Victoria Bañuelos, academic adviser at New Mexico State University, was presented the “A” Mountain Staff Award during the NMSU Employee Appreciation Picnic Oct. 31.
The “A” Mountain Staff Award is presented to staff members who showcase the university core values of leadership, excellence, access, diversity and inclusion and who are student-centered.
“I was actually very surprised when I saw the email notifying me that I would be receiving the award,” Bañuelos said. “I think the biggest reason why I was surprised is because I work to help students succeed and the job of an advisor can often times be a thankless job. I also believe in supporting my coworkers in any way I can. I’ve worked for NMSU for 15 years and knowing that a group of my peers nominated me and then a different group chose me to be acknowledged just shows me that my actions do make an impact on people. I’m really proud of myself.”
Bañuelos earned her bachelor’s degree in foreign language and mathematics from NMSU in 2008 and a master’s degree in educational administration in 2017. Bañuelos helps students in her roles as academic adviser for physical sciences and engineering majors in NMSU’s Center for Academic Advising and Student Support and pre-health professions adviser and director of the Osteopathic Medicine Pathway Program. She is also the staff adviser for the NMSU National Society of Collegiate Scholars student chapter.
“The CAASS team is so proud to have Vicky acknowledged for her years of support to NMSU students and her leadership within the advising community,” said Marissa Fowler, CAASS associate director. “She always puts the student first and is dedicated to helping students stay enrolled and graduate. Known around the office as Vicky-pedia you can always count on her to know the answer, and more importantly, teach others what she knows. She makes our team stronger in our efforts to support students.”
-30-
CUTLINE: Victoria Bañuelos, academic adviser at New Mexico State University, was presented the “A” Mountain Staff Award during the NMSU Employee Appreciation Picnic Oct. 31. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)