Four outstanding educators were selected to be included in the Western New Mexico University School of Education Hall of Fame and inducted during a virtual ceremony this spring. The 2020-2021 WNMU School of Education Hall of Fame inductees are Monica Ortiz Baca, Cindy Murphy Lee, Leland D. Miller and Mr. Darwin K. Bleak.
Baca is a three-time graduate of WNMU. She earned a bachelor’s in elementary education in 1983, a master’s in counseling in 1996, and a master’s in interdisciplinary studies in 1998. WNMU recognized Baca for her 38 years of dedication to teaching elementary and special education and for service to her community of Chandler, Arizona, where she both lives and teachers. Her nomination read, “Mrs. Baca provides a safe and supportive place for her students, a place of refuge from the storms of life.”
Lee graduated from WNMU with a bachelor’s in botany in 1981 and a master’s in secondary education in 1993. The WNMU School of Education recognized Lee for her 28 years of teaching during which she received a number of honors, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, New Mexico AG in the Classroom Teacher of the Year, Golden Apple of New Mexico Award, Jack Jewoski Outstanding MESA Advisor, Walmart Write to Change the Classroom Award, ING Unsung Hero for Excellence in Education Award, New Mexico Study & Research Council “Quality of Education Award” and 1997 and 2001 Teacher of the Year at Snell Middle School, where she continues teaching.
Miller earned both a bachelor’s in industrial arts and a master’s in physical education from WNMU in 1966 and 1974, respectively. The Industrial Arts Teacher, Physical Education Teacher and Coach was recognized for his 34 years in the field of education. Through his position on the WNMU Maintenance Staff, Miller has continued impacting students, mentoring student workers, supporting Mustang Athletics and being a principal in the annual Scholarship Gala since its inception. “Mr. Miller always had the best interest of the students in mind in the classroom and on the field,” his nomination read.
2021 inductee Bleak, who graduated from WNMU with a bachelor’s in fine arts in 1966 and a master’s in secondary education in 1976, was recognized for his 26 years of teaching, mentoring and service. A talented woodworker, jeweler and metal worker, he served the Cobre Consolidated School District as an art teacher for most of his career and as an English teacher when needed, driving a school bus as well.