Karen Montoya has served in a variety of roles at NMSU for nearly two decades. She began her career in 2006 in Accounts Payable before moving to Accounting and Financial Reporting, Financial Systems Administration, and then to the Cooperative Extension Service. There, she worked in the Southwest District Office, alongside District Director Tom Dean, for 11 years.
In 2023, Montoya joined the President’s Office as a special executive administrative assistant. She describes the role as dynamic, noting that no two days are the same. Her responsibilities include supporting the president’s executive assistant with projects, events and budget-related tasks, in addition to serving as the Hadley Hall building monitor.
“I love the people I work with; we truly function as a team and respect and value each other’s contributions,” Montoya said. “There’s never a dull moment. Coming from a retail background, I’ve found NMSU to be an incredible work environment – one that people should truly appreciate.”
Montoya has an associate degree from Doña Ana Community College. In 2016, she received the Distinguished Staff Award from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. She will celebrate 20 years of service at NMSU in August.