Higher Education Secretary Rodriguez to go on maternity leave in September

Stephanie Montoya

Deputy Secretary Patricia Trujillo to assume role of Acting Cabinet Secretary 

Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez will temporarily step away from her role as Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Higher Education Department as her and her husband welcome their first child. 

Secretary Rodriguez will take a temporary leave of absence in September, during which time Dr. Patricia Trujillo, Deputy Secretary, will assume the role of Acting Cabinet Secretary. 

"Over the past three years, I been honored to work side-by-side with Seceretary Rodriguez to expand opportunities and improve outcomes for New Mexicans. As she appropriately turns her attention to her own family over the next several weeks, all of us at the New Mexico Higher Education Department will continue to ensure that New Mexico students and families are served with the college and career opportunities they deserve," said Dr. Patricia Trujillo

Anyone needing to contact the New Mexico Higher Education Department can do so by visiting hed.nm.gov or calling (505) 476-8400, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.