MY ALUMNI STORY

I was raised in the beautiful Mora Valley, where my family owns and operates a cattle ranch. I am the seventh generation in my family to call these majestic mountains home. In addition to ranching, my family has always been involved in education. My mother earned a Master of Science in Nursing from UNM (’97 MSN). I fondly remember accompanying her on the three-hour drive to the UNM campus twice per week. My brother and I would spend the time playing by the Duck Pond while she was in class. Naturally, UNM was my first and only choice for college.

Upon arriving at UNM during the fall of 2004, I was nervous but excited. I did not know what I wanted to study so I dabbled in many courses until I found my path in Economics. I joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, where I quickly found community and a sense of belonging. I cherish my undergraduate time at UNM, I am still very close with my fraternity brothers. We speak daily about life, family, sports, finances and overall shenanigans.

After graduating in the fall of 2008, I returned home to the ranch. I spent the next eight years running a small business where I supplied timber products to fellow ranchers and raised grass-fed beef. Life was just all right until the love of my life and UNM alumna, Jessica Jaramillo (’08 BA, ’12 MPA), appeared in my world. Jessica was thriving in her career as a higher education administrator at the UNM School of Medicine Combined BA/MD Degree Program. I was inspired and decided to make a career change. I earned a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University and began working in higher education as a career counselor. I quickly found my passion and a hunger for more knowledge so I embarked on the journey of a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Utah with an anticipated completion date of 2025.

Currently, Jessica and I live in Salt Lake City with our three dogs Bentley, Dozer and Diesel. We have found a wonderful group of Lobos here in Utah and we often spend time with them hiking, searching for green chile cuisine and cheering on the Lobos. Upon completing my Ph.D. I hope to find a meaningful job in higher education back home in New Mexico. Although I can often be found cheering on the Utes as they dominate the PAC-12, it is only temporary. I am a proud Lobo for life!

Everyone's a Lobo!

Tranquilino “Kino” Hurtado (‘08 BA)

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M A G A Z I N E

The University of New Mexico Alumni Association MSC 01-1160 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

Albuquerque Alumni Chapter

If you live in or around Albuquerque, consider joining UNM’s Albuquerque Alumni Chapter. Social events | Professional development | Community service | Connections with fellow alumni

Contact vbeserra@unm.edu or sign up at UNM alumni.com