By Jesse Gallegos
The Luna Board of Trustees on Wednesday evening, February 27th, selected Dr. Rolando Rael as the next president of Luna Community College.
“I’m humbled and honored,” said Rael. “I’ve always considered San Miguel County and northeastern New Mexico my home. My hope is to work with the Luna community and the communities we serve to continue moving in a positive and meaningful direction.”
Rael is currently the director of Luna Community College’s Allied Health Sciences department, a position he’s held since 2016. Rael has served as a professor and administrator at other institutions of higher education in New Mexico and Colorado. Rael earned a doctorate degree from University of California-Riverside.
“I looked closely at all the candidates who were in the selection committee pool of applicants,” said Luna Trustee Mark Dominguez. “All were considered. I based my selection on the search committee’s work and criteria. I considered all, but felt that my selection best fits our area needs, understands our educational system, our student needs, our region’s culture and our economic situation. I also considered the candidate’s knowledge and experience with the Higher Learning Commission which is very important to LCC at this time. Our best interest is our students at LCC. I feel that Dr. Rael best suits LCC’s needs at this time.”
Contract negotiations are underway.
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