About
The University of New Mexico recognizes the important perspectives, assets, and experiences that first-generation college students bring to the postsecondary environment. These students – the first in their family to attend college – contribute meaninfully to the campus environment and are poised to make a difference in their families and communities, as well as in our state and global society.
UNM, as a FirstGen Foward designated institution through NASPA, has advanced first-gen-focused initiatives while also better understanding a historical paradigm of department-level practices that meaninfully contribute to first-generation student success.
UNM First-Gen Focus Committee
The UNM First-Gen Focus committee is charged with identifying, tracking, and encouraging the implementation of empirically researched best practices that have been shown to benefit first-generation college students and advance their likelihood of postsecondary student success outcomes. Further, the committee is responsible for implementing visible and engaging celebrations of the contributions that first-generation students make to the UNM community.
Current membership of the committee includes:
- Olivia Torres Jojola, Program Planning Officer, UNM Online
- Alyssa Martinez, Student Success Specialist, Sr., UNM-Main Student Support Services-TRIO
- Florencio Olguin, Director of Operations, Division of Student Affairs
- Pam Agoyo, Executive Director for Student Support, Division of Student Affairs
- Vanisha Neha, Student Success Specialist, Sr., American Indian Student Services
- Trinidad Mendoza, Supv, Student Success, College Enrichment Program
- Jennifer Lucero, Strategic Support Manager, Office of Advising Strategies
- Jennifer Serrano, Student Success Specialist, Sr., McNair/ROP
- Cash Clifton, Director of Academic Communities, University College
- Kimimila Simms, Director, UNM-Gallup TRIO-Student Support Services
- Ajae Ortiz, Student Representative, First-Generation Community
- Tina Zuniga, Program Planning Officer, Division of Student Affairs
Contact Us
