories.

Sue Forster-Cox, associate professor of health sciences, was presented with the Above & Beyond Award Dec. 9. In addition to teaching her classes, Forster-Cox oversees the important field experience for both undergraduates and master's students in community health education. She also serves as an advisor or committee member for students who choose the thesis route for their Master of Public Health degree. Forster-Cox's strength in the department is the fact that she gets things done and she doesn't say no to any request. Some examples of Forster-Cox ‘going the extra distance' are serving as undergraduate coordinator for more than 100 majors; serving as the Master of Public Health/Master of Social Work departmental liaison; and serving as the faculty advisor for the Returned Peace Corp Volunteer, many of which are Master of Public Health students. She also has taken on the responsibilities of the college's online coordinator, traveling regularly to Albuquerque to meet with current and prospective students.

Julie Weber, director of Housing and Residential Life, was presented with the Above & Beyond Award Oct. 10. Weber is responsible for all aspects of the Housing and Residential Life division including, housing facilities, budget/administration and dealing with about 3,000 residents and their families each day at NMSU Las Cruces. Weber has been instrumental in shaping on-campus housing, including enhancing our living learning communities; overseeing critical housing renovations; completing Chamisa I and Pinon Hall projects; leading the Chamisa II project from concept to reality; creating family environments for our student family residents; supporting Aggie Athletics; and leading our housing students and staff in the Tough Enough to Wear Pink events each October. Tammy Anthony, associate vice president for Auxiliary Services, said, "Many work side by side with Julie to bring our students the highest standard of housing service. But, it is her overall leadership that binds these individuals together so successfully. Julie never hesitates to do what is needed to support our Housing and Residential Life students and staff. She does it effectively and with complete commitment to successful resolution of each challenge."

Susan De Mar, an administrative assistant in the geography department, was presented the Above & Beyond Award Aug. 22. In submitting De Mar for the award, Chris Brown, geography department head, said, "Due to the nature of the position she fills, Susan is literally the face of the department having maximum contact with students, staff, alumni and faculty, both within and outside the department. Although her human resources designation is administrative assistant, the work Susan does for us is so much more. She approaches each job with utmost commitment, working continually to learn and master new tools and techniques. Susan's commitment and dedication to the department and NMSU are truly exceptional in every sense of the word."

Curtis Ewing, manager ICT Systems Group, was presented the Above & Beyond Award June 23. Ewing manages both the PC Server and the Unix Server groups at ICT, which are responsible for the core computer systems that keep NMSU running, including email, banner, mynmsu and other critical administrative systems. In his nomination, Matt Presser, who works in the Unix group with Ewing, said, "Curtis works above and beyond every day. He regularly puts in 10-12 hour days managing multiple groups, projects and personalities and sometimes single-handedly keeps NMSU's computer infrastructure going. He is the last line of defense when it comes to technical problems at ICT."

Linda Perez, building manager, safety officer and laboratory supervisor, for the NMSU biology department, was presented the Above & Beyond Award May 6. Perez was honored for voluntarily responding around the clock during extreme February weather that required the Las Cruces campus to close for three days. Foster Hall has about 15 ultra cold freezers that must be kept at -80°C at all times. They store important and irreplaceable samples for the biology faculty. Perez was especially vigilant of these freezers, and came by the building everyday to check. She did the same for all the animal care facilities, since many of the incubators and aquaria hold expensive and hard to maintain animals used in biological research.

The first Above & Beyond Award recipient is Ralph Lucero Sr., supervisor of the plumbing shop in the Office of Facilities and Services. Lucero was honored for leading the efforts of the OFS plumbing shop in response to the many water pipes that froze and burst due to the cold weather and electrical power outages experienced in early February. Lucero supervises about 16 employees who are responsible for the plumbing in all instruction and general fund buildings, the potable water and wastewater systems, and the natural gas distribution piping on the Las Cruces campus. During the challenging winter weather, Lucero and his team logged 295 staff hours, which represents seven "man weeks" logged in just three days. Lucero coordinated the response and was responsible for the successful resolution of numerous plumbing repairs. The plumbing shop staff also jumped in to help with fire sprinkler system failures.