Leadership paves way for serving under represented populations across state
Stephanie Rodriguez, secretary of the New Mexico Higher Education Department, joined the agency as acting secretary in 2020 and was confirmed by the legislature in 2021, then reappointed in 2023. (New Mexico Higher Education Department)
Matt Blasing
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities announced Nov. 3 that New Mexico Higher Education Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez received its Outstanding Public Sector Partner Award.
The award recognizes Rodriguez’s leadership and commitment to expanding educational opportunities for underserved populations across New Mexico. It honors public sector leaders who strongly support the association’s mission of promoting Hispanic higher education success.
According to the New Mexico Higher Education Department, under Rodriguez’s leadership, the agency has strengthened partnerships with Hispanic-Serving Institutions, expanded access to affordable college through the Opportunity Scholarship, and supported programs that uplift students from diverse and historically underrepresented communities.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, an organization that has been instrumental in empowering Hispanic-Serving Institutions and transforming higher education for students like it did for me,” Rodriguez said. “This award reflects the dedication of our department and state leaders, like Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who believe that every New Mexican deserves equitable access to higher education and opportunity.”
Rodriguez will also take part in the 39th Annual Conference Town Hall, titled “Heart of Change: Elevating HSIs through Advocacy, Justice and Courageous Leadership,” where national higher education leaders will discuss strategies to advance Hispanic-Serving Institutions and expand student success nationwide.
