Rob Burford, who serves as the Clery Act compliance officer for The University of New Mexico, has been awarded Exemplary Service Recognition for his work with the National Student Exchange.

Burford has been actively involved as a National Student Exchange coordinator for 10 years. He served on the NSE Council for four years, two of which he chaired. For many years, he has mentored those new to their NSE responsibilities and also served as a member of the Encouragement Team.

A letter from the NSE recognizing Burford’s efforts said: “Rob Burford is passionate about the NSE and the students he serves. The many students he receives are provided all that they need for a successful exchange as well as an opportunity to learn about all things New Mexico. His outgoing student population is among the highest in the consortium. He leads by example in encouraging his coordinator colleagues to stretch themselves to involve more of their own outgoing students.”

With the retirement of Vice President Wendel Wickland, Burford stepped up to help. He volunteered to plan and present the NSE new coordinator orientation in 2014 in St. Louis, Mo.

He created a relationship with ZIA Graphics to provide NSE apparel for members to easily purchase. This agreement provides some monetary contribution for the organization and helps spread the word and better markets the National Student Exchange.

In 2015 Burford welcomed NSE coordinators to Albuquerque for the Annual Placement Conference. As local host, he worked to make sure everyone enjoyed the city, the conference, and all he had planned (opening dinner, UNM tour, and a Saturday excursion to Acoma Pueblo). It started with him picking Council members up at the airport and talking the group to an unforgettable dinner that evening. He stepped up to take a greater than anticipated role in conference coordination due to the absence of the NSE president.

In his role at UNM, Burford works to ensure institutional compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act. He has worked at UNM for more than 20 years and currently works to ensure institutional compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act.