Inside SFCC – Winter 2016

INSIDE SFCC S A N TA F E C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E | W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

In this issue

A Pulse on Health Care Getting Paid for Loving Cars Alumna is a DREAMer and Doer

FEATURE

A Pulse on Health Care

Associate and Bachelor Degrees Can Now Be Earned Together Ashley Archuleta, 26, decided to pursue a health care career because she learned first hand the role of skilled, compassionate care. She was born with multiple medical complications and spent many days in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Archuleta says, “knowing that the nurses put in 110 percent every shift to make sure I was healthy and that I would be able to push through medical conditions that could have ultimately ended my life is what drove me to become a nurse. I want to give back and change someone else’s life the way that those nurses and doctors changed mine.” Archuleta will graduate in December with an associate degree in nursing from SFCC and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from New Mexico State University.

The college is a leader in a national initiative of APIN (Academic Progression in Nursing), which is working to help states achieve the goal of increasing the number of nurses with a bachelor’s degree to 80 percent by 2020.

“We’re in the forefront of this important movement,” Dean of Science, Health, Engineering and Math Jenny Landen, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, said. The college has partnerships with New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico to enable nursing students to get a bachelor’s degree through an accelerated or traditional program. Last December, six SFCC students were the first to graduate with both degrees, making SFCC the second community college in the state to graduate co-enrolled students. The college currently has about 90 students working simultaneously on their associate and bachelor’s nursing degrees.

The Sim Labs offer nursing students, such as Jacqueline Herrera, an opportunity to develop critical skills in a controlled environment.

Landen says the outstanding health care faculty-staff collaboration with clinical partners such as Christus St. Vincent Regional

Medical Center contributes to SFCC’s successful outcomes. In addition, the college’s state-of-the art Sim Labs provide students with a high-quality, hands-on experiential learning environment. “When folks came through from John Hopkins University to tour our Sim Labs, they were impressed. We have one of the largest and best-equipped simulation centers in the region.”

Archuleta refers to the Sim Labs as “a great tool” to apply what students learn and to develop critical thinking skills. The labs are set up like hospital rooms, both for regular and intensive care/ER patients, with standard medical equipment. “We also have dummies that act as patients. They have ‘blood’ running through them, and they are able to talk to us as well,” she added.

Throughout the country, as baby boomers age, the demand for trained health care workers has soared.

In Santa Fe County, where almost 20 percent of the population is 65 and older, the demand is even higher than in the rest of the nation.

Fortunately, the college is on track to fill those demands. Graduates from health care programs have dramatically increased from 2010 to 2014.

The number of degrees that SFCC students earned jumped from 66 to 128, and the number of certificates they earned rose from 105 to 233. The Nursing Program is just one segment of the health care education spectrum. The college also offers associate degrees in allied health, dental health, paramedicine, medical assisting, respiratory therapy and radiologic technology. Students also can earn

Similar to a hospital setting, students can monitor “patients” in the Sim Lab.

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certificates in home health/nursing aide, dental assisting, expanded functional dental auxillary, medical assistant, paramedicine, phlebotomy and emergency medical technician (basic and intermediate).

“WE HAVE ONE OF THE LARGEST AND BESTEQUIPPED SIMULATION CENTERS IN THE REGION, PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH AN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.” – Jenny Landen, Dean of Science, Health, Engineering and Math Director of Nursing and Allied Health Susan Winter says students interested in health care as a career have plenty of options in addition to nursing. Many are pursuing a second career or returning to school so they can upgrade their skills and obtain certifications. For example, Archuleta first got a certificate in phlebotomy. She worked for three years as phlebotomist before returning in 2013 to study nursing.

Archuleta notes how valuable SFCC’s clinical experiences are.

She’s mostly worked on the general hospital floor, but also had rotations in the emergency room and the intensive care unit.

With her well-rounded experience and education, she is bound to move swiftly to the top of her profession — something both she and SFCC will take pride in for years to come.

“Rad” Tech

Training for Good-Paying Health Care Jobs Bailey Benton, 20, was thrilled when SFCC’s Radiologic Technology Program began this spring. “I had a family friend when I was ten who was studying about X-rays and we’d talk about it. I’ve been interested since then.”

Radiologic technologists are health care professionals who perform diagnostic imaging procedures. The new program was created in response to a growing demand for this specialized training in northern New Mexico. The U.S. Department of Labor projects a job growth of 21 percent between 2012-2022 with a median annual wage of $54,000.

An associate degree in Radiologic Technology is a prerequisite for those interested in further training in imaging.

Once Benton completes her degree at SFCC, she plans to go on to advanced study. “I’m interested in getting training in work with MRI or CAT scans,” she said. “I’ve been intrigued with learning about post-mortem CAT scans for criminal cases where an autopsy can’t be done.”

To learn more about the program, contact Interim Director of Radiologic Technology Michael Frain at 505-428-1649 or michael.frain@sfcc.edu.

DREAMer’s Aspirations Motivate Her Success “I learned a lot from Ernest Kavanaugh (Director of Student Development) when I was a student ambassador,” she says. She became the student body president in 2009 and was involved in many social causes. “There are so many to thank, but Rebecca Estrada (Executive Director of the Higher Education Center and Academic Partnerships), Dr. Meredith Machen (former administrator, now retired) and Letty Naranjo (Director of Adult Education) were champions for me,” she says.

Alumna Cindy Nava is proud to be known as DREAMer*, but she also considers herself a “Doer,” who is not just concerned about her own dreams, but passionate about helping others achieve their dreams. She is focusing her passion in the political arena. “I want to be a voice for those who don’t have one,” she explains.

As a DREAMer, Nava became the first undocumented immigrant to serve as an intern for the Democratic National Committee Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Nava’s parents immigrated to the U.S. when she was a child, and she currently awaits the approval of her legal status.

The talented 27-year-old, who was called a national rising Latina political star by the Huffington Post, says her love of politics and her leadership skills were developed while she was a student at SFCC.

Cindy Nava met U.S. Secretary of Housing Julián Castro when she received the Rising Star Award from the New Mexico Democratic Party.

While she enjoyed her experience in D.C., Nava says her “heart is in New Mexico where she would love to serve the people of the state.”

Her first state legislative internship was with former N.M. Sen. Cynthia Nava, D-Las Cruces. “Everyone assumed I was related. I’m not, but Continued on page 4

* DREAMer: immigrants in the United States who might be, or might become, eligible for the Obama Administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Initiative.

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CAMPUS NEWS LOVE OF CARS SPARKS CAREER

DREAMer it was interesting working with someone with the same name,” she said. The senator became one of her role models. She’s had many internships, but her longest has been working with Senate Majority Floor Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen.

“Cindy is a perfect example of how hard work, dedication and steady focus on longterm goals can change one’s life for the better,” Senator Sanchez said. “She has not only changed her own young life for the better, she has also positively affected many other lives with her enthusiasm and experience.

“Her work with ENLACE NM, an organization that works with underrepresented people, is indicative of her passion for assimilating immigrants into the American way of life.

With her drive to help the less fortunate, she is an Cindy Nava worked in Washington, inspiration to all who know D.C. as the first undocumented her, and an avid student of immigrant to serve as an intern for life, constantly seeking out the Democratic National Committee new experiences. Her quest Headquarters. to learn the intricacies of the political process will prepare her to help even more people throughout her lifetime. I have no doubt that she will run for office and win someday.”

Jonathan Zamora, 19, loves everything about cars. When he graduated from Capital High School, he was planning to go to college in Farmington to study automotive technology. Then he heard about the new Automotive Technology Program at SFCC and was thrilled to begin his studies in his hometown.

His dream was to work in the area. After starting at SFCC last fall, he became a full-time lube technician at Toyota of Santa Fe in January. He is continuing to take classes and plans to earn his degree.

In addition to offering an Associate of Applied Science degree, the Automotive Technology Program offers seven certificates: automotive engine repair, auto maintenance and light truck repair, automatic transmission transaxle, automotive heating and air conditioning, brakes, manual transmission and drive train, as well as steering suspension.

Gilbert Sena, associate professor and director of the program, brings a wealth of experience to the college. Not only has he taught college-level classes in automotive technology for 13 years, he also owned an automotive repair business and has worked as a service manager and service technician at dealerships around the state.

“There’s a huge demand for individuals who have specialized training and certifications,” Sena said. “Every auto technician needs proper tools and our corporate partner Snap-On Tools helps students get those tools at a greatly discounted rate.”

According to New Mexico employment wage statistics, experienced technicians can earn about $46,000, while master technicians earn double that figure or more.

After her studies at SFCC, Nava transferred to the University of New Mexico and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Education Leadership and Policy, with a concentration in higher education. She plans to obtain a doctoral degree in Policy.

Her transition to UNM was challenging. She would rise at dawn to take the train from Santa Fe to Albuquerque. Her days and nights were filled with classes, fellowships, internships and of course, much homework that she’d finish around midnight.

But that wasn’t the toughest part – it was coping with the fear all undocumented immigrants face – that of deportation.

Keeping focused on her dream of citizenship and educational opportunities kept her moving forward one day at a time.

Today Nava is living in Albuquerque and is a graduate research fellow and legislative bill tracker for the UNM Center for Education Policy Research. In keeping with her desire to serve, she is also a community outreach fellow for ENLACE New Mexico and a Civic Engagement Capacity builder for UNM’s Community Engagement Center.

How has she accomplished so much in so little time? “You need dedication, cultural grounding, passion and consistency,” she says.

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Ivan Gomez and Jonathan Zamora enjoy hands-on work in the Automotive Technology Program.

MAKING MATH ANXIETY DISAPPEAR In the past, navigating through the maze of steps to meet math requirements was often seen as a daunting challenge. For many, these steps seemed more like stumbling blocks rather than steps forward. So this academic year, the Math Department rolled out a new approach that not only helps students learn what they need to know in math, but also lead to better results.

Carrie Nash, a 27-year-old psychology major, said her fear of algebra has “stood in the way of finishing my prerequisites before.”

But now enrolled in Math 119 (math for non-science majors) she says she’s able to see how math applies to everyday life.

“Inventory tracking using Excel is key at my job (as the manager at both Santa Fe Brewing Company locations) and my Math 119 is helping me master this extremely useful program.”

John Pantano, Mathematics Department chair said, “The redesign of our math curriculum is still a work in progress, but we are getting good feedback from students and faculty.”

The college decided to revamp the math program after realizing that too many students taking remedial mathematics courses were losing interest or – worse – dropping out. “We’ve made it easier and faster for students to become ready to tackle collegelevel courses so they can feel confident about moving forward toward earning a degree,” Pantano said. The new pathways reduce the time a student needs to take mathematics by one or two semesters.

SFCC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS CONTRACT FOR A BETTER TOMORROW For many students, life has a way of presenting overwhelming challenges.

At SFCC, there are numerous resources to help each student earn a degree. One such program is Contract for a Better Tomorrow.

“Words are not sufficient to quantify my feelings as a recipient of the CBT Scholarship,” says Angela Udemezue. “CBT inspires me to achieve my BSN by encouraging and supporting me. Because of CBT, I am optimistic about having a bright future.”

Angela is a student in SFCC’s associate-toBSN partnership with New Mexico State University. She and her husband Gabriel are from Nigeria. Both are the first in their families to go to college. Together, they visited SFCC, and upon discovering a friendly and helpful environment decided to enroll. They will graduate in 2017, earning at once an AAS and a BSN degree.

Medical Assisting major Andrea Lomayaktewa (Hopi) explains that being a part of CBT is so important to her because it helps pay rent, buy food and provide extra cash. “It feels good to know that I earned that money by attending class and getting good grades,” she says. “There are times when I want to give up, but the staff here are willing to help students succeed in their schooling, and I tell myself that I am here to show my younger siblings that hard work does pay off.”

Valerie Grimley, Ph.D., manages the CBT program.

She knows that for some students staying focused on studies can be hard.

“Through CBT I can give them the support and the encouragement to address those obstacles and keep them on a path to graduate.”

Contract for a Better Tomorrow is a performance-based scholarship that helps first-generation college students graduate from SFCC. The scholarship and individualized support that students CBT Scholarship receive through CBT are recipients Angela Udemezue, above, an investment on behalf of and Andrea Loma- the Domanica Foundation, yaktewa, left. with matching funds from the SFCC Foundation.

Thanks to the support of SFCC Governing Board Members and others, CBT has graduated more than 300 students since the partnership began in 2005. To learn more, contact Student Employment Program Manager Valerie Grimley at 505-428-1285 or valerie.grimley@sfcc.edu.

NUSENDA CREDIT UNION Anastacio Trujillo and Nestor Lopez from Nusenda Credit Union were recently on campus to present a gift of $5,500 for student scholarships. SFCC Foundation will match the amount to make an even bigger impact. SFCC thanks Nusenda for supporting student success.

SANTA FE HUMAN RIGHTS ALLIANCE The Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance raised more than $10,000 to benefit SFCC’s LGBTQ+ students at the group’s recent Second Annual Scholarship Gala. President Randy Grissom, Mayor Javier Gonzales, Center for Diversity and Integrated Learning Coordinator Emily Stern, Assistant Professor of Math Jaime Hurtado, and Technology Support Specialist Jovan Griego helped celebrate the event.

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NOTEWORTHY

KUDOS Culinary Arts graduate Joshua Grimes was a competitor on a recent episode of Cutthroat Kitchen on the Food Network. He works as the Executive Sous Chef for the Bon Appetit Company at Santa Clara University.

SFCC’S HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER SCORES HIGH PRAISE The Higher Education Center has earned LEED-Gold status from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized environmental program that verifies that a building was designed and built in a way that would improve energy savings, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and CO2 emissions reduction.

The Associated General Contractors of New Mexico honored the Higher Education Center as overall Winner of the 26th Annual Best Building Awards.

The HEC was also awarded Winner status in four categories: Building $5$10 million, LEED-Certifiable Project, Construction Management-at-Risk and Building Information Modeling.

The Best Buildings Awards honor the best in commercial construction and are judged by accomplished peers who look deeper into the construction management challenges, expertise of crafts and sustainability of a project and exemplify outstanding construction management.

The Higher Education Center received the Award of Excellence-Education for project design and construction from the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties New Mexico, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association.

Lynette Martinez, a May 2015 graduate of the Respiratory Care Program, was awarded “Rookie of the Year” by Presbyterian Hospital’s Pulmonary Department. She began work there while a student in the program, was fully credentialed and licensed and then was hired as a regular staff member. Martinez sat for the Neonatal Pediatric Specialist credential and is working on a bachelor’s degree at Boise State.

ALGAE INDUSTRY MAGAZINE’S READERS RECOGNIZE SFCC • SFCC’s Biofuels Center of Excellence won 3rd Place in the Education Category.

• Director of SFCC’s Biofuels Center of Excellence Luke Spangenburg won 4th Place in the Category of Algae Ambassador.

• Spangenburg’s company New Solutions Energy, which operates in conjunction with SFCC, earned 3rd Place in the category of Cultivation Equipment.

• SFCC alumnus Nicholas Petrovic’s company Apogee Spirulina, a partner with SFCC’s Biofuels Lab, earned 3rd Place in the category of Algae Microfarm.

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Says Joshua, “We are a food service for a sustainable future. We oversee 10 cafés on campus and run private events like weddings and graduation parties as well. Last year we got a food truck that drives around the campus that we also write menus for and oversee all operations. I have been with this company for three years and every year gets crazier and crazier, but I love it.”

Vice President for Student Success Carmen Gonzales, Ph.D., was selected as a recipient of Phi Theta Kappa’s prestigious Distinguished College Administrator Award for outstanding support provided to Phi Theta Kappa. She will be honored at PTK’s 98th Annual Convention in April.

Veterans Resource Specialist Gregory Scargall, left, met U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert A. McDonald at the SVA Conference.

Veterans Resource Specialist Gregory Scargall won the Adviser of the Year Award at the Student Veterans of America national conference. SFCC’s Student Veterans of America chapter also won first place in the organization’s Fourth Annual Business Plan Competition. Of the six chapters invited to compete, SFCC was the only chapter based at a community college. Says Scargall, “Two-year schools are the building blocks of virtually every rural community. Bringing this award back to SFCC will surely boost the importance of programs being built around veterans and that they are truly the best resource our communities can tap into.”

President Randy Grissom congratulates Mayala “Maya” Gomez de Gutierrez, left, and Avadana Garcia, right, at recognition ceremonies at the Roundhouse on February 4.

Phi Theta Kappa students Mayala “Maya” Gomez de Gutierrez and Avadana Garcia are Academic All-Stars 2016.

They were recognized at the New Mexico Legislature on February 4. The prestigious award includes four free semesters of tuition at any New Mexico public college or university.

White Coat Ceremony SFCC hosted its first White Coat ceremony for students enrolled in New Mexico State University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, based at SFCC. About 90 students are pursuing a B.S.N. Beginning this year, students can earn a B.S.N. through SFCC’s degree through the partnership new partnership with the University of New Mexico. While the between NMSU and SFCC – student nurses continue to wear scrubs in the clinical setting, without leaving the white coats signal they are pursuing an advanced degree.

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