Advising services going remote since March 2020 has not curtailed excellence in The University of New Mexico’s advising community. The Provost’s Committee for Advising (PCA) recently recognized four recipients with the Excellence in Advising Award for their exemplary commitment to the advising profession, dedication to students, and the contribution to the greater good of their department, college or University.

They include: Armando Bustamante, Manuel López Aínza, Angela Pacheco and Tamara Martinez.

Armando Bustamante has worked in El Centro de la Raza for about 10 years and has been a staunch advocate for students, particularly those that feel disenfranchised.  He has been an instrumental driver behind UNM’s Undocu Training and serves on the UNM Dream Team, the Provost’s Undocu Taskforce and the Staff Council Executive Team.

Manuel (Manny) López Aínza, from the College of Arts & Sciences, is always developing ways to increase the overall experience of students on campus. Numerous students credit López Aínza for encouraging and supporting their goals, and making them feel more confident. He excels in helping students identify and apply for funding and other opportunities that can help change students’ lives.

Angela Pacheco, from the School of Architecture and Planning, has developed several innovative advising initiatives to increase student enrollment and graduation.  Her advocacy for students has helped many overcome obstacles. Pacheco helped build the online advising courses and process for NSO. . .To Go! under short deadlines, while balancing her normal work duties, and transitioning to working from home.  She serves on the PCA Leadership Council.

Tamara Martinez, from Student Support Services, works with first generation students in helping them learn to navigate the campus and their degree requirements. Her work ranges from helping students identifying funding resources to connecting them with numerous services to pursuing their academic path. Martinez is even known for helping students practice the art of conversation. She is active in several committees of the TRIO New Mexico organization.

“I’m always humbled to read how our award recipients positively impact the lives of students, and it’s a pleasure to recognize their strong work with our Excellence award,” said LauraValdez, director, Office of Advising Strategies.

Members of the selection committee included Marty Apodaca (Student Health and Counseling), Keri Baca (Human Resources), Carol Bartlett (Accessibility Resource Center), Daniel Borrego (Bursar) and Deborah Keiltyka (Admissions Office).

The awards will be presented in a virtual awards ceremony on Aug. 3.