Española, NM– Associate Professor of English and Chicano/a Studies Dr. Patricia Trujillo was granted tenure by the Northern New Mexico College Board of Regents during its April 2015 meeting.
Trujillo, who also serves as director of Northern’s Office of Equity and Diversity, has taught at Northern for the past five years and has published research on the subjects of cultural identity, Chicana feminism, indigeneity, and place-based identity.
“Not many scholars get to work in their home community, and it is a privilege that I give thanks for each day,” Trujillo said. “Every day that I come to work and see the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains, I am reminded about the strength I draw from northern New Mexico. I am humbled and thankful to be awarded tenure at Northern.”
During her time at Northern, Trujillo has also served as faculty advisor for the AFSC@¡Sostenga! Farm and has been involved extensively with academic and campus committees. She is also active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for Rio Arriba County for the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area, Tewa Women United, and on the Board of Advisors for NMWomen.org.
Trujillo currently teaches various courses in literature, Chicana/o Studies, indigenous history and northern New Mexico History while helping the College address equity and access for all peoples who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. She is currently working on an academic monograph, Gente-fication: The Classing of Northern New Mexican Literary Space.
“Through thick and thin, being part of the faculty at Northern means being part of a cadre of educators who live critical education and help empower people to change their own lives,” Trujillo said. “To be of service to students, community, family, culture -- what more honorable work is there than that?”
Dr. Patricia Trujillo was born and raised in the Española Valley and earned her Doctorate in U.S. Latina/o Literature at the University of Texas in San Antonio. She has a master’s degree in English from the University of Nebraska and bachelor’s degrees in English and Law & Society from New Mexico State University.
