UNM Provost Brian Foster recently announced the appointment of Rita Martinez-Purson, human resources group leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory, as dean of the UNM Division of Continuing Education and Community Services, effective July 8.
Since June of 2002, Martinez-Purson, who was one of more than 70 applicants for the position, has been responsible for overseeing human resource services for the lab's 1,800 employees, said Associate Provost and Search Committee Chairman David Stuart.
Stuart said Martinez-Purson stood out from the other candidates because of the amount of developmental work she has participated in and because she is a distinguished graduate of UNM which makes her aware of the educational and political landscape of the state.
"She just had an extra spark that made us believe that with the reigns in her hands the Division of Continuing Education and Community Services can achieve its goals," Stuart said.
Earlier this year, Foster announced the separation of UNM's Extended University from the UNM's Division of Continuing Education and Community Services, citing recent significant growth and development of the two organizations in ways requiring reorganization. Since 1999, when UNM's Extended University was formed, it has shared the organizational and management structure of the Division of Continuing Education.
"We're confident that Dr. Martinez-Purson will provide the kind of leadership and initiative that the Division of Continuing Education requires as it continues to improve aiding the community," Foster said. "She's incredibly dynamic in administrative positions and she has a proven track record to support that claim."
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
From 1984 to 2002, Martinez-Purson served as dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at the Santa Fe Community College, which was the largest of its kind in the state's community college system.
She also served as interim president of Santa Fe Community College, overseeing an annual operating budget of $17 million and carrying out the full responsibilities of administering the college from 1997-98.
"It's significant that much of her experience has been at another New Mexico institution of higher education, so she understands the state and how to go about aiding the department in seeing it's goals to fruition," Foster said. "We expect her to put a good face on the department and help the community realize what a large contribution it provides."
Martinez-Purson, who earned her master's degree in public administration and her doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision, said she believes the department plays a vital role in providing quality learning options for people of all ages, with a significant impact on workforce development in Albuquerque.
"My aim will be to expand the scope of programs, services and outreach in areas where we can best serve new and developing markets," Martinez-Purson said.
