Northern’s Governing Board
NNMC’s Board of Regents is composed of five members who are appointed by the Governor of New Mexico with the consent of the New Mexico Senate, for terms of six years except for the student regent who is appointed for a two-year term. Pursuant to the New Mexico Constitution, the Board acts is responsible for the control and management of the College. This responsibility includes fiduciary responsibility for the College and establishment of the policies of the College to guide its function and management. The Board vests responsibility for the operation and management of the College in the President.
Board of Regents
PRESIDENT, MICHAEL A. MARTIN
Term: 1.01.23 – 12.31.28
michael.martin@nnmc.edu
Michael was raised on the family ranch in El Rito. He is a graduate of Mesa Vista
High School, 1976, and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Farm and Ranch Management from
New Mexico State University in 1980.
He raises hay in El Rito.
VICE-PRESIDENT, ERICA RITA VELARDE, PE
Term: 3.2019 – 12.31.24
erica.velarde@nnmc.edu
Erica Rita Velarde has a unique story. Ms. Velarde is a single mother of three and a first generation college graduate. She is a NM licensed Professional Engineer, receiving her BS in Mechanical Engineering from UNM, and an AA in Business Administration from Northern New Mexico College. She is employed as the Energy Engineer for the New Mexico General Services Department, Facilities Management Division, and is responsible for the implementation of both energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for over 700 facilities statewide. She is also the Public Co-chair for the NM Chapter of the Energy Services Coalition (ESC), and the Public Vice President for the National ESC Board of Directors.
SECRETARY/TREASURER, PORTER SWENTZELL, PHD
Term: 3.2019 – 12.31.24
porter.swentzell@nnmc.edu
Porter Swentzell is an enrolled member of Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. He grew up participating in the traditional life of his community and is passionate about Indigenous language, place-based education, traditional arts and cultural vitality. Porter lives in his community with his wife and three kids. He is the Executive Director of Kha’p’o Community School, a dual language (Tewa/English) pre-k to 6 school located in Santa Clara Pueblo. He also serves as a Regent for Northern New Mexico College, and on several non-profit boards. Previously, Porter was an Associate Professor of Indigenous Liberal Studies at the Institute of American Indian Arts where he held roles as a Department Chair and Associate Dean. Porter has also served his Pueblo as a Tribal Official. He holds a PhD in Justice Studies from Arizona State University, an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, an MBA from Western New Mexico University, and a BA in Integrated Studies from Northern New Mexico College.
MEMBER, RUBEN ARCHULETA
Term: 03.26.2021 – 12.31.2026
ruben.archuleta@nnmc.edu
Ruben Archuleta was born and raised in Española, NM. He attended Española Valley High School and later Northern New Mexico College where he graduated with a degree in Radiological Sciences. He is the supervisor of the Radiology Department at Española Hospital and has been employed there for 26 years. He is also currently serving as the Vice President of the Española Public Schools Board of Education. Archuleta also serves as the President Elect for the National Hispanic Council of School Board Members and as a Board Member for the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO). Archuleta resides in Alcalde, NM with his wife and two children.
MEMBER, CASANDRA BATISTA-DAUZ
Term: 3.30.2023 –
casandra_d_batistadauz@nnmc.edu
Casandra Batista-Dauz is Northern's student regent. She is a first generation college student, born and raised in Española, New Mexico. Ms. Batista-Dauz graduated from Pojoaque Valley High school. She has a passion for helping others and believes education should be available to everyone who wants it. In her free time she enjoys working out or playing with her dog.