'This position has been a dream in the making for UNM-Taos'
August 10, 2022
In a community with limited manufacturing and high-tech job opportunities, the importance of investing in training people for in-demand jobs is essential. Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which are offered at UNM-Taos, are important for providing students with the necessary skills for the region’s in-demand jobs. A good job means a better life for the worker and a healthy local economy.
With that in mind, UNM-Taos has created a new position: Associate Dean of Workforce Development. Jeannie Baca, Ph.D., has been announced as the first person to hold the position.
Baca’s duties include the support, development, and promotion of workforce programs at UNM-Taos and in the community. To be successful, Baca will coordinate UNM-Taos workforce programs by working with the department Chair of Professional Skills and Community Engagement and the Dean of Academic Affairs, and will provide leadership for faculty teaching in Trades and Industry. Additionally, she will be out in the community aiming to enhance partnerships, and help identify and grow workforce programs that are vital to the economic development of Taos and surrounding communities.
“UNM-Taos is committed to addressing regional workforce needs, and the creation of this position is directly related to serving employers and increasing community access to in-demand jobs and careers. Dr. Baca, working in concert with UNM-Taos, employers, and workforce development resources will increase opportunity and access to meaningful careers in Northern New Mexico,” stated UNM-Taos Chancellor Mary Gutierrez, Ed.D.
Baca is qualified to teach in CTE programs as well and will be a lecturer in the Business and Professional Skills department.
UNM-Taos offers certificate programs in the following workforce development/career technical fields: Commercial Driver’s License, Construction Technology (Building Trades), Information Technology, Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Computer Fundamentals/Technology, 3D Printing, and Woodworking. A new area of workforce development is Welding Technology.
“This position has been a dream in the making for UNM-Taos,” said Randi Archuleta, Ph.D., Dean of Instruction. “It is tremendous to have career and technical programs front and center in Academic Affairs. The opportunities that this position will bring for our students, and ultimately our community, in terms of Career and Technical Education pathways, credentials, internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities can be life-changing. I am excited to partner with Dr. Baca and have her as part of the Lobo familia.”
Baca earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership Administration and has over 20 years of experience in higher education. She has served in various administrative capacities at the community college and university level. Baca most recently served as Director of Operations, Student Support, and Diversity for the UNM Honors College. At Central New Mexico College, Baca held the position of Associate Dean of the School of Applied Technologies where she developed industry partnerships. She has led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work throughout her career, including in a role with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and as Vice President of Student Services at NMSU Carlsbad. She was also co-chair of the DEI Learning and Resources subcommittee at UNM. The goal of that subcommittee is to create a stockpile of resources, including names of skilled presenters available to give various types of presentations to the university community. She will continue DEI work with a focus on addressing food insecurity — work that is aligned with basic needs efforts at UNM-Taos.
Committed to access, equity, and inclusion, Baca applies inclusive leadership strategies to create collaborative partnerships aimed at student success. Her strengths include working toward aligning and integrating a range of new and existing initiatives into compatible forums that promote welcoming and supportive environments that serve and empower all communities.
“I am excited about joining UNM-Taos and look forward to working collaboratively with campus leadership, faculty, staff, students, and local industry to ensure the delivery of high-quality career technical education that will position students for career success,” Baca said. “By delivering programs that are relevant, accessible, and innovative, we will build a skilled workforce vital to the economic development of Taos and the surrounding communities of Northern New Mexico.”
