Four new Northern New Mexico College regents took the oath of office March 22, together representing current and former Northern students and leaders on the Board of Regents.
Regent Damian Martinez, the only remaining regent from the Board’s previous roster, nominated Michael Martin to be president of the Board. The regents voted unanimously in his favor.
Martin, of El Rito, is the grandson of George Martin, who was the first president of the Spanish American Normal School in 1909. His grandmother Margaret Martin, served on the School’s Board in the 1930s, and his uncle Tom Martin did the same in the 1950s, he said.
He previously was a Northern regent from 1987 to 1993.
“Not a lot of folks are still around that were here 30 years ago, but it’s nice to see some familiar faces,” Martin said, pointing to Tim Crone, an assistant professor and higher education vice president of the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico. “I have some really good memories of being a regent 30 years ago. I saw what an integral part of the community the College was, and what a great service it provided to the area to everyone. And I’m very fortunate to be with such an august body as my colleagues here.”
As Board president, he will be responsible for organizing and directing their meetings, signing all documents executed by the Board’s authority and any other duties determined by the Board.
Regent Erica Velarde, of Santa Fe, nominated herself to be vice president of the Board, and the regents voted unanimously for her.
She said 18 years ago she stepped on the Northern campus for the first time.
“It’s like full circle, you know?” she said. “It’s amazing to be able to serve this amazing school and community because if it wasn’t for Northern, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
As Board vice president, Velarde will be responsible for Martinez’s duties if he is absent or unable to complete those duties.
Martinez and Velarde will sit on the Board’s Finance Subcommittee.
Regent Porter Swentzell, of Santa Clara Pueblo, nominated himself to be the secretary/treasurer, and the regents unanimously agreed.
He is the chair of indigenous liberal studies at the Institute of American Indian Arts. He said he had given up on school before being pulled onto the Northern campus, which allowed him to finish his bachelor’s degree. Eventually he got a PhD in justice studies from Arizona State University.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today, if it wasn’t for Northern,” Swentzell said. “I’m blessed to be able to return a little bit of that debt of gratitude to Northern for what Northern has allowed me to do.”
As Board secretary treasurer, he will be responsible for keeping the Board’s records and monthly financial reports. He would also be responsible for the president’s duties if both the president and the vice president are absent or unable to complete their duties.
Student Regent Tomás Rodriguez, of Santa Fe, is a sophomore studying early childhood education at the College.
Rodriguez, who is on the College’s men’s varsity basketball team, said that Northern Head Coach Ryan Cordova suggested he take the position.
“My family dates back in Santa Fe about six generations,” Rodriguez said. “My family has a long legacy of leaders and educators and so I saw this as an opportunity to take what he (Cordova) believed, which is hard work doesn’t guarantee success, it only puts you in a better place to experience it. I want to put us as a College in a better position to succeed, through our hard work.”
Rodriguez and Swentzell will sit on the Board’s Academic Subcommittee.
Rio Arriba Magistrate Judge Alexandra Naranjo administered the regents’ oaths.
Sandy Liggett, general counsel for the New Mexico Higher Education Department, told the regents what their duties are under the New Mexico Constitution.
Geno Zamora, the board’s attorney, educated the regents on how the state Open Meetings Act and Inspection of Public Records Act work.
“I have nothing but positive vibes from everybody,” Damian Martinez said. “I know everyone’s going to work in the school’s best interest and we have a good team that (College President Rick) Bailey has put together.”