U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich recently recognized Barbara Damron, PhD, RN, senior advisor to the dean and professor in The University of New Mexico College of Nursing with a statement entered into the Congressional Record.
Damron’s career has seen her as an educator, health care executive, consultant, advanced practice nurse and cancer scientist. In addition to her work at the university, she has served as the New Mexico Higher Education Department cabinet secretary. As the state’s higher education executive officer, she oversaw all of New Mexico’s 28 institutions of higher education, four tribal colleges, and more than 190 private and proprietary post-secondary schools.
For the past two years, Damron has worked alongside UNM President Garnett Stokes, as well as other members of UNM’s executive leadership team as the university’s chief Government Relations officer.
“I appreciate Dr. Damron’s deep engagement with my office, as she worked to help bring The University of New Mexico’s impressive talent and resources to bear against the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our communities,” Heinrich said.
Damron has also chaired the New Mexico Education Trust Board and New Mexico’s 529 college savings plan, and served as a member of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education and of the Education Commission of the States.
In November 2021 Damron returned to the College of Nursing, where she spearheads its government relations efforts as part of the College’s senior administration team.