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Dr. Gonzales’ career has been focused on institutions and programs that provide access to post-secondary education for underrepresented populations. She has over 25 years as a leader and administrator in the U.S., England, and Germany and is a tenured professor in Educational Leadership at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). Before her return to faculty, she served as the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at NMHU for eight years. Previous positions include Executive Dean of Venango College at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Academic Dean of the College for Professional Studies at Regis University, and Dean of Distance Learning at Park University. Dr. Gonzales has extensive experience with underserved populations such as first-generation, underrepresented, and adult learners, as well as military members and veterans.  She has served on many national and local boards that support higher education access, community arts and commerce, and animal welfare. She is a lifelong learner and just completed a graduate certificate program in Shelter Medicine (animal shelters); the student experience has provided practical insight into the challenges of today’s distance learners.

Dr. Gonzales presents nationally on topics such as access to post-secondary education, distance education, post-traditional learners, prior learning assessment, partnerships, and serving veterans and military members and their family members. Her bachelor’s degree is in Psychology from the University of Maryland Global Campus, her master’s degree is in Counseling from Creighton University, and her doctorate is from the University of Massachusetts – Boston in Higher Education Administration. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, she grew up as a military brat and is married to Major Sanford Walker (U.S.A.F. Ret.) of Rye, NH. They have two grown sons whose careers have focused on public service. Her joy in life – her grandsons Aidan and Alex.