Divison appoints two new Student Affiars Leadership Interns

Eric Scott, vice president for Student Affairs, recently announced the appointment of two Student Affairs Leadership Interns (SALI) who were added to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (OVPSA) this week. Brandon Chavarria-Salazar, a Psychology major, and Kaelyn Moon, a Sociology and Africana Studies major, were selected for this inaugural opportunity after a competitive search.

"The Student Affairs Leadership Internship is designed to invite accomplished student leaders from across campus to contribute meaningfully to the division by engaging in outreach, development, and programmatic support within the VPSA office," said Scott. "The internship, which includes mentorship and exploration of Student Affairs as a career path as a foundational component, allows for students to benefit from direct exposure to the myriad of critical work happening within the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) while also directly impacting philosophy and functionality of the division with a direct line to executive leadership."

Both Chavarria-Salazar and Moon have held student positions within the DSA and are widely involved with various campus and community organizations. The SALIs will support critical functions within the OVPSA including assessment and evaluation, communications and marketing, development, event planning, and administrative duties.

Brandon Chavarria-Salazar
Chavarria-Salazar comes from a family of Mexican immigrants and was raised in rural Estancia, NM. As a teenager, he had dreams of going to college, and now, as a proud first-generation college student, he dreams of becoming a leader in higher education.

Being chosen for the Student Affairs Leadership Intern position in the OVPSA is a step in the right direction for making that dream happen.

"This position aligns with my long-term goals of pursuing a career in Student Affairs," he said. "Being in this role will provide me with valuable experience and insight into what it means to be a leader in higher education."

"I hope to make a lasting impact in the Division by highlighting the significant contributions of rural migrant farm-working students to our campus community," he said. "I hope to support students in achieving their higher education goals."

As a current Lobo, finishing out his undergraduate career, Chavarria-Salazar credits the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at UNM-a program he was introduced to in high school-as the reason he was able to attend college at all.

"At times I doubted I would be able to afford it," he said. "In high school, I worked on a dairy farm to save money for college-a job that was far from easy."

Throughout his time at UNM, Chavarria-Salazar has had the opportunity to work closely with students and observe common challenges related to student retention at UNM. Drawing from his experience as a rural migrant farm-working student, he is committed to paving the way for others with similar backgrounds and advocating for all students.

He served as a peer leader in CAMP, and as a two-time New Student Orientation Leader with the College Enrichment Program (CEP).

"Working with CAMP and CEP sparked my interest in pursuing a future career in Student Affairs," he said.

Chavarria-Salazar has been involved in co-curricular activities including the Rural Student Project, El Puente Research Fellowship, and currently serves as the vice president for the Beta Rho Chapter of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Kaelyn Moon
"I chose the University of New Mexico because my mom attended the University in the nineties, and this is home," said Kaelyn Moon.

When the opportunity to become a Student Affairs Leadership Intern in the OVPSA arose, she knew that her skillset paired with the eagerness to serve in the office would make her a unique candidate.

When I stepped into my first collegiate leadership position as a first year in the fall of 2021, I intuitively knew that Student Affairs was for me," Moon said.

She previously worked as a student employee in African American Student Services which further sparked her interest in the Division and the field of higher education.

Moon has been an involved Lobo serving as an Associated Students of UNM (ASUNM) senator, student success leader and is currently UNM National Pan-Hellenic Council President. She plans to bring the skills acquired in those positions to her SALI role.

"The positions that I have served on campus have allowed me to live out the immeasurable experiences of organizing events, addressing matters of concern, and cultivating an innovative and inclusive community," Moon said. "Ultimately, these positions and experiences have fine-tuned my leadership skills, verbal and written communication, and conflict resolution skills-all of which I am eager to bring to this office."

Moon said she expects to learn a great deal about the Division and its complexities and the University on an institutional level.

"I am excited to learn more about how I fit into the components of it all and if that changes the trajectory of how I serve; both of which I am grateful for," she said. "While my overall goal is to bring something new to the table, I hope to have an impact that can be felt by the University now and in the future."

She plans to use the position with the OVPSA as an opportunity to learn, grow, and continue to challenge herself to be the best student leader possible.

"On a larger level, I am excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the University, while also moving the needle on student relationships," she said. "Ultimately, I am excited to be a part of a legacy in progress."

Chavarria-Salazar and Moon will be housed in the OVPSA in Scholes Hall and will serve a nine-month term.

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