SANTA FE, N.M.

Sixteen doctoral students from New Mexico State University's American Indian Educational Executive Doctorate (AIEED) program recently completed two-week internships with the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED), officials there announced.

Among them was Colleen W. Bowman, a Navajo working with PED Educator quality Division said, "My internship experience has broadened my understanding of effective educational leadership skills. The connections to theory and real-world application must be woven together to create a learning environment that is meaningful to indigenous communities." Bowman is the Human Resources Coordinator at the Central Consolidated School District in the Four Corners.

Eulalia Gonzales, identified as Navajo/Mexican, works with teachers in the Services for Exceptional Students department in the Gallup McKinley County School District. At the PED, she worked with the Charter Schools Bureau. "I have an increased awareness of the state level system, and I am very thankful for the experience,” said Gonzales. She said she has dreams of opening her own charter school some time in the future.

Secretary of Education Veronica C. Garcia said she and her staff welcomed the scholars.

"I am delighted to host these 16 American Indian scholars who are preparing to address unique education issues for students in their tribal communities," said Secretary Garcia.  "So many of the interns are already leaders in their public schools, and this NMSU program offers them the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the state education system."

The NMSU AIEED program was started in 2006 to prepare American Indian educational leaders to serve American Indian students. AIEED is offered by the Department of Educational Management and Development in the NMSU College of Education, to provide a comprehensive and collaborative technique for earning a doctoral degree in educational administration, the department said.