Dean of Instruction to step down after 25 years
October 23, 2025
NATHAN BURTON
UNM-Taos Dean of Instruction Randi Archuleta, left, and TECC Education and Development Manager Erin Clark congratulate HSE grad Alekz Brunson in this June file photo. Archuleta announced on Oct. 21 that she will step down from her position.
By Ellen Miller-Goins
Taos News
After nearly a quarter-century of service to ůůֱ²¥-Taos, Dean of Instruction Dr. Randi Archuleta announced she will step down at the end of the 2025-26 academic year.
Archuleta, who has led the campus's Academic Affairs for 14 years, plans to return to the classroom as an associate professor of psychology and chair of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department next August. In an Oct. 21 message to faculty and staff, Archuleta described the move as "the next chapter in what has been a 25-year journey with UNM-Taos," adding her heart remains in teaching and curriculum development.
"It feels like the right moment to return to the classroom, the place where I first found my calling," Archuleta noted. "Though I have continued teaching online throughout my time as dean, I look forward to again standing alongside our students, guiding their learning firsthand."
Archuleta's announcement drew praise from Chancellor Mary Gutierrez, who credited her with shaping the academic foundation of the branch campus "in extraordinary ways."
In a statement to faculty and staff, Gutierrez wrote, "Her leadership has advanced faculty collaboration, program development, and a student-centered culture that reflects our mission and values. She is a trusted colleague, mentor, and advocate who leads with integrity, compassion, and humor.”
A legacy of growth
During her 14 years as dean, Archuleta oversaw faculty development, curriculum design and academic operations for programs ranging from dual credit and workforce training to the Kids Campus and library. Her leadership helped expand UNM-Taos' reach across Northern New Mexico and strengthened ties between academics and advising.
She also secured and managed nine federal and regional grants—among them a series of Title V initiatives, the Title III STEMx grant, and the Workforce Integration Network (Good Jobs Challenge)—that collectively brought millions of dollars to the campus for infrastructure, faculty support, and student success initiatives.
Her contributions extended beyond administration. A clinical psychologist by training, Archuleta began her UNM-Taos career as an adjunct faculty member before becoming program coordinator, department chair, associate dean, and eventually dean of instruction.
In her letter, Archuleta thanked former chancellors Kate O'Neill and Jim Gilroy for "taking a chance on a clinical psychologist with a passion for teaching and the Taos community." She also expressed appreciation to Associate Dean of Student Success Amie Chavez-Aguilar, a longtime colleague and friend, and to Gutierrez for her mentorship and partnership.
"I remain fully committed to supporting Academic Affairs and our campus through this year's transition," Archuleta said. "UNM-Taos has been my professional home for over two decades, and it always will be."
Gutierrez said the university will begin a search for the next dean of instruction and expects a "thoughtful leadership transition" over the coming months.
"Please join me in expressing our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Archuleta for her outstanding service, dedicated leadership and unwavering devotion to the people and mission of UNM-Taos," Gutierrez wrote.