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Outgoing President Nancy "Rusty" Barceló

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Dr. Nancy “Rusty” Barceló served as President of Northern New Mexico College from July 2010 to December 2015, and is currently on sabbatical.

Known nationally for her diversity work in higher education, she brings a 30-year career at the university level to Northern. She oversaw the College as it continued its transition to a quality four-year institution that remains committed to providing associate degrees and certificates.

Barceló received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Chico State College, her Master of Arts degree in Recreational Education from the University of Iowa, and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Iowa.

Barceló is also a full professor with extensive teaching experience in Northern’s College of Education. Prior to her appointment as President of Northern, Barceló served as founding Vice President and Vice Provost for Equity and Diversity at the University of Minnesota.

From 2001 to 2006, she served as Vice President and Vice Provost for Minority Affairs and Diversity at the University of Washington, and from 1996 to 2001 as Associate Vice President for Multicultural and Academic Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Barceló held various positions at the University of Iowa from 1975 to 1996 including Assistant Provost and Assistant Dean with the Office of Academic Affairs. She has served on numerous national, regional and campus committees and boards.

Barceló is recognized nationally for her diversity and multicultural presentations. She has received many awards, including the NACCS 2012 Scholar award (National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies), the New Mexico Hispano Round Table “Walk the Talk” award, and was named a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Iowa.

Barceló’s most recent publications and presentations include:

  • University of the Philippines, International Studies Center, A Chicana's Perspective: Crossing Boarders for Institutional Transformation, Keynote Panel, July, 2015
  • California State University, Fresno, President’s Commission on Human Relations and Equity: Diversity Forum, Diversity and Inclusion Toward Institutional Transformation, Keynote Speaker February, 2014
  • Chicana Latina Studies: The Journal of Mujeres Activas En Letras Y Cambio Social. 2014. “Through A President's Eyes: Reflections on Institutional Violence.”
  • Third Biennial Policy Summit on Latino Higher Education. University of New Mexico, October 2014. Panel Presentation: “Assessing the Continued Challenge of Latino/as in Leadership and Faculty Roles, and Overcoming Institutional Barriers that resist Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice;”
  • Sixth Biennial Keeping Our Faculty of Color Symposium. University of Minnesota, April 15. 2013.  Panel presentation: “A Retrospective Discussion on Keeping our Faculty: Lessons Learned and Ongoing Challenges;”
  • Chancellor’s Panel at the Women of Color in the Academy National Conference. University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, April 4, 2013. Journeys into Leadership: Lessons to be Learned.
Northern offers over 50 bachelor's, associate and certificate programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math); Nursing and Health Sciences; Liberal Arts and Humanities; Arts, Film & Media; Business Administration; Teacher Education and Technical Trades.
Northern New Mexico College is the most affordable 4-year college in the Southwestern US. Choose us for our value, our quality degree and continuing education programs in diverse areas of study, and our experienced faculty. We provide students with unique opportunities for academic, personal, and professional growth, small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong hands-on experiences from day one.
The Northern Foundation remains committed to stimulate leadership, promote equity, and grow resources and philanthropy in the Española Valley and surrounding rural areas. Over the past twenty years, we have granted $1.3 million to support over 1,250 NNMC students.