Jose Griego, Ph. D.
Longtime educator and administrator Jose Griego was inaugurated as Northern New Mexico College’s fifth president on April 21, 2005. Dr. Griego received his Master of Arts degree in Modern and Classical Languages and his doctoral degree in Multicultural Teacher and Childhood Education from UNM. “If I had to summarize all that is happening here at the college in one word, I would use the word transformation, and everyone at the college plays a key role in that change.”
Michael P. Branch
Term: 01/01/2003 – 12/31/2008
Mr. Branch is a College of Santa Fe graduate and owner of Branch Realty in Santa Fe since 1976. Mr. Branch was a student at Northern New Mexico Normal School in El Rito in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. “The visions and dreams planted and nurtured by our founders, leaders and stakeholders have become a reality.”
Dennis Salazar
Term: 01/01/2003 – 12/31/2008
Mr. Salazar, a longtime Espanola businessman, served as Regent from 1971 to 1984 during the institution’s transition from technical vocational school to community college in the late 1970’s. Mr. Salazar also attended Northern New Mexico Normal School in El Rito in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. “I desire to bring affordable, quality education to the people of northern New Mexico.”
Theresa M. Martinez
Term: 01/12/2005 – 12/31/2010
Ms. Martinez retired in 2005 after serving 30 years as an educator with the Espanola Public Schools. Before retiring in 2005 she served as principal of Los Ninos Kindergarten Center. Ms. Martinez received her B.A. degree in Home Economics and Special Education and her M.A. degree in Guidance and Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University. “I am very proud to serve as Regent during this exciting time of change and growth of Northern.”
Feliberto Martinez
Term: 06/20/2007 – 12/31/2012
A longtime educator, Mr. Martinez received his B.A. degree from New Mexico Highlands University and his M.A. degree in Educational Administration from UNM in 1968. Mr. Martinez was a teacher for 10 years, a high school principal for 9 years and served as Assistant Superintendent of Pojoaque Valley Public Schools for 6 years. “Northern, on the move toward frontiers, provides diverse educational experiences for the youth of northern New Mexico.”
Cecille Martinez-Wechsler
Term: 01/18/2008 – 12/31/2012
Ms. Martinez-Wechsler is a retired educator, having served as a principal, diagnostician, and teacher in the Santa Fe Public Schools. She earned an Ed.S degree in Administration and a M.A. degree in Learning Disabilities/Educational Diagnosis from the University of New Mexico, and received a B.S. degree in Education from Southern Connecticut University. “I am proud of NNMC. It is truly an educational jewel, and I look forward to participating in its continued success.”