Natalie C. Arellanez

Natalie is from the Pueblo of Acoma. She is a first-generation college student, the eldest of 7 children, and the mother of two girls. Her holistic perspective comes from her rooted communal upbringing. Her parents are rooted in community and cultural support and leadership that has influenced her responsibility to the UNM community through her work.

Natalie is a lobo through and through, beginning her work experience as a work study student with American Indian Student Services and the College of Arts and Sciences. She has been with the College of Education and Human Sciences for 12 years. Having grown from a Sr. Academic Advisor to now the Director of Academic Success.

As a staff member, Natalie acknowledges the importance of adaptation, evolving, and learning about processes & policies that affect the success of students. Her role pays special attention to policies that are an intricate part of the framework of the center and college. She works closely with internal College of Education and Human Sciences (COEHS) faculty and staff and the larger UNM units to provide the best support for students.

Along with this, Natalie enjoys running, sewing, painting and hiking. Natalie is a Duke City Marathon finisher and her choice between red or green chili, Natalie prefers green.

You will find Natalie busy managing the center but she has an open door policy and does her best to help the day to day advisement when she can.