UNM-Taos has strengthened its partnership with Taos Pueblo through a series of initiatives aimed at supporting the educational and economic goals of Tribal members. The collaboration, formalized in December 2024 with a memorandum of agreement signed by Taos Pueblo Governor Fred L. Romero and The University of New Mexico, builds on efforts that began during Kate O’Neill’s tenure as executive director from 2006 to 2016.
Chancellor Mary Gutierrez has maintained direct communication with the Taos Pueblo Governor’s office, Tribal Secretary, and Chief Operating Officer Shawn Duran. She emphasized the broader purpose of the partnership: “It also means that Tribal members are accessing more higher ed opportunities and achieving life goals through education,” Dr. Gutierrez said. “The big picture is that we have a respectful, productive relationship that continues to serve the Pueblo. Hopefully, as we educate together, harmful stereotypes and biases, misinformation, and lack of information will dissipate.”
UNM-Taos works alongside New Mexico Highlands University and UNM Albuquerque in areas such as Early Childhood Education, Elder Care, Teacher Preparation, and Social Work.
Indigenous Outreach Coordinator Chenoa Velarde maintains regular office hours at the Taos Pueblo Youth Trailer to assist prospective students with information about degrees, certificates, financial aid, advising services, tutoring, and library resources. Velarde stated: “My role is to primarily support understanding for prospective community members, Tribal programs, and high school students on the post-secondary process. I also support current UNM students through their academic journey as a point of connection.” She hopes the partnership will lead to sustainable practices that benefit Indigenous communities.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), led by Director Anwar Kaelin, holds monthly meetings at the Red Willow Education Center for clients from both Taos and Picuris Pueblos. Kaelin noted: “Meeting with clients at Taos Pueblo has greatly increased access to our services for those whose work, cultural, or family obligations make it difficult to travel off the Pueblo. This accessibility has encouraged more exploratory conversations, giving individuals the opportunity to discuss business ideas and ask questions before committing financial resources.” He added that these sessions have allowed entrepreneurs to better understand legal and tax issues related to operating businesses on tribal land.
Kaelin reported growing interest among Tribal members in transitioning informal enterprises into licensed businesses or expanding existing ones beyond the Pueblo boundaries. Many seek assistance with business licensing requirements or financial management strategies.
Elizabeth Campbell manages Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs tailored for Taos Pueblo’s workforce needs. Campbell explained: “Culturally and economically, we’re sort of inextricably tied to Taos Pueblo. We have a lot of reasons to think of them. First, they’re one of the largest employers in Taos County. And second, they have training needs.” CTE offerings include Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) permit preparation sessions held at Red Willow Education Center and fiber optic technician training funded by allocations from the New Mexico Higher Education Department.
Interest in technical training programs has spread across tribal communities statewide; recent cohorts included participants from other Pueblos as well as Navajo Nation residents. Campbell plans further classes such as Wilderness First Responder under NMHED grants so tuition can be covered for interested students.
Other collaborative efforts involve creative arts workshops like Native Voices Film Series between UNM-Taos Film & Digital Media Arts Program (FDMA) and Taos Pueblo along with Microsoft Suite training facilitated by UNM-Taos HIVE last spring.
Through these joint projects with local leaders and families—including entrepreneurship support programs—UNM-Taos aims to provide culturally informed pathways into higher education while empowering students throughout their academic journeys.
