A New Mexico State University graduate, Amanda Nunez returned to her alma mater as a staff member in 2021 and has spent five years supporting students and their needs, first as the Aggie Cupboard program specialist and now as assistant director of NMSU’s Student Assistance Services.
“Being an NMSU alumna makes my work even more meaningful,” Nunez said. “It is special to be able to give back to the university that played an important role in my own educational journey and now have the opportunity to support students as they work toward achieving their goals.”
For her hard work and dedication to serving students, Nunez was recognized with the 2026 “A” Mountain Staff Award Oct. 30 during NMSU’s Employee Appreciation Picnic. The “A” Mountain Staff Award recognizes staff members who demonstrate the NMSU core values of leadership, excellence, access, diversity and inclusion, and those who are student-centered.
As Student Assistance Services assistant director, Nunez routinely works with students, families, staff, faculty, donors, community partners and university leadership.
“One of the things I enjoy most is watching students discover who they are and who they want to become,” Nunez said. “Whether they are traditional or nontraditional students, everyone has their own story, challenges and goals. Being able to play even a small part in helping them navigate their journey and move toward their future is incredibly rewarding.”
Nunez said she was surprised by the recognition but acknowledged the Student Assistance Services team works together to support student well-being at NMSU.
“It is incredibly humbling to know that the work we do as a team is being noticed and, more importantly, that we are making a meaningful impact on the lives of students,” Nunez said.
In her current role, Nunez’s work includes non-clinical case management, crisis response and triage, risk assessment, student and family support, resource navigation, emergency assistance, basic-needs services, and the day-to-day coordination of NMSU’s Concern Assessment and Response, or CARE, Team.
“Amanda has a way of meeting students where they are without making assumptions about what they need or what their situation means. The students who come to Student Assistance Services are dealing with very different circumstances. Some are facing financial hardship, food insecurity, health concerns, family emergencies, academic disruption, housing issues, grief or situations that simply do not fit neatly into one office or one process,” said Joseph Molina, Student Assistance Services director who nominated Nunez.
“Amanda’s leadership is grounded in action” he added. “She is willing to step into difficult situations, make decisions, help coordinate people and keep things moving when students need support.”