Mónica Torres has been selected to serve as interim president of the New Mexico State University System effective May 1.
New Mexico State University’s main campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico, enrolls about 11,600 undergraduate students and 2,700 graduate students. Women represent 52 percent of the undergraduate student body.
Currently, Dr. Torres serves as chancellor of the New Mexico State University System’s community colleges. She previously served as vice president for academic affairs at Doña Ana Community College for five years. In September 2018, she was appointed interim president, and was selected for the permanent position seven months later. In 2023, her position expanded into her current role as chancellor of all community colleges within the New Mexico State University system.
With more than four decades of experience in higher education, Dr. Torres’ career has included faculty, administrative, and leadership positions with numerous institutions. Prior to her current role and tenure with Doña Ana Community College, she was an associate professor of rhetoric and professional communication and head of the English department for New Mexico State University. Earlier in her career, she held teaching appointments with Illinois Valley Community College, the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, and New Mexico Highlands University.
Dr. Torres received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English from New Mexico State University. She holds a Ph.D. in American studies from the University of New Mexico.