NMSU’s Robert Torres serves as national ACTE president

New Mexico State University’s Robert M. Torres is serving as president of the Association for Career and Technical Education, one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to advancing career and technical education.  
 
As part of his role, Torres, associate dean and director of academic programs in NMSU’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, leads national conversations on workforce preparation, student success and the future of career-focused education.  
 
"Workforce development is fundamental to the economic vitality and competitiveness of our nation," Torres said. "Career and technical education serves as a critical bridge between education and employment, equipping learners with the technical expertise, leadership abilities and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce."  
 
He said he is honored to serve ACTE and work alongside educators, administrators, policymakers and industry leaders committed to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals and strengthening communities, industries and the economy.  
 
His presidency comes as ACTE prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary during CareerTech VISION 2026 Dec. 2-5 in New Orleans. As part of the centennial celebration, Torres will lead discussion sessions and host the President’s Reception on Dec. 4.  
 
CareerTech VISION is among the nation’s premier professional development conferences for secondary and postsecondary career and technical education professionals, bringing together educators, administrators, industry leaders and policymakers to explore strategies for aligning education with workforce needs.  
 
Founded in 1926, ACTE represents more than 27,000 educators and administrators nationwide. The organization supports career and technical education pathways across disciplines such as agriculture, health sciences, family and consumer sciences, engineering, administration and skilled trades.  
 
A proud NMSU alumnus, Torres earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university before completing his doctorate at Ohio State University. Throughout his career, he has secured more than $4 million in external funding and published extensively on teacher preparation, leadership development and instructional improvement.  
 
"Career and technical education has been the foundation of my professional life, and my journey began at New Mexico State University," Torres said. "The education I received at NMSU provided the knowledge, values and leadership skills that shaped my career as a teacher, professor, researcher, academic administrator and national advocate for CTE."  
 
As ACTE approaches its 100th anniversary, Torres said he is honored to help celebrate a century of transforming lives through career and technical education while continuing to champion its role in workforce development, economic prosperity and student success.  
 
Torres returned to NMSU in summer 2025 as associate dean and director of academic programs for the College of ACES. In addition to his national leadership with ACTE, he supports faculty and student success while advancing academic initiatives that strengthen the university’s land-grant mission and workforce development efforts.