Monthly Archives: January, 2017

1. Irish Rhythm of the Dance Performs in Ilfeld February 15

     Las Vegas, N.M – Highlands University presents Rhythm of the Dance, the National Dance Company of Ireland, in concert Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. in the university’s historic Ilfeld Auditorium, 900 University Ave. Rhythm of the Dance showcases the journey of Irish Celts throughout history, combining dance and music to unite the contemporary and…

2. Geology Graduate Accepted to a Top Geoscience Doctoral Program

   Las Vegas, N.M. – A Highlands University geology graduate student will begin her doctoral studies at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, one of the top geoscience research universities in the country. Sarah Shields earned a master’s degree in geology from Highlands in December 2016 with a 3.9 GPA and a bachelor’s degree in environmental…

3. Anthropology Prof Advises New Latino Studies Program at Santa Fe Nonprofit

   Las Vegas, N.M – A Highlands University cultural anthropology professor is advising the Santa Fe-based School for Advanced Research in creating a new Latino Studies Program aimed at increasing the pipeline for Latino scholars from throughout the United States. Highlands cultural anthropology professor Mario Gonzales shared his expertise in U.S. and Mexican immigration and border…

4. Monthly Accreditation Forum January 23, 2017

   Las Vegas, N.M. – Highlands University’s monthly accreditation forum Jan. 23 highlighted the new contingent faculty handbook, evaluation process, and orientation. Contingent faculty include part-time and full-time non-tenure track faculty. “The contingent faculty handbook is the resource they need to succeed as teachers for our students,” said Brandon Kempner, a Highlands English professor who is…

5. Highlands Loves Alumni Feb. 9 Benefits Campaign for Football Field

   Las Vegas, N.M. – The Highlands Loves Alumni event Feb. 9 is a festive and free evening of food, music, fun and a silent auction that benefits the Home Field Advantage Campaign aimed at replacing the university’s 14-year-old football field. The Valentine’s celebration will be in the Student Center, 800 National Ave., from 5:30 –…

6. Gieri Named HU Director of Information Technology

   LAS VEGAS, N.M. – New Mexico Highlands can be at the forefront of making technology more efficient for the state’s colleges and universities, according to the university’s new director of information technology. “To me, higher education is paramount,” said Joe Gieri, who became Highlands’ director of information technology in January. “We have to have a…

7. HU Professor Named Jefferson Fellow

   LAS VEGAS, NM – The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine named a Highlands University professor as one of its 2017-18 Jefferson Science Fellows. Ernest Greene, a professor of engineering and biology at Highlands, will begin his fellowship work in August, influencing science policy at the U.S. Department of State. Greene is one of…

8. Lightwire Theater Presents Moon Mouse in Ilfeld Jan. 27

   Las Vegas, N.M – The Lightwire Theater performs Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in Highlands University’s historic Ilfeld Auditorium, 900 University Ave. Moon Mouse is a theatrical production for children and adults that tells the story of Marvin the Mouse and his adventures flying to the moon. Forty luminous characters…

9. Workshop Feb. 1 for Counselors and Education Leaders

   Las Vegas, N.M. – New Mexico high school and community college counselors along with education leaders will learn more about what Highlands University has to offer at a free workshop Feb. 1. The workshop will be from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Highlands main campus in Las Vegas in the Student Center, 800…

10. Spring Semester 2017 Begins

    Margaret McKinney/Highlands University Highlands University sophomores Javier Espinoza, left, and Maeli García talk on their way to class Jan. 18 on the first day of spring semester at Highlands. Espinoza is a social work major and García is a secondary education major. Both students are from Coachella, California.

11. Jeanie Flood New Nursing Director at Highlands

    Las Vegas, N.M. – Jeanie Flood is the new nursing director at New Mexico Highlands University’s online RN-BSN Program. Flood holds a doctorate in nursing and has more than 15 years of experience in nursing education. Since 2004, she taught on the nursing faculty at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where she led the…

12. Republic of Georgia Photography Featured in Ray Drew Gallery Exhibit

    Las Vegas, N.M. – A photography show titled “Dagger and Cathedral” featuring portraits and landscapes of the Republic of Georgia opens in the Ray Drew Gallery Jan. 18. Stuart Gelzer, the photographer, will be at the opening reception Jan. 20 from 4 – 6 p.m. Gelzer’s photography spans four decades and four continents. His work…

13. English Prof Leads American Memoirs Reading Group

    Las Vegas, N.M – An upcoming reading group at Highlands University will explore three American memoirs. “The Truth Be Told: Contemporary American Memoirs” reading and discussion group begins Feb. 7. Highlands University English professor Lauren Fath will lead the group. “We were looking for breadth within the genre of memoirs, and these three selections provide…

14. Makerspace studio planned – Founder wants to make science fun

    By Mercy Lopez/Las Vegas Optic While pursuing his master’s degree at Highlands University, Mariano Ulibarri developed a program to help young people by teaching them about technology while making it fun and exciting. He opened up his Parachute Factory organization and its Makerspace area in February 2013. Ulibarri held many events and camps at his previous…

15. Music Prof Solos in Premiere of Los Bufones Musical Theater Production

    Las Vegas, N.M. – A Highlands University music professor is a lead vocal soloist in the premiere of Los Bufones, a melodic new concert theater piece, at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. André García-Nuthmann, a tenor, will sing in the Albuquerque production that portrays court life during the Spanish King Philip IV’s reign from 1605…

16. Stellar HU Woman Tapped for AAUW Scholarship

    Las Vegas, N.M. – The Las Vegas chapter of the American Association of University Women awarded a $2,000 scholarship to a stellar nontraditional Highlands University student. Patti Dobbe, 58, retired in 2014 after a 30-year career in criminal justice as a probation officer and administrator. She is on track to complete her master’s degree in…

17. 2017 Brings Big Change for HU Football

    LAS VEGAS, NM – Major changes are in store for the Cowboys football team both on the field – literally – and off. The New Mexico Highlands Foundation is conducting a fundraising drive, the Home Field Advantage Campaign, to replace Highlands’ 14-year-old football field, and the team will be led by a new interim head…

18. HU Names New Provost

    LAS VEGAS, NM – Roxanne Gonzales knows firsthand how education can change a community. “My father grew up in the South Valley in Albuquerque and was the first in his neighborhood to graduate from college,” Gonzales said. “His legacy fueled in me a dedication to serving individuals who have a desire to gain an education.”…

19. HU Names New Dean of Social Work

      LAS VEGAS, NM – New Mexico Highlands named Cristina Durán as the new dean of the university’s Facundo Valdez School of Social Work. Durán has served as the school’s interim associate dean since July, 2014. “I’ve been with the school for many years in a variety of roles,” Durán said. “I want to be…