Assistant dean of student success and Engineering Technology and Surveying Engineering department head at New Mexico State University Gabe Garcia has been honored with the Michael and June Gittings Endowed Chair. This honor recognizes Garcia’s history of leadership and his contributions to the college.
In response to the recognition, Garcia expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is an honor to be the first recipient of the Michael and June Gittings Endowed Chair in the College of Engineering. This is not just a recognition of past achievements, but a call to action toward nurturing the next generation of engineers. I believe that it’s our duty to create an environment where students are not only retained but thrive, pushing the boundaries of innovation. My role as a teacher and administrator extends beyond imparting knowledge; it’s about inspiring students to believe in the impossible and equipping them with the tools to make it possible.”
College of Engineering Dean Lakshmi N. Reddi commended Garcia for his contributions, highlighting his efforts in increasing department enrollment, securing funding for the Aggie Innovation Space, and enhancing the student experience through various initiatives. Reddi stated, “Dr. Garcia’s contributions have led to significant improvements in the college. He has helped to grow his department’s enrollment to its highest level with an increase of more than 70% in the past two years.”
The Endowed Chair was funded by Michael and June Gittings, who donated $1 million to the NMSU Foundation to celebrate Michael's 50th anniversary of graduating from NMSU. Michael Gittings emphasized the importance of supporting faculty members, stating, “This fund will initially support Gabe Garcia, a dynamic and innovation-focused individual who will lead collaborative teams of faculty across the college and instruct and mentor undergraduate as well as graduate students.”
Expressing gratitude for the Gittings' generosity, NMSU Foundation CEO Sylvia Y. Acosta remarked, “The creation of this chair by Michael Gittings will contribute to the quality of education we provide our students and foster the development of outstanding graduates for years to come.”
The Michael and June Gittings Endowed Chair in the College of Engineering stands as a testament to the commitment to education and innovation at NMSU, aiming to inspire and support the next generation of engineers under Garcia's leadership.