A career dedicated to higher education, economics and economic development has earned New Mexico State University’s Winnie Lee two distinguished recognitions from National Taipei University of Business in Taipei, Taiwan.
Lee, interim director of NMSU’s Arrowhead Center and CEO of Arrowhead Center Inc., received an honorary Doctorate in Business this year after being recognized with the National Taipei University of Business Distinguished Alumni Award in 2025. The honors recognize Lee’s more than two decades of contributions to higher education, research, student mentorship and economic development.
“I am totally humble and honored for receiving this prestigious award,” Lee said. “Personally, it adds to my credential along with my Ph.D. in economics; I am utterly grateful for it and will cherish it as my lifetime achievement. Professionally, this degree allows me to work more broadly in academia and the professional world to continue doing what I know.”
Lee holds a Ph.D. and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where she was accelerated from the master’s program into the doctoral program during her graduate studies. During her more than two decades at NMSU, Lee has served in several academic leadership roles, including department head and professor of economics in the Department of Economics, Applied Statistics, and International Business in the College of Business. She has also directed the Doctor of Economic Development program since 2019.
“Winnie’s achievements reflect the very best of what the College of Business strives to cultivate – excellence grounded in purpose, service and impact,” said Bryan Ashenbaum dean of the College of Busienss. “Her dedication to students, her leadership across NMSU, and her contributions to economic development have created lasting value for our university and our community. We are immensely proud to celebrate these well‑deserved honors and grateful for the example she sets for current and future Aggie leaders.”
Throughout her career, Lee has focused on creating opportunities through teaching, research, mentorship and collaboration while applying her expertise in economics and economic development to support communities and organizations. In 2024, she was recognized as one of New Mexico’s Top 50 Women Leaders by the Women We Admire Organization.
Lee said the recognition from National Taipei University of Business reflects the impact of the work she has been able to contribute throughout her career.
“I’m glad to have the chances of creating and adding value to higher education through teaching, research, student mentorship and institutional collaboration, and to the area of economic development through field practice,” Lee said. “This degree is the testimony and encouragement assuring me to keep contributing what I can.”
In her current roles with Arrowhead Center and Arrowhead Center Inc., Lee works with NMSU and community partners to support innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development initiatives.
Looking back on her time at NMSU, Lee said the most meaningful part of her career has been the opportunity to teach and mentor students as they pursue their goals.
“My love of an academic career lies first with the students,” Lee said. “Being able to teach them in class and seeing them grow into young professionals doing their best and leading the world are my ultimate pride and joy.”
She also credited the faculty members and professional staff she has worked alongside throughout her career, including those at Arrowhead Center and Arrowhead Center Inc., for providing valuable and rewarding experiences.
As Lee reflects on receiving recognition for her professional journey, she hopes her experience encourages students, faculty and aspiring leaders to pursue work guided by passion and purpose.
“Love what you do and do what you love,” Lee said. “Mark Twain says, ‘Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ I add: Keep doing the thing your passion is fulfilling. It is not for the purpose of being recognized, but to show who you are, a good and worthy worker.”