New Mexico

Public Education Department

300 Don Gaspar
Santa Fe , New Mexico 87501-2786
www.ped.state.nm.us

Dr. Veronica C. García

Secretary of Education

Beverly Friedman

Public Information Officer

505.827.6661

Press Release

For Immediate Release: October 28, 2005

Assistant Education Secretary Geri Romero-Roybal Honored As a NMSU Distinguished Alumni

SANTA FE, NM – Assistant Education Secretary Geri Romero-Roybal will be honored this weekend as a New Mexico State University Distinguished Alumni from the university’s College of Education at a number of events that coincide with Homecoming celebrations.

“I have spent 27 blessed years in education, doing what I love, and I am truly honored that NMSU has honored me for this service to the students of New Mexico,” said Romero-Roybal.

“I am thrilled to see Assistant Secretary Romero-Roybal receive this honor,” said Education Secretary Dr. Veronica C. García.  “She is most deserving and has consistently demonstrated ethical and effective leadership through her many roles in public education.  Ms. Romero-Roybal works tirelessly often behind the scenes content to be out of the limelight.  It is certainly her time to shine.  We at the PED are most proud of her.”

“Geri Romero-Roybal has dedicated her professional career to the improvement of educational programs in New Mexico,” said Dean Robert D. Moulton of NMSU College of Education.   “As a teacher, assistant principal, and associate superintendent, she has provided insight and leadership in the improvement of learning for New Mexico’s children.  She makes New Mexico, and New Mexico State University, proud of her accomplishments.”

Romero-Roybal began the Friday morning at NMSU by teaching a teacher preparation class that was followed by lunch with Education College Dean Moulton. She was the guest of honor at an afternoon reception and a formal dinner held Friday evening. On Saturday will participate in the NMSU Presidential reception to honor distinguished alumni, ride in the Homecoming Parade, and be recognized during the football game at half time.

Romero-Roybal grew up in Velarde, New Mexico and graduated from Espanola High School. She received her Bachelor’s in elementary education in 1979 and her Master’s from the University of New Mexico in Education Administration in 1987. She was Principal of Washington Middle School in Albuquerque, the Associate Superintendent of Santa Fe Public Schools and was appointed by Governor Bill Richardson in 2003 as the Assistant Secretary of Education for the New Mexico Public Education Department. She serves on the Executive Board of the Governor’s Business Executives for Education and the Executive Board of the Alliance for Teaching and Learning.

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