By LAURA WOODRING
Candidate For Position 2
UNM-LA Advisory Board

My name is Laura Woodring and I am running for UNM-LA advisory board, position 2. I have resided in Los Alamos for 12 years and am a mental health provider in the community. I have a Masters degree in Counseling and have been practicing as a mental health therapist since 2013.

Both of my parents were educators and have instilled in me the importance of a higher education. In my work, I have been able to recognize some of the challenges students face when they are attending UNM-LA.

If elected, I will advocate for all students. I will bring a fresh perspective to the UNM-LA advisory board, with a strong desire to ensure that all students succeed, whether they choose to enroll in an academic program or technical vocational program. I see both as being important, and it’s important that UNM-LA identifies technical vocational programs that may be an asset to the current workforce needs in the community.

The dual credit and free tuition issue is complicated. All students should have access to low cost or free tuition, but we will need further guidance from the Governor to implement it. This will also provide an opportunity to consider adding new degree programs to UNM-LA, such as a Nursing program.

One of the issues that UNM-LA will need to address in the future is how to reach out to students that are not necessarily interested in pursuing an academic program. We also need to do more community outreach and let students know what resources are available to them.

In conclusion, if I am elected, I will advocate for all students, identify ways to help UNM-LA bridge current gaps within their programs, and work towards having more community outreach.

My name is Laura Woodring and I am running for UNM-LA Advisory Board, Position 2. Thank you