The Northern community extends a warm welcome to our new President, Hector Balderas, JD, CFE. We look forward to uniting under his leadership to move Northern New Mexico College to the next level.

President Balderas brings a passion for public service and years of experience leading large state agencies. He comes to us after successfully completing two terms as New Mexico Attorney General. Before that he served as New Mexico State Auditor. He began his career as Bernalillo County Assistant District Attorney and served in the state House of Representatives.

President Balderas wants our students to know that he relates to the struggles many of them face. He was raised by a single mother in the small village of Wagon Mound, New Mexico. Succeeding in school was not an easy path for him, but he became the first person from Wagon Mound to graduate from law school and become an attorney. That set him on the career path that led him to becoming President of Northern. He promised to bring all his skills and experience to helping Northern students reach their goals and achieve success.

“I’m inspired that the community is getting involved in our planning process. I’m looking forward to partnering with the community and know they are excited about positive change,” President Balderas said.  “I’m honored that the regents, faculty and staff will collaborate with me as we take on Northern New Mexico College into the future, building on student success and institutional development. We’re going to enhance the student experience, creating opportunities for them in transformational, educational and professional opportunities.”

Board President Michael A. Martin and the Board of Regents invite you to join them for Welcome Receptions at 3 p.m. January 10, 2003, in the Administration Building Rotunda on the Española campus and at 3 p.m. January 12, at Alumni Hall on the El Rito campus.