A longtime member of the WNMU community is stepping down following a distinguished career of service to the university. Barbara Flores’ most recent position has been as Program Manager, Library Operations/Special Events. She has also worked in Academic Affairs, the Registrar’s Office, Athletics, the Western Institute of Lifelong Learning and the President’s Office.
A number of Flores’ significant memories of her time at the university stem from her service on Staff Senate. Flores, who was one of original senators when Staff Senate was created in the 1980s, was instrumental in changing the pay structure for staff.
“Staff used to get paid once a month,” explained Flores. “I did some research and called all the other universities to find out how they were paying their staff, and everyone was getting paid twice a month. So I contacted the university president, and he agreed to move to twice a month.”
Flores also played an important role in encouraging the university to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. “When I was in Athletics, we fought for that. Actually, we protested in front of the Cooler [a building on campus that has since been demolished]. All the athletes and staff got together and protested.”
Flores’ advocacy on behalf of staff also included taking a leading role in bringing about administrative leave when the university is closed for the winter holidays.
In her most recent position with J. Cloyd Miller Library, Flores has appreciated especially the many events that take place in the library, such as readings and lectures. She also appreciates the colleagues she has worked with and the student workers. “I love working with the student workers,” she said.
Asked about her plans in retirement, Flores said, “I plan to spend more time with my family. My son and his family live in Las Cruces and my daughter lives in L.A., so I will probably travel more often.”
Flores said that while she looks forward to having more time with her family, she will also miss WNMU. “The university is such a special place,” she said. “To me, it’s a family.”
In December, the WNMU Board of Regents awarded Flores Staff Emeritus status for her many years of distinguished service.
A reception honoring Flores will be held in the library on Thursday, January 16, 2024, 12:00-3:00 PM.