Chapter 6: Journey of Creation: A Photoethnographic, Autoethnographic, and Ethnographic Look at Leadership, Culture, and Community in a Young Northern New Mexico College

This chapter describes a multidimensional methodological uncovering of the culture, leadership, and community of a postsecondary education center as it evolved to become a branch campus of New Mexico’s largest public, research university. The study incorporates photoethnographic, autoethnographic, and ethnographic techniques to reveal the organization’s transformation from educational center to university branch campus, the Mestiza leader’s influence on it, and how institutional culture and community can serve a highly Native, Spanish/Hispano, and Mestizo American population. Stories and observations of uncovering the spirit of place, building institutional culture in northern New Mexico rhythms, and moving out of danger: accountability and hope unfold, thus accenting policy implications for higher education. Highlighted and woven throughout, policy suggestions include influencing branch campus daily institutional procedures, relationships with pivotal community organizations as well as those of the flagship campus and state of New Mexico.

Early morning on the Rio Pueblo and the sun is bright today. This is the day that I officially begin my role as executive campus director for UNM-Taos. This morning I’ll walk the river with the dogs and soak up the beauty of the high desert that is Taos. I’ll center myself for what lies ahead and pray for the strength to carry this responsibility with creativity, integrity, kindness, perseverance, wisdom, and laughter. It is a time to look ahead with those around me who also wish to serve students and to work in the present with my heart, mind, body, and spirit. It is all I can give. (excerpt from Executive Campus Director journal)