Erica Rita Velarde has a unique story. Ms. Velarde is a single mother of three and
a first generation college graduate. She is a NM licensed Professional Engineer, receiving
her BS in Mechanical Engineering from UNM, and an AA in Business Administration from
Northern New Mexico College. She is employed as the Energy Engineer for the New Mexico
General Services Department, Facilities Management Division, and is responsible for
the implementation of both energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for over
700 facilities statewide. She is also the Public Co-chair for the NM Chapter of the
Energy Services Coalition (ESC), and the Public Vice President for the National ESC
Board of Directors.
SECRETARY/TREASURER, PORTER SWENTZELL, PHD Term: 3.2019 – 12.31.24porter.swentzell@nnmc.edu
Porter Swentzell is an enrolled member of Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico. He grew
up participating in the traditional life of his community and is passionate about
Indigenous language, place-based education, traditional arts and cultural vitality.
Porter lives in his community with his wife and three kids. He is the Executive Director
of Kha’p’o Community School, a dual language (Tewa/English) pre-k to 6 school located
in Santa Clara Pueblo. He also serves as a Regent for Northern New Mexico College,
and on several non-profit boards. Previously, Porter was an Associate Professor of
Indigenous Liberal Studies at the Institute of American Indian Arts where he held
roles as a Department Chair and Associate Dean. Porter has also served his Pueblo
as a Tribal Official. He holds a PhD in Justice Studies from Arizona State University,
an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, an MBA from Western New Mexico University, and
a BA in Integrated Studies from Northern New Mexico College.
MEMBER, RUBEN ARCHULETA Term: 03.26.2021 – 12.31.2026ruben.archuleta@nnmc.edu
Ruben Archuleta was born and raised in Española, NM. He attended Española Valley High
School and later Northern New Mexico College where he graduated with a degree in Radiological
Sciences. He is the supervisor of the Radiology Department at Española Hospital and
has been employed there for 26 years. He is also currently serving as the Vice President
of the Española Public Schools Board of Education. Archuleta also serves as the President
Elect for the National Hispanic Council of School Board Members and as a Board Member
for the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO). Archuleta resides
in Alcalde, NM with his wife and two children.
Casandra Batista-Dauz is Northern's student regent. She is a first generation college
student, born and raised in Española, New Mexico. Ms. Batista-Dauz graduated from
Pojoaque Valley High school. She has a passion for helping others and believes education
should be available to everyone who wants it. In her free time she enjoys working
out or playing with her dog.