Administration

Chancellor

Dr. Mary Gutierrez has served as Chancellor of the University of New Mexico–Taos since 2021 and was reappointed to a second five-year term in 2026. A third-generation educator with more than 25 years of experience in higher education, she is committed to expanding educational opportunity, strengthening workforce pathways, and building partnerships that advance student success and community prosperity.

Under her leadership, UNM–Taos has experienced sustained enrollment growth, increased student retention and completion, expanded workforce and health care programs, and secured significant federal, state, and private investments supporting community college programs and facilities, workforce development, and community partnerships.

In 2020, Dr. Gutierrez was selected as one of 40 fellows nationwide for the Aspen Institute–Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative, an applied executive leadership program for community college presidents.

Dr. Gutierrez serves on the Board of Directors of SOMOS and on the American Association of Community Colleges Commission on Small, Rural, and Regional Resilience. She is also active in statewide and regional collaborations that strengthen rural higher education, workforce development, and economic opportunity.

Raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Dr. Gutierrez began her career as an English faculty member. Throughout her career, she has championed student-centered teaching, inclusive learning environments, and institutional practices that reduce barriers to student achievement.

She earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration from San Francisco State University and both a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in English from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Strategic Plan

UNM-Taos initiated its strategic planning process in Spring 2023, aligning closely with UNM’s 2040 Opportunity Defined Framework. Led by the Chancellor and the Strategic Initiatives and Research Department, the process involved extensive engagement with campus and community partners using innovative methods.

UNM-Taos hosted multiple input sessions with staff, faculty, students, administrators, and diverse community partners. We leveraged approaches such as collective drawing and storytelling, as well as appreciative inquiry techniques, including Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results (SOAR) analyses.

The institution gathered rich insights that informed the development of a clearly articulated vision, mission, values, and goals, establishing a robust, collaborative roadmap guiding the college through 2030.

Leadership Statement

Leadership

We pledge to lead with unwavering dedication, respect, care, and teamwork. Leadership is a privilege dedicated to creating and sustaining a positive, caring, and enriching educational environment where learning, diversity, and community flourish. We are committed to fostering leadership at all levels and nurturing and empowering individuals’ leadership potential.

Excellence

We aspire to create an environment of excellence where all are inspired to pursue big, innovative ideas and support each other as a team to make those ideas a reality for our community.

Authenticity

We strive to provide authentic and ethical leadership, clear mission direction, and strategic guidance, communicating fairly and consistently, and celebrating victories as a united team.

Dedication

We are committed to serving our Lobo community, cherishing the principles of a caring campus by being humble, approachable, honest, and respectful so students, faculty, and staff can thrive to reach their full potential.

Administration Staff

Meeting Archives