Staff Spotlight: Marissa Fowler, Center for Academic Advising and Student Support

Three-time Aggie alumna Marissa Fowler shares her pride in all the work she’s done at New Mexico State University and recently received a special recognition: the individual “A” Mountain Award for spring 2023.

“I’m very honored to be singled out in a community of outstanding staff who are equally dedicated to supporting NMSU students,” she said.

Fowler earned a bachelor’s degree in creative media and a master’s and doctorate in educational leadership and administration. During her 13-year tenure at NMSU, she’s worked within academic advising, university admissions, NMSU’s transfer center, Aggie Welcome & Orientation, and has also run the Student Success Navigate peer-mentoring program.

“As a student-affairs professional, especially within academic advising, you get to work with students every single day, all day long,” Fowler said. “That gives insight into all the challenges our students face and how hard they work to have this educational opportunity.”

Fowler currently serves as the associate director for the Center for Academic Advising and Student Support. She said her favorite part of the job is her incredible team of advisers who show up every day giving their all to support NMSU students.

“Being a part of their journey is a privilege but also comes with a lot of responsibility. The choices of staff, faculty and the institution itself matter in the long-term success of our students,” she said. “When we can do that well, students have a better chance of success. At a school like NMSU, that not only impacts the student, but their family. We have an opportunity for generational change and that’s very powerful.”