Vol. 9 Iss. 2
Feb. 17, 2026
Luna Community College NEWSLETTER
From Preschool, to Program Director pg. 6 Assessment in Action pg. 8 LCC at the Roundhouse pg. 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. President’s Note pg. 2
2. LCC at the Roundhouse pg. 4
3. From Preschool to Program Director pg. 6 4. Assessment in Action pg. 8
5. Dr. John Thompson Retires pg. 9
6. Luna’s Lit pg. 12
About the Cover: This Valentine’s edition cover features Luna Community College student-athletes Mia Encinias, sophomore (left), and Amanda McKinley , freshman (right), posed in a heart shape to celebrate teamwork, community, and Roughrider spirit. Photo by: Amanda L. Nelson, Marketing & Events Coordinator
Designer & Editor: Amanda L. Nelson
Marketing & Events Coordinator Luna Community College / LCC Foundation
FUN, FACTS & FLAVOR
FROM THE PRESIDENT Feb. 05, 2026
Luna on the Move: A Strong Start to 2026
Bagels
Brain Break Word Scramble
Time: 1hr 15min Ingredients: 1 1/2 c warm water 1 packet instant yeast 1 tbsp sugar 4 c bread flour 1 tsp salt 1 beaten egg everything bagel seasoning or cheese and jalapenos
Serves: 8
January and early February have been energizing months for Luna Community College, with the college clearly on the move—marked by strong visibility, meaningful advocacy, and positive momentum both at the State Capitol and on campus.
1. L A T I C U R C I O N 2. S A T E S N E S M S 3. F A P S E N O R L O S I F
Luna had an outstanding presence during the opening weeks of the 2026 Legislative Session. More than 30 students, employees, trustees, and Luna Community College Foundation members participated in Luna Day at the Legislature, where the College was formally recognized on both the House and Senate floors. Nine Luna tables highlighted the breadth of our work and the many ways we serve students and our communities. These conversations showcased the impact of Luna’s programs and our strong commitment to student success and workforce development. Our visibility continued throughout the month. Luna once again brought the largest group of students, employees, and trustees to the Hispano Round Table, earning recognition for the highest level of participation. We were also represented at Higher Education Day, Public Health Day, Early Childhood Day, Dual Credit Day, and Adult Basic Education Day at the Capitol, demonstrating Luna’s ongoing advocacy across multiple areas that directly support our students and communities. The College also reached a major milestone with the award of nearly $2.8 million in emergency grant funding for student housing—a transformative investment that addresses a long-standing barrier for our students. Planning and logistics are well underway as we move quickly to bring this project to fruition. Additional evidence of Luna’s momentum can be seen in the 3% increase in spring enrollment compared to Spring 2025, along with the launch of our Baseball and Softball spring seasons, which have brought renewed energy and excitement to campus. Taken together, these accomplishments reflect a college that is engaged, visible, and moving forward with purpose. It is a strong and promising start to the year, and one that speaks to the shared commitment across Luna to student success and community impact. With Gratitude, Dr. Carol C. Linder – President
4. L I M A C N I D E 5. A Y P T H O N E S I
Directions:
1. Add yeast to warm water and sugar 2. Mix and let sit for 10 minutes 3. Add 4 cups bread flour to a large bowl 4. Add salt, mix 5. Incorporate yeast into mixture 6. Knead the dough, by hand for 10-15 minutes 7. Put doughball back into the bowl and let sit for one hour covered to rise 8. Cut dough into 8 pieces and roll into balls, then make a hole in the center 9. Boil in a large pot of water for 30 seconds on each side 10. Arrange on baking sheet and brush with eggwash 11. Add toppings such as everything bagel seasoning or cheese and jalapenos 12. Bake at 425 degrees f for 20 minutes or until golden brown
Did you know?
More than half of nurses in the United States — about 57% — began their nursing education at a community college, highlighting the vital role two- year institutions play in preparing the healthcare workforce.
Furthermore...
Community colleges provide roughly half of all healthcare training programs nationwide, helping meet growing workforce needs while offering accessible pathways into high-demand careers like nursing.
These accomplishments reflect a college that is engaged, visible, and moving forward with purpose.
Submitted by: Areya Encinias
Source: AACC, Community College Daily.
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LUNA COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT THE ROUNDHOUSE Feb. 09, 2026 Luna Day: bringing campus voices to the legislature By: Tanya R. Giddings, Director of Government & Community Relations The Second Session of the 57th New Mexico Legislature officially convened on Tuesday, January 20, and is moving toward its conclusion on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Because this is an even-numbered year, it is considered a “short session”—just 30 days for lawmakers to meet at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Constitutionally, these short sessions focus primarily on the state’s financial roadmap and specific urgent matters “called” by the Governor. With only 30 days, the pace is fast and the work is intense. This time is especially critical for Luna Community College. Throughout the session, our focus has been to ensure that Luna’s needs are clearly heard and understood. As budget decisions are made and infrastructure priorities are evaluated for New Mexico’s future, it is important that our students, programs, and region remain part of that conversation. Our engagement began on Opening Day with Higher Education Day. Institutions from across the state gathered to collectively highlight the value of higher education and the work supported through the Higher Education Department. It was a powerful reminder that while each campus has its own identity, the shared mission is the same: creating access, opportunity, and workforce pathways that strengthen communities across New Mexico. Participating in that collective effort allowed Luna to demonstrate how deeply connected we are to the state’s future. Building on that momentum, Luna Community College hosted Luna Day at the Capitol. This was an opportunity to move from the statewide perspective to a focused spotlight on our own programs and people. Our space in the West Hall within the Halls of History became a welcoming place for legislators and staff to stop, visit, and learn more about the work happening on our campus. The displays reflected the reach and strength of Luna’s impact, including Admissions, Nursing, Business, Athletics, Career & Technical Education, and Adult Basic Education. The Wildfire Resiliency Training Center, Luna Strong initiative, and the important work of the LCC Foundation were also proudly highlighted. Strong leadership has guided this work. President Dr. Carol Linder has been personally engaging with legislators, advocating for Luna’s needs, and ensuring our priorities are clearly communicated. Her steady presence and advocacy continue to strengthen Luna’s voice at the Capitol. The presence of our Board of Trustees at the Capitol was especially significant, demonstrating a unified commitment to the college’s success. These face-to-face conversations allowed for something that cannot be
captured in budget lines alone—the human stories of perseverance, growth, and impact that unfold every day on our campus and throughout Northern New Mexico. Luna Day was further strengthened by the support of our local legislative delegation. Thank you to Representative Anita Gonzales and Senator Pete Campos for recognizing Luna Community College and its leadership on the House and Senate floors, and to Representative Joseph Sanchez for acknowledging our commitment to students and workforce opportunities. Special appreciation to Representative Gonzales for officially declaring January 22, 2026, as “Luna Community College Day” and presenting a commemorative certificate. As the legislative session enters its final days, it is important to remember that advocacy does not begin and end within these 30 days. Relationship-building, communication, and representing Luna’s mission is year-round work. That commitment continues—with steady focus on student success and strengthening the college that serves our region. Students, athletes, faculty, staff, directors, members of the Luna Foundation Board, and President Dr. Carol Linder gather at the Roundhouse for Luna Day, celebrating Luna Community College’s programs, people, and impact, with Tanya Giddings pictured far right.
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FROM PRESCHOOL, TO PROGRAM DIRECTOR Feb. 09, 2026 Valerie Montoya’s full-circle journey with Luna Community College By: Amanda L. Nelson, Marketing & Events Coordinator
to graduate competent, compassionate nurses, even though it is a very rigorous program,” she explains. Valerie also highlights a unique strength of the program. All of the nursing faculty are not only Luna alumnae, but graduates of Luna’s own Nursing Program, a powerful example of giving back and mentoring the next generation. Looking ahead, Valerie recently earned her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner and plans to pursue a doctorate. With a strong passion for women’s health and an interest in behavioral health, her long-term goal is to open her own practice and help address provider shortages in the region. “I want to provide accessible, high- quality care and continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of women and families,” she says. At the heart of her work is a deep commitment to students. “Watching students transform from shy, quiet nursing students into confident professionals ready for their NCLEX boards reminds me why this work matters,” Valerie shares. For her, giving back means mentoring, supporting others, and strengthening relationships across campus. “When students feel supported, our college thrives. We are a team!” When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Valerie’s answer is simple and heartfelt. “I hope they will say I made a difference, even if it was just in one student’s life. I want to be remembered as someone who cared, supported others, and helped guide students and colleagues to grow and succeed.” From preschooler to nursing leader, Valerie Montoya embodies the spirit of Luna Community College and represents a true Luna Legacy rooted in service, compassion, and community.
Experiences ranging from her son’s time in the NICU, to her mother’s recovery from Guillain- Barré Syndrome, to working in long term care all left a lasting impression. “These experiences shaped my desire to provide care, support, and guidance to patients and families, and now I teach students to do the same,” she shares. Returning to Luna as a student at age 40, after nearly two decades away from school, came with its own challenges. “Navigating college as a nontraditional student was a big adjustment,” Valerie recalls. “But everyone across campus was consistently
Valerie Montoya has been part of Luna Community College for as long as she can remember, starting in preschool and now serving as Interim Nursing Director. Her journey from student to leader is a story of dedication, perseverance, and giving back to the community
that helped shape her path. Some of Valerie’s earliest
memories of Luna are simple yet unforgettable. She remembers standing on a stool to brush her teeth, sitting in a circle singing, making Christmas chains, and performing in the holiday play as an angel with wings and a halo. “But my most memorable moment was graduation, wearing caps and gowns and
When students feel supported, our college thrives. We are a team!
supportive. That guidance made a lasting impact on me, and now I am proud to support and guide students the same way I was supported.”
Her journey came full circle when she returned to Luna as an instructor and later stepped into the role of Interim Nursing Director. “It is incredible to return to the place where my journey began and now have the opportunity to guide and inspire students,” she says. While the leadership role is fast paced and demanding, Valerie credits a strong, collaborative team for making the transition both manageable and rewarding. She is especially proud of the Nursing Program and its continued reputation for excellence. “We strive
celebrating our accomplishments,” she says. Although she never imagined herself returning to Luna to lead the Nursing Program, Valerie always knew she wanted a career in healthcare. That path officially began at Luna, where she completed the Practical Nursing Program in 2009. She went on to earn her Associate Degree in Nursing in 2011, becoming a Registered Nurse and launching her professional nursing career. Valerie’s calling to nursing was deeply personal.
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ASSESSMENT IN ACTION LCC hosts inaugural assessment summit Submitted by: members of the Luna Community College Assessment Team, including: Feb. 01, 2026
The Summit featured a range of engaging and interactive sessions. Tycie Jackson, Director of Early Education and Business, led a reflection activity that invited faculty and staff to consider what assessment has meant throughout their time at Luna, whether they are long-time employees or new to the work. Kraig Bellows, Director of Adult Education, facilitated a poster session workshop where participants explored what assessment looks like in their own areas in practical, applied ways. He will continue this work as a part of the AARC team by bringing more hands-on assessment design activities to individual faculty and programs. Kraig, with support from Cristino Griego (Culinary Arts Faculty) and Crystal Western Ford (Luna Strong Coordinator), also provided a delicious lunch for the campus community. To close out the day, Dr. Henrietta Romero, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services hosted a lively game of Assessment Jeopardy, giving participants the chance to test their knowledge of Luna’s assessment efforts and history of assessment in a fun and collaborative way. During the Assessment Summit, participants had the opportunity to vote on a name for Luna’s campus-wide assessment initiative. The title selected by the campus community is the LCC Assessment for Teaching, Learning, and Academic Success (ATLAS) Project. A call for poster presentations will be distributed via email in mid-February. This will be an opportunity for faculty and staff to showcase the important work taking place in the assessment of student learning across courses, programs, and co-curricular areas. Mary Frances Bibb, ACE Lab, Workforce, and Campus Life Coordinator, shared a strong example of assessment work in the cocurricular space that helped illustrate what assessment posters can look like in practice. This work marks an exciting step forward for LCC, and we look forward to sharing updates as our assessment efforts continue to advance through the LCC ATLAS Project.
Sierra Fernandez, Director of Assessment and Accreditation Liaison Officer; Dr. Henrietta Romero, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services; Mary Frances Bibb, ACE Lab, Workforce, and Campus Life Coordinator; Aaron Smith, Lead Faculty, School of Business; Tycie Jackson, Director of Preschool and Departments of Education and Business; Jeff Gamblin, Director of Institutional Technology; and Kraig Bellows, Director of Adult Education On January 7, 2026, Luna Community College (LCC) hosted its first annual Assessment Summit, a day dedicated to campus-wide conversations and activities centered on the assessment of student learning and institutional effectiveness. We want to extend a warm thank you to our campus for participating in strengthening student learning on our campus and for participating in such a fun-filled day. We extend special thanks to the LCC Faculty Senate for partnering with us to host the Summit during in-service week. Assessment at LCC centers on students and their learning experiences. It helps us determine what is working well across classrooms, general education, academic programs, and co-curricular areas, while also highlighting where refinements are needed so we can continually strengthen how we support student growth and success. At its core, assessment is how we gauge how effectively we are operating in service of students. This work is a shared responsibility. Faculty, academic directors, and leaders of co-curricular programs each play a vital role in advancing student learning at Luna. As we expand assessment into non-instructional areas, it was important to have directors from across the campus involved in these conversations. In addition, leaders from the Assessment Committee, Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate, and Academic Leadership shared how their roles connect to and support assessment efforts across the institution, reinforcing the collaborative foundation of the day’s discussions. Our Assessment Academy work is currently being led by the Assessment Academy Review Collective (AARC) on campus. The group evolved from the college’s HLC Assessment Academy team, and its membership will continue to adapt based on project needs. This cross-campus team has included Mary Frances Bibb, Tycie Jackson, Dr. Henrietta Romero, Sierra Fernandez, Aaron Smith, Kraig Bellows, Jeff Gamblin, and Betsy Sanchez, who have helped spearhead this effort and bring colleagues from across campus into the work. To begin the day, Sierra Fernandez, Director of Assessment and the college’s Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), shared updates on our assessment and accreditation efforts, including Luna’s four-year participation in the HLC Assessment Academy. She also shared the great news that LCC was accepted to present at the New Mexico Higher Education Assessment and Retention (NMHEAR) Conference in March! During the update, Sierra was joined by Jeff Gamblin, Director of Institutional Technology, who shared how Workday Learn will be used to develop a training on assessment and Aaron Smith, Lead Business Faculty, who mentioned possible assessment data collection through the Blackboard LMS to help make the assessment process more standardized.
Sierra Fernandez, Director of Assessment and Accreditation Liaison Officer, shares updates on Luna Community College’s assessment and accreditation efforts during the inaugural Assessment Summit.
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Clinical & Translational Research Experience (CT-REx) Career Preparation Program
HAPPY RETIREMENT, DR. JOHN THOMPSON! Feb. 07, 2026 Celebrating his leadership, dedication, and the opportunities he helped create for Luna students
Explore career prospects in health sciences research this summer The CT-REx (Clinical & Translational Research Experience) Career Preparation Program is a paid opportunity for freshmen , sophomores , and community college students in New Mexico and Arizona to explore and engage in Health Sciences Research at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. JUNE 1 - JULY 24, 2026 ..
► • SW CACTI 1 11li Southwest Center for Advancing I ,, Clinical & Translational Innovation
Dr. John Thompson served Luna Community College with distinction as Career and Technical Education Director from November 2020 through June 2023, and as Director of Grants and Contracts from July 2023, through January 2026. During his tenure, Dr. Thompson played a key role in establishing Luna’s partnership and securing grant funding for the welding program with Los Alamos National Laboratory. He worked closely with the Wildfire Resiliency Training Center, directors, and other key personnel to pursue grant opportunities that strengthened the institution. Throughout his service, Dr. Thompson consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to putting the needs of students and Luna Community College first. We thank Dr. Thompson for his contributions and wish him well in his retirement!
APPLICATIONS DUE: MARCH 10, 2026 Over 8 weeks, CTREx trainees will: • Explore multiple careers in research • Work alongside skilled research professionals • Learn the foundational skills of research • Receive $5,000 stipend, UNM campus-based housing, and 1 course credit. Train in: • Lab techniques • Interacting with research participants • Data collection, entry, and reporting • Communicating research results to others • And more Supported by: UM1TR005466
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SCIENCES
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LUNA’S LIT Where student stories shine
Welcome to Luna’s Lit , the new student spotlight in the Luna Light! This is your space to share your stories, passions, ideas, or anything that inspires you. Whether it’s an essay, poem, project, or just something awesome, we want to read it. Keep it respectful and Luna-friendly, and let your voice shine. Every month, we’ll feature submissions from students like you... because at Luna, your perspective matters, and your story deserves to be heard.
Need Ideas? Start here:
Your Story Share your personal experiences, challenges you’ve overcome, or lessons you’ve learned along the way. Passions Highlight your hobbies, talents, or creative projects that excite you and show who you are. Perspectives Reflect on ideas, opinions, or causes you care about—share what matters to you and why. Experiences at Luna Write about your experiences at Luna Community College, your goals, or what makes campus life special. Imagination Get creative! Poems, short stories, fictional pieces, or experimental writing—it’s your chance to dream big.
Submissions:
Visit our Website:
Please email your submissions to anelson@luna.edu. Photos are encouraged. If you would like your submission to remain anonymous, please include that request in your email.
LUNA.EDU
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We’d love to hear from you!
LAS VEGAS (Main Campus) Admissions & Recruitment admissions@luna.edu (505) 454–2550 366 Luna Drive Las Vegas, NM 87701 MORA (Site) Stacy Montoya – Office Manager smontoya@luna.edu (505) 587-2686 335 State Hwy 518 Mora, NM 87732 SANTA ROSA (Satellite) Emily Ulibarri – Office Manager eulibarri@luna.edu (505) 587-2687 213 South 4th Street Santa Rosa, NM 88435 SPRINGER (Satellite) Tina Gallegos – Office Manager tgallegos@luna.edu (505) 587-3825
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516 Maxwell Avenue Springer, NM 87747
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