The recipients of UNM’s Compliance, Ethics & Equal Opportunity Office’s (CEEO) first-ever ACE awards have been announced.

UNM’s Compliance Week has adhered to the theme of ACE, Advancing Compliance and Ethics. In addition to a week of events between Nov. 7 and 11, the office is celebrating four honorees of the ACE awards.

The CEEO recognizes individuals across campus that dedicate their work in Advancing Compliance and Ethics and promoting a better UNM. The following four awardees were chosen for their contributions which enhance and promote a healthy, ethical, and compliant working and learning environment at UNM. 

 Dr. Barbara Rodriguez  | Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs 
Always ready to collaborate on anything that improves the life of faculty, Barbara Rodriguez exemplifies ACE leadership skills integrity. SVP Rodriguez oversees the Office for Academic Personnel which provides information to administrators and faculty to help them navigate policies and procedures that govern their rights and responsibilities as UNM employees. The Office oversees the processing of all personnel matters relevant to Main and Branch campus faculty and helps ensure compliance with University policies and procedures, as well as State and Federal laws and regulations relevant to Main and Branch campus faculty.  

Amy Beggin | Associate Athletic Director for Compliance/Athletics Deputy Title IX Coordinator 
Athletics compliance is a robust function that seeks excellence and integrity in UNM athletics program. From coordinating life skills programming for athletes, to educating on and monitoring compliance with NCAA regulations, Amy Beggin makes sure our Lobo athletes are strong students and competitive athletes and that UNM follows the myriad of NCAA and Mountain West regulations. Amy also serves as UNM Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Athletics, ensuring that athletes can compete and learn free from gender harassment and discrimination.   

Dr. Angela Catena | UNM Title IX Coordinator
The Title IX Coordinator role is complex and every changing due to the constant changes to federal sex discrimination laws. Dr. Catena’s function at UNM is to coordinate Main and Branch Campuses’ efforts to comply with Title IX regulations. This includes developing a grievance procedure for those that face gender discrimination, overseeing sex discrimination investigations, and preventing discrimination and sexual misconduct through training and education. The role is multi-faceted and emotionally challenging, and Angela works hard to ensure that working and learning at UNM is safe, healthy, and fair. 

Jeff Gassaway | Information Security and Privacy Officer (ISPO)
In the age of quickly developing technology, Jeff Gassaway’s role is key to promoting compliance and ethics at UNM. The ISPO assists in protecting our data and information from viruses, hackers, and threats. The ISPO also tracks vulnerabilities, keeps abreast of complex data security laws, and develops policies, procedures, and initiatives that ensure the safety of data and student and employee private information. Behind the scenes, the ISPO is working hard to protect Lobo’s privacy and vital data.  

The winners will be presented with a plaque and highlighted across social media. There will be a small recognition gathering on Nov. 18, at CEEO from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be cake and snacks.

Learn more about Compliance Week and CEEO at the Compliance, Ethics & Equal Opportunity Office.