Aggie Leadership Training Academy marks 10 years, opens applications for 2026

New Mexico State University’s Aggie Leadership Training Academy, a signature professional development program focused on cultivating leadership across the NMSU system, is celebrating its 10th anniversary while recognizing its 2025 cohort and opening applications for the 2026 program. 

Administered by the Center for Learning and Professional Development within Human Resource Services, ALTA prepares employees for leadership opportunities by strengthening research-supported competencies that directly contribute to effective leadership of self and others. The yearlong program is open to all NMSU employees, regardless of title or supervisory role. 

“The curriculum and programming are reviewed and enhanced annually to support the evolving needs of NMSU,” said Ruben Diaz, ALTA facilitator and leadership development specialist. “While the context of our work has changed over the last decade, the core of ALTA remains the same – leadership development starts from the inside out, by understanding yourself and your influence on others.

The 2025 ALTA cohort included 33 faculty and staff members representing colleges, departments and strategic initiatives across the NMSU system. Participants completed a yearlong sequence of monthly, full-day learning sessions and independent activities, culminating in a graduation ceremony held Nov. 21, 2025. 

For many graduates, the experience reshaped how they view leadership and their role within the university. 

“The academy helped me better understand my own leadership style and how to adapt it to meet the needs of others,” said Alice Delgado, who noted the program emphasized the distinction between managing and truly leading. 

Andrea Arrigucci said the program created a supportive environment for reflection and learning across roles and career stages. “The openness of the cohort and facilitators made it a safe space to address challenges and gain perspective on the larger mission of the university,” Arrigucci said. 

Several graduates highlighted the value of learning alongside colleagues from across the NMSU system. 

“One of the most meaningful aspects was hearing perspectives from every corner of the university,” said Heidi Sanchez. “It reinforced that leadership looks different depending on your role and environment, and that diversity of thought is a strength.” 

That systemwide exposure proved especially impactful for Joaquin Tadeo, a faculty member at Doña Ana Community College. “Collaborating with colleagues from NMSU expanded my understanding of available resources and the broader system,” Tadeo said, adding that he applied lessons from ALTA while stepping into a department chair role during the program. 

Graduates also pointed to tangible professional outcomes and expanded networks. 

“I was able to apply what I learned immediately, and ALTA played a role in earning a promotion,” said Josh Taylor, who emphasized the value of building professional relationships across departments.

For Joy Nelson, the program’s focus on self-reflection was key. “Understanding my strengths, communication style and impact on others helped me adapt how I lead,” Nelson said. “Connecting with colleagues across campuses made the university feel more approachable.” 

Longtime leaders found value in the program as well. 

“Even after more than 20 years in leadership roles, ALTA was one of the most impactful trainings I’ve attended,” said Nikki May, who highlighted the program’s evidence-based tools and collaborative learning environment. 

Yvette Benitiz, who stepped into a leadership role following her participation, said ALTA strengthened both her skills and confidence. “Learning alongside colleagues from different backgrounds pushed me to think differently and become a more flexible, collaborative leader,” Benitiz said. 

ALTA launched in 2015 following years of planning by an NMSU task force charged with developing a mission-aligned leadership program for faculty and staff. Since its inception, the academy has graduated more than 100 alumni and continues to evolve to meet the needs of the university community. 

Interest in the program has increased in recent years, particularly after the removal of a supervisory-role requirement in 2023, reinforcing the program’s philosophy that leadership potential is not defined by title. 

“ALTA continues to be an integral part of the professional development opportunities available to NMSU faculty and staff,” said Bill Dial, associate vice president for Human Resource Services. “The program helps sustain NMSU as a leaderful university – one where people are empowered to grow, lead and make a difference in support of student success.” 

Applications for the 2026 ALTA cohort are now open. The upcoming class will experience enhanced curriculum and programming aligned with NMSU’s evolving strategic vision while maintaining the program’s emphasis on practical, NMSU-centered leadership development. 

“We’re excited to welcome a new cohort of leaders as the university moves into its next phase of growth,” Diaz said. 

Additional program details and the application are available on the Center for Learning and Professional Development webpage.