Pronouns: she / her / hers / ella

At the center of my philosophy in higher education is that every student has the potential to succeed if given the right tools, resources, and support. Students need more than just academic skills to succeed. To truly thrive, students must develop a range of personal, social, and emotional competencies, including self-awareness, empathy, resilience, and communication skills. Therefore, as Director of Academic Success, my approach focuses on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that helps students develop these competencies and achieve their academic, personal, and career goals. 

I am a proud First-generation UNM Lobo. I earned my B.S. is Education and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from UNM. I have worked in both Student and Academic Affairs. Through my professional experience at UNM, I developed a passion for creating a space for sense of belonging.  A little more about me, during my free time, I like to spend it hanging out with my dog, working out, and trying new places around Albuquerque.  

Pronouns: she / her / hers / ella

I believe academic advisors should meet students where they are; focus on their needs and goals to be successful at UNM and future career goals. I consider academic advisement centers as the anchors for student academic success in higher education institutions, especially for underrepresented students pursuing Arts and Sciences degrees. Academic advising is key to help you navigate UNM, we will show you the resources available to you and help you understand the requirements for your academic goals.

I earned a B.A. in Secondary Education of History from the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras and M.A. in History and Ph.D. in Borderlands History from the University of Texas at El Paso. I taught U.S. and Latin American history in universities in Texas and Ohio, and found my passion for academic advising in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. I’m from Puerto Rico, the “Island of Enchantment” (La Isla del Encanto), and I fell in love with the “Land of Enchantment.”

Supporting the advising of students interested in the Race & Social Justice Certificate.

Pronouns: she / her / hers

I was born and raised in Washington State. I received my Bachelor’s of Arts in Biology focused in Ecology and Botany from Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, TX. I moved to Albuquerque in 2018, after my husband and I got married. Prior to working at UNM, I worked as an Animal Care Specialist at a wolf sanctuary.  My favorite things to do outside of work are spend time with family/friends and work my small hobby farm in the South Valley with my husband and pets.

As an advisor, I am here to assist each and every student to reach their goals in a manner that best fits them. The best advising comes through honest, trusting and open conversation. I am here to help you make your years at UNM successful and fun. I want to be able to send my students off with the tools they need to feel successful in the years after UNM.

Currently supporting with advising students with majors or minors in Speech and Hearing Sciences.

Pronouns: she / her / hers

Advisement is a place that is individualized and intentional. It is a place you can bring your victories, obstacles and hopes. Asking questions, finding answers and challenging ourselves to look at interdisciplinary connections of what we learn is key to developing confidence and ownership in how we use the knowledge we gather. My advisement philosophy is to be a guide to you and empower your journey through the university. Our Advisement Center is a place where you can depend on receiving support as you explore what you want to learn and develop goals for your success and your future.

I love my home state of New Mexico, and I am proud to work at UNM. I graduated from the UNM College of Arts & Sciences and the Honors Program with my BA, English (2009). I attended Emerson College in Boston, MA, for my MFA, Creative Writing, Fiction (2012). I am a writer, editor, advisor and educator. I have taught courses at UNM-Valencia and other institutions. My collection of speculative naturalist poetry titled Recipe for Time Travel in Case We Lose Each Other released in February 2022. I love to travel, write, read, play video games and adventure with my dog, R2D2.

Pronouns: she / her / hers / ella

The University of New Mexico has played a significant role in my entire family’s life, and for that I am very grateful! I received a BA in Latin American Studies & Spanish here and later returned to complete my MA in Hispanic Linguistics after working as a research coordinator on North campus for a few years. I spent time here as an undergraduate student teacher, a graduate teaching assistant, and finally as a Visiting Lecturer I and Assistant Program Coordinator of UNM’s Spanish as a Second Language (SSL) Program in the Spanish and Portuguese Department.

In Fall 2019, I moved over to the world of academic advisement and learned how indispensable advisors are in guiding students towards completing their degrees.  I am very excited to now occupy the role of Education and Development Manager in the Center so that I can merge my experience in teaching and in advisement to create classes that will help students learn the hidden curriculum of successfully navigating a university system to maximize their overall experience!

Pronouns: she / her / hers

Advises: students with special circumstances (e.g. students returning to school after a hiatus and those on academic probation or suspension)

Exploring the World requires a critical lens--school will help you create that lens so that you can truly see the world.

I love school! As a former teacher, I find that school gives me the greatest sense of purpose. I am working on my Masters degree in Special Education. In my free time, I spend as much time with my weenie dogs and playing out-of-doors.

I am part of the A&S Support and Success Group (SSGs):  SSGs support all departments, students and advisors by working on special retention and graduation projects and covering advising availability for vacant major advisor positions while A&S hires and trains new student support professionals.

Currently supporting with advising students with majors or minors in Speech and Hearing Sciences.

Sydney Bathurst

Pronouns: she / her / hers

Major: Psychology
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Why UNM?: I chose to come to UNM because I have grown up in Albuquerque.  UNM gave me the opportunity to grow as an individual while still remaining close to my family.  Some of them attended UNM and I tend to follow in the footsteps of those around me but I have intentions of writing my own story.

Kylee Vigil

Pronouns: she / her / hers

Major: Political Science

From:
Why UNM?: I chose UNM as it offers many options and opportunities!

MayLi Bachand

Pronouns: she / her / hers

Major: Film and Digital Arts
Why UNM?: I chose UNM because it's close to home and for the amazing film opportunities that are in New Mexico.