Stability and educational value have been the hallmarks of Kathie Winograd’s time as president of Central New Mexico Community College, a time she recently announced will come to an end when she retires next year.
It’s been 22 years since Winograd started working at the college, and 12 since she took over as president. That in itself is quite an accomplishment, especially considering that Winograd has seen five presidents try their hand at leading the University of New Mexico since she took CNM’s top post.
During her time as CNM’s first female president, Winograd has led the institution to a number of accomplishments:
• In 2008, CNM partnered with UNM and Albuquerque Public Schools to make it easier for students to transfer credits among the three systems.
• In 2009, the community college overtook UNM in student enrollment to become the largest higher education institution in the state – a distinction it still holds.
• In 2013, CNM and APS collaborated again to found College & Career High School, a dual-credit school on CNM’s campus.
• In 2014, CNM opened The STEMulus Center, which houses intensive Deep Dive Coding program boot camps in downtown Albuquerque.
• During the 2014-15 school year, CNM awarded more degrees and certificates to both Hispanic and Native American students than any other community college in the country. It came in second for the number of degrees and certificates awarded overall.
The school’s students, faculty and staff will certainly miss the stability, innovation and two decades of institutional knowledge that Winograd has brought to the table. But once again she is thinking ahead – giving the school plenty of notice so it can take its time and find a qualified new leader.
It’s a little early to say goodbye, but not too early to tip our hat to Kathie Winograd, her dedication and her accomplishments.
This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
