VPSA Office Welcomes 2025-26 Student Affairs Leadership Interns
August 18, 2025 - Dorene DiNaro
After a competitive search, Miriam Barba, a Chicana and Chicano studies and political science major, and Bree Hawkins, a biology major, have been appointed by Dr. Eric Scott, vice president for Student Affairs, to serve as Student Affairs Leadership Interns (SALIs) for the 2025-26 academic year.
This year marks the second SALI cohort. Both students are widely involved in various campus and community organizations and view the position as an opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of Student Affairs and how decisions are made at a divisional level.
The SALI program was created last fall to invite accomplished student leaders from across campus to contribute meaningfully to the division by engaging in outreach, development, and programmatic support within the VPSA office.
The internship includes mentorship, exploration of Student Affairs as a career path, and direct experience with the critical work happening within the division.
“Our leadership interns are positioned to directly serve, advise, and influence the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) as we execute the ambitious Innovating the Student Experience strategic plan” Scott said.
Bree Hawkins
Biology and Political Science major
Bree Hawkins became interested in the SALI position through her service to the Associated Students of UNM (ASUNM), most recently in her role as ASUNM chief of staff.
“I have gotten to work closely with student organizations, resource centers, and UNM administration across the university,” she said. “I think this exposure to my campus community and to the Student Affairs office is what made me want to join the Vice President of Student Affairs office to learn more about how to create the best college experience for all students.”
Throughout her time at UNM, Hawkins has seen how decisions made by the VPSA impact the organizations she’s directly involved in.
“I am hoping to gain a better perspective and insight on the decision-making process that the office does that affects every aspect of student affairs and student life on campus.”
Equipped with creativity, positivity, and encouragement she uses in her day-to-day life, Hawkins said she is enthusiastic to be a part of the student voice in the OVPSA for the upcoming year.
“I am excited to see how the office works to ensure every student on campus has access to unique and successful opportunities that positively impact their time here at UNM,” Hawkins said. “I hope to bring positivity and encouragement to the division to ensure everyone I meet—whether it be students or staff—feels valued at UNM and feels like they have a place on campus to grow and succeed.”
As an involved student on campus, including serving as the current president of the Mortar Board Senior Honor Society and the Panhellenic Council, among numerous other campus organizations, Hawkins’ personal and professional student time often intersect.
“Through all of these organizations, I found amazing friends and opportunities on campus that have shaped who I am today,” she said. “While I spend a lot of time on campus, I also love traveling, scrapbooking, and getting to spend time with my friends and family.”
With the end of this part of her college career coming into view, Hawkins’ future plans include completing both a master’s and J.D. program and finding her way back to a career in Student Affairs where she can work with students.
“I want to be able to work with students and help build upon their successes like the Student Affairs department here at UNM has done for me,” she said.
Miriam Barba
Chicana and Chicano Studies and Political Science major
For Miriam Barba, inspiration to apply for the SALI position came from former SALI Brandon Chavarria-Salazar—who also happens to be her close friend.
“Brandon held this position last year and spoke highly of the experience and the professional growth it offered,” Barba said. “As I became more involved in Student Affairs through other roles, his encouragement and insights motivated me to apply.”
Serving in various roles—including New Student Orientation Leader, NUFP fellow under Rosa Isela Cervantes, and as executive director of ASUNM Community Experience—has helped her develop strong skills in student engagement, event coordination, leadership development, and advocacy. These are all qualities she plans to use in the SALI role.
“I hope to bring these skills into the office to foster a welcoming, supportive environment where students feel seen, empowered, and connected to campus resources,” she said.
Barba sees the SALI role as a meaningful opportunity to build on her experiences and a way contribute to the supportive environment she values on campus.
“I’m hoping to learn more about the inner workings of the Vice President’s Office and how it supports the broader mission of Student Affairs,” she said. “I want to better understand how decisions are made at the divisional level, how initiatives are developed and implemented, and how student input is considered in administrative processes.”
Outside of college duties, Barba loves to cook and has been building a personal cookbook filled with recipes she had tried, tweaked, and collected from family and friends.
Looking ahead, Barba said her participation in the SALI program will give her added experience for her long-term goals.
“It allows me to gain hands-on experience in higher education administration, deepen my understanding of student-centered work, and build meaningful relationships with professionals in the field,” she said. “It’s an important step in preparing me for graduate study and a future career in Student Affairs.
Please help us welcome Bree and Miriam to their new roles!
