Fort Lewis College has appointed a new vice president of Student Affairs.
Set to begin July 1, New Mexico-based Pamela Agoyo was chosen out of a pool of more than 50 candidates, the college said in a news release this week.
Agoyo, who is Cochiti Pueblo, Kewa Pueblo and Ohkay Owingeh, touts “more than three decades of experience in student success and higher education achievement,” the release said. She holds bachelor’s degrees in sociology and psychology, a master’s degree in organizational learning and instructional technology, and an executive MBA from the University of New Mexico.
She has worked as the University of New Mexico’s Special Assistant to the President for American Indian Affairs since 2001, and as the university’s executive director for Student Support in the Division of Student Affairs since 2023.
She also offers a long history of service on a range of boards, according to the release.
She has served as a member for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the College Board’s Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors for the National Indian Education Association, the Cobell Board of Trustees and acted as national co-chair for the College Board Native American Student Advocacy Institute.
“Pamela has a proven ability to turn strategy into meaningful outcomes for students,” FLC President Heather Shotton said in the release. “She is a proven leader, and her experience will be invaluable as we advance the work of creating an environment where every student feels supported and able to succeed.”
Agoyo expressed appreciation for Shotton’s leadership and FLC’s large percentage of Indigenous students.
“To be part of history, and a historical moment for this institution, is very motivational for me,” she said. “Representation is important. Given the institution’s history, elevating Indigenous thought and practice matters. ... (Shotton is) an intentional and purpose-driven visionary with a deep, unwavering commitment to the success of every student. I’m excited to support her goals for the institution.”
According to the release, Agoyo’s intentions for her first 90 days in the role at FLC include actively and intentionally listening to students, faculty, staff members and campus partners, and “aligning resources to support student well-being, retention, and a strong sense of belonging.”
epond@durangoherald.com
