Las Cruces – Dr. Renay Scott today announced the original building on the Dona Ana Community College (DACC) Central Campus will be named in honor of Dr. Alex Sánchez, the first President of DACC who served from 1972 – 1978.
Ceremonies will be held on August 26 from 10 am to 1 pm in room 75 of Alex Sanchez Hall formerly known as the Main Building or DAMA. This is the first time a DACC building has been named after a person.
“Dr. Sánchez helped build an institution that was suited for students seeking smaller classes, more face-to-face interaction and a shorter path to well-paying jobs,” Scott said. “His educational leadership is exemplified by the positive impact DACC had on the community, developing the college into more than had been envisioned and by the success of his students.”
Sánchez helped start programs that are still educating students today, including radiological technology, building trades, nursing, welding, adult education, engineering technology and water utility operations. He worked collaboratively with NMSU and DACC professors to garner a $250,000 EPA grant to build the first water and wastewater technology program in New Mexico. In addition Sánchez was instrumental in gaining $1.259 million from the state to build the DAMA building on the Central Campus.
His passion for community colleges began at DACC which was then known as Doña Ana County Occupational Education Branch. Sánchez went on to serve as president at several community colleges, Central New Mexico College (TVI) in Albuquerque, and Rio Hondo College in Whittier, CA.
Sánchez also served as Vice President for Community and International Programs at the University of New Mexico, and Academic Dean at New Mexico Military Institute. He finished his career at Oregon State University teaching doctoral students in Community College Leadership. Sánchez mentored many students in the program, 26 of whom completed their Ph.Ds.
He served on numerous community, university, and non-profits boards at national, state and local levels. A veteran, Sanchez retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Colonel after serving at Tachikawa Air Base in Japan, the Air Force Academy, the Air War College, and the U.S. Air Force Headquarters in the Pentagon. Dr. Sanchez and his wife Elaine have eight children, nine grandchildren, and one great grandson. They reside in Salem, Oregon.
What: Building Naming Ceremony for Alex Sanchez Hall
Where: Doña Ana Community College, Central Campus Room 75, Alex Sanchez Hall, 3400 South Espina
When: August 26, 2016 from 10 am to 1 pm. Lunch will be served at 11:30 am.
Who: Dr. Alex Sanchez, Dr. Renay Scott, NMSU Chancellor Carruthers, dignitaries from NMSU and DACC