SOCORRO, N.M. – The Office for Advancement and Alumni Relations has announced the hiring of Rachel Montoya as the new alumni relations manager. 

Montoya has worked at NMT for seven years, most of that time in the Academic Center for Technology (formerly known as Distance Education).

The newly created position is intended to build relationships and opportunities for university alumni, assist with event planning, direct social media efforts, and develop new programs.

“Rachel has practical experience in graphic design and customer service and is highly talented,” said Advancement Director Colleen Foster. “But more than anything, she has the personality for the job. She’s a warm person and can talk to anybody. Plus, she’s excited about starting new programs and she has great ideas.”

One new idea to roll out later this fall is “Chile Days.” Montoya is organizing a tour of a local chile farm that has embraced ecofriendly techniques, a chile cook-off, and other chile-related events. There will be a nominal cost for some of the events, with proceeds helping support another of Montoya’s ideas - she will start a program to give gift baskets to freshmen on their birthday.

“We want to start early and plant the seed that we are a family here,” Montoya said. “I try to relate to my own experience of being a freshman away from home. How can we make them feel like they’re part of a bigger family here?”

A native of Magdalena, Montoya earned her bachelor’s of fine arts in graphic design from New Mexico Highlands, before returning to Socorro. She said she’s looking forward to building relationships with students and alumni.

“I am blessed to work with such smart inspiring women,” Montoya said. “Each person works together so well, we're all a complement to each other.”

Montoya and the rest of the Alumni Relations staff are continuing to expand the events for 49ers Celebration in October. She is also expanding the schedule of alumni receptions around the country, and organizing an international trip for alumni. She hopes to put together alumni outings closer to home.

Montoya also will expand the Alumni Relations Office’s presence on Youtube and social media outlets such as Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram. She recently created a video with Dr. Frank Etscorn, the inventor of the nicotine patch, which is viewable on Youtube and Facebook.

“Social media is important to reach out to graduates by creating a connection and it’s something that’s easy to do,” she said. “Our new multimedia ideas are generated to reach alumni of all ages.”

The Alumni Relations Office is developing new volunteer opportunities for alumni, as well as fun continuing education ideas. Foster said the office is also working on new collaborations with faculty, including departmental reunions during 49ers.

– NMT –