Yazzie named director for American Indian Student Services

After a competitive nationwide search, Andrew Yazzie (Diné) has been named director for American Indian Student Services (AISS). Yazzie takes over the helm after long-time director, Pam Agoyo (Cochiti, Kewa, Ohkay Owingeh), was promoted to executive director for Student Support in July 2023.

With the start of a new Fall semester, it is fitting that Yazzie - who earned both his Master of Public Administration and bachelor's degree in Family Studies from The University of New Mexico and utilized AISS frequently during his time as an undergraduate student - will now be welcoming students as its new director.

"I'm thrilled to begin this academic year in the director role and greet new and returning Lobos in this capacity," he said.

Yazzie credits his fourteen years of service in AISS, and the groundwork laid by Agoyo as the best preparation for his new role.

"Throughout my time at AISS, I've had the opportunity to develop connections across campus every day via partnerships and collaborations and by serving on a number of committees," he said. "I understand the importance of utilizing Indigenous student development theories to inform the ways in which we support student success and oversee all aspects of AISS advisement and student support services."

"Andrew is incredibly committed to Indigenous student success and will continue to bring strong levels of advocacy, empowerment, and equitable learning opportunities to the forefront of their UNM experience," Agoyo said. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative practices to the director role and I'm extremely excited about being in a position to support Andrew's insight and vision for advancing American Indian Student Services."

Dr. Eric Scott, vice president for Student Affairs, said that he has been moved and inspired by Yazzie's passion to serve, which is consistently held up by deep and strong professional foundations.

"He is a remarkable leader and poised to continue an ongoing trajectory of success for AISS," Scott said.

Yazzie has been instrumental in advancing college transition initiatives, student mentorship and success programs, and leadership development efforts. In addition, Yazzie currently serves as co-chair elect of the NASPA Indigenous Peoples Knowledge Community.

"I've had the privilege of creating and sustaining partnerships across a number of tribal communities, education organizations, and New Mexico high schools and middle schools to provide guidance for further developing the passion students have to pursue higher education opportunities," Yazzie said. "I remain committed to leading the University's Indigenous student recruitment and outreach efforts to ensure our Native student body continues to increase and align with the percentage of the statewide tribal population."

Moving forward, Yazzie plans to work with the AISS team to enhance and expand programmatic initiatives by identifying new ways to support students, including scaling programs and incorporating meaningful assessment strategies. Yazzie's vision for the future of AISS includes the possibility of establishing research-focused programs and experiences to prepare Indigenous students for graduate school.

Top image: Dancers perform at the 2023 AISS Welcome Back BBQ. Photo by Hyunju Blemel.