Zuniga Named to Inaugural Assessment Position in Student Affairs
May 15, 2024 - Dorene DiNaro
Dr. Tina Zuniga has been named as the inaugural program planning officer for Assessment in the Division of Student Affairs. Zuniga was chosen for this critical role after a competitive search. She will begin her new position on Monday, June 3.
Dr. Eric Scott, vice president for Student Affairs said that Zuniga’s position will play a key role in strengthening and expanding assessment capacity across the division by leveraging quality existing practice while identifying and coordinating future opportunities. “This body of work will help tell the Student Affairs story, demonstrate efficacy of best practices, and reveal key areas for enhancement,” he said.
Zuniga has a doctor of philosophy in Educational Leadership and Administration from New Mexico State University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from UNM, and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Human Sciences from Fort Lewis College. She currently serves as a program planning officer for UNM Online, and says she is excited to expand on what she has learned in that role to her new role in Student Affairs.
“I’m looking at this new position as a way to help people tell their own story through data and assessment,” Zuniga said. “I’ll be listening and collaborating with people in the division to help shape what my role will look like and how I can best support them.”
Zuniga is no stranger to student affairs—that is where her UNM career began in 2016, where she worked as a program coordinator for the LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center. She has also worked as a senior student program advisor for the College Enrichment Program, and on UNM’s Valencia campus as a senior student success specialist for the R2S2 Title III Grant and as a supervisor for student success for the PASOS Title V Grant.
“I’ve definitely missed Student Affairs and working in the more traditional in-person setting, ”Zuniga said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to help Student Affairs departments get the recognition they deserve for the great work they do.”
“I am thrilled Dr. Zuniga is returning to UNM Student Affairs in this integral position,” said Dr. Florencio Olguin, director of operations for Student Affairs. “Her experience as a student affairs practitioner, grant administrator, and higher education scholar will inform the division’s ongoing efforts in cultivating a culture of assessment.”
The Division of Student Affairs is comprised of unique programs and departments and home to support services from diverse ethnic backgrounds including resource centers, student health, childcare, recreation and activities, professional development and career services, integrated advisement, tutoring and mentoring and the Student Union.
