The University of New Mexico-Gallup recently welcomed three new campus leaders as the result of successful searches throughout the spring and summer.
Dr. Daniel Primozic was named the dean of instruction; Robert Griego now serves as the director of business operations; and Mark Remillard joined the campus as chair of the department of business and applied technology, community education and workforce development.
Primozic began as the dean of instruction on Aug. 27. He was most recently the director of curriculum and ethics for the FBI-Law Enforcement Development Association. He has also held administrative positions at the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration and the Center for Law Enforcement Ethics at the Center for American and International Law. He served in several leadership roles at Santa Fe Community College, and received a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Southern Illinois University.
In his new role overseeing faculty and academic operations, Primozic is excited to join UNM-Gallup and said, “As a first generation college student, I had my start at a community college in Chicago which was a beginning I couldn’t have afforded anywhere else. Community colleges are my first love and I want to give back to a place where students can get a good start.”
Asked about his initial plans as dean of instruction, Primozic stated he wants to take some time to get to know the area and the campus.
“Reading about a place is OK, but people are the institution,” he said. “I’ll be spending some time wandering around and getting to know people. I want them to know they can approach me. Getting to know the campus and the job will be very exciting for me.”
Robert Griego was selected as the director of business operations and began in the position in early May. He brings with him over 25 years of accounting experience and has a strong background in public budgeting. Most recently, he was the deputy treasurer for McKinley County and prior to that was the finance director for Cibola County. Griego holds a Bachelor of Arts in accountancy from New Mexico State University.
Griego said he has several goals he would like to achieve for the campus.
“I want to improve upon the effectiveness and efficiency of the departments I oversee,” he said.
“I would also like to work to maximize the financial resources available to achieve our primary goal of student success here at UNM-Gallup.”
After transitioning into his new role throughout the summer, Griego reflected, “Things are going very well. I find UNM-Gallup to be a rewarding place to work and I am excited to be able to put to use my years of financial and management experience. I very much enjoy working with such highly qualified and motivated individuals.”
When asked about challenges of the position, Griego noted, “I have been extremely busy learning the intricacies of the financial management and reporting systems of both UNM and the New Mexico Higher Education Department.”
Remillard began his work as the chair of business and applied technology and community education and workforce development on Aug. 13. Prior to that, he held a variety of administrative positions within the Gallup McKinley County School District and within the Las Vegas, Nevada school system.
Remillard is currently working on his dissertation to complete requirements for an Ed.D. in educational leadership from New Mexico State University. He earned a Master of Arts in educational administration, and a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; a Master of Arts in theology from the The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.; and a Bachelor of Arts in humanities from St. Joseph’s College in Mountain View, Calif.
Remillard believes it to be the job of the chair to see the strong connection between the work of the division and successful student numbers.
“We have to decide which programs and career opportunities will allow graduates to get jobs and give back to the community and connect that to increased enrollments,” he said. “This job is a passion for me. I am excited to be part of UNM-Gallup and contribute in a positive way. I plan on learning from everyone — students, staff, faculty and administrators.”