Dona Ana Community College president to retire in 2014

Dr. Margie Huerta, president of NMSU-Dona Ana Community College (NMSU-DACC), on Dec. 13, 2012, notified interim New Mexico State University president Manuel T. Pacheco of her intent to retire from NMSU-DACC, effective January 31, 2014.

Pacheco met with Dr. Huerta and has accepted her letter of retirement. In the coming months, Pacheco will work with her and the DACC leadership team to ensure an effective transition.

More information from Pacheco’s statement on Huerta’s tenure:

Dr. Huerta assumed the leadership of NMSU-DACC in 2004. During the course of her tenure, DACC became one of the fastest growing community colleges in the nation. The enrollment increased by more than 50 percent from a headcount of 6,083 in 2004 to more than 9,800 in 2012. NMSU-DACC is currently the fourth largest institution of higher education in New Mexico.

Under her guidance, the community college responded to local needs by providing new satellite campuses in Chaparral, Gadsden, Hatch and the flagship DACC East Mesa campus. This expansion was made possible by her persuasive and vibrant efforts to pass local general obligation bond issues which provided the bulk of funding for the new satellite campuses.

Dr. Huerta was equally effective in her civic engagement, serving on numerous boards and organizations. Her skills and leadership were recognized with her election to serve as chair of both the Hispano Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce.

She was instrumental in forging stronger relationships with the three local school districts. Her innovative approaches helped create The Bridge, which defined a new paradigm for public education and the business community. This led to making the first Early College High School (ECHS) in New Mexico a reality. The success of the ECHS is so remarkable that the model is now touted across the state for possible expansion.

I want to thank Dr. Huerta for her passion and hard work in moving NMSU DACC forward. Her time as president will be remembered as one of great growth. It was also one in which Dona Ana Community College established itself as a critically important force in the economic well being of our region.

Please join with me in thanking Dr. Huerta for her years of service to our citizens and wishing her good fortune in all future endeavors.