NMSU names Winnie Lee interim director of Arrowhead Center, CEO of Arrowhead Inc.

With more than two decades at New Mexico State University and recognition as one of New Mexico’s Top 50 Women Leaders, Winnie (Yu-Feng) Lee has been appointed interim director of the university’s Arrowhead Center and CEO of Arrowhead Inc. 

Lee holds a Ph.D. and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, having been accelerated from the master’s program into the doctoral program during her graduate studies. With over two decades at NMSU, she most recently served as department head and professor of economics in the Department of Economics, Applied Statistics, and International Business at the College of Business. She has directed the Doctor of Economic Development program since 2019 and was recognized as one of New Mexico’s Top 50 Women Leaders by the Women We Admire Organization in 2024. 

“Dr. Lee embodies the excellence, commitment, and forward-thinking leadership that define NMSU,” said Valerio Ferme, president of NMSU. “Her expertise in economic development and her long record of service make her exceptionally well-suited to guide Arrowhead Center during this important transition.”

"Dr. Lee’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for NMSU as we advance our commitment to innovation and economic development across New Mexico,” said Patricia Sullivan, interim NMSU vice president of research, creativity and economic development. “Her deep expertise in economic development and proven leadership will be instrumental in aligning Arrowhead Center with the state’s Science and Technology Roadmap, accelerating technology commercialization and forging strategic partnerships that drive growth in emerging sectors." 

“As a firm and continuous supporter of Arrowhead Center, greatly inspired by the late Dr. Kevin Boberg’s and Ms. Kathy Hansen’s previous leadership and devoted service, I’m very excited for this new assignment, where I can use my expertise in economic development to help facilitate economic and business growth across New Mexico,” Lee said. “I strongly believe in the center’s mission, and along with the center’s excellent team, am committed to increasing its influence and effectiveness in promoting next era of growth in New Mexico.” 

Lee said she will focus on building and fostering collaborative partnerships throughout NMSU and with both public and private sectors. She also plans to create a collegial, supportive, rewarding, and productive high-performance work environment within the center. 

“Arrowhead Center will continue expanding its successful efforts in intellectual property commercialization, while also supporting entrepreneurial initiatives and encouraging collaborations between academic and industrial sectors, especially in tech innovation and AI integration. This will create jobs and improve social mobility,” Lee added. 

“Dr. Lee has been an invaluable leader and highly esteemed colleague within the College of Business,” said Bryan Ashenbaum, dean of the College of Business. “Her dedication to student success and community impact is evident in her work as department head and director of the Doctor of Economic Development program. Her can-do attitude and relentless positive energy have earned her widespread respect within the College of Business. Dr. Lee is an excellent choice to lead the Arrowhead Center. We are excited to see her assume this new role and are confident the center will benefit significantly from her leadership, as we have.” 

Reflecting on the center's mission and future, Lee said, “CBS News once called Google the whimsical idea factory. As a proud Aggie, I have seen Arrowhead Center’s work over the past 20 years, which I view as a whimsical yet practical idea factory. It helps new businesses start and grow through creativity and teamwork. It accelerates existing ventures with practical strategies. It connects academics to industry to foster economic potential. It acts as a catalyst for business development, whether public or private, local or beyond. Most importantly, it can be a superpower that turns challenges into opportunities and opportunities into realities. My goal is for myself and the center to serve all stakeholders, from center staff to the broader NMSU communities, including businesses, government, and industry partners, for the benefit of economic welfare and better living.” 

Arrowhead Center’s programs – supporting student entrepreneurship, faculty commercialization, small business acceleration, and rural innovation – will continue under Lee’s leadership. The center will foster public-private partnerships and translate university research into real-world impact across New Mexico.