Barbara Damron, PhD, RN, a professor in The University of New Mexico College of Nursing, has been elected chair of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), a consortium of colleges and universities that shares resources to provide access to technical, professional and graduate education.
Damron is the first nurse to hold this position, and one of the first UNM representatives to serve in this role.
In 1953, New Mexico was one of the first five states to help establish WICHE, which has grown into one of the largest higher education compacts in the country. WICHE collaborates with partners across the Western United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. Pacific territories, commonwealth and freely associated states, to find solutions for education and workforce issues and create resources.
The WICHE Commission is made up of leaders in education, college and university presidents, legislators and business and community leaders. As chair, Damron will help guide WICHE’s efforts to make it easier for students to pursue their education, explore specialized fields and open up future career opportunities.
Damron said she is excited and honored to take on the new role.
"WICHE is all about helping students succeed, and I’m proud to be leading from a nursing perspective. Nurses care for people, and WICHE cares deeply about students and their future."
Damron has worked as a nurse, health care executive and cancer researcher and also served as New Mexico’s cabinet secretary for Higher Education. She says her experiences in health care, higher ed and government have shaped her approach to leadership.
“It’s about finding solutions quickly and always thinking about what’s best for the community, whether it’s a patient or a student,” she said.
Damron has been a WICHE commissioner since 2015 and most recently served as the commission’s vice chair. One of Damron’s primary goals as chair is to strengthen WICHE’s exchange programs, which allow students in states like New Mexico to attend schools in other states for fields they can’t study locally, while paying a tuition rate comparable to in-state tuition.
"These programs make a huge difference for students in New Mexico and the West," she said.
Damron is also focused on addressing health care worker shortages, especially in underserved areas. She’s been involved in WICHE’s efforts to improve access to health care professionals, including a project that helped a UNM psychiatric resident receive training in Guam, where there’s a shortage of behavioral health workers.
Throughout her career, Damron has worked to get more nurses involved in higher education leadership.
"Nurses bring a unique perspective, and we need more of them in these important roles," she said. "We know what it takes to get students through school and help them succeed."
Damron thanked New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for appointing her as a WICHE commissioner and Lt. Gov. Howie Morales for his support in her reappointment. She also extended her gratitude to UNM for its continued support and involvement.
“This one is really special,” she said. “WICHE has been around for a long time, and I’m excited to help keep it moving forward.”