Dr. Rio López

Dr. López (they/them) is the Director of Latin American Programs, formerly known as the Chicano Programs. Originally from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Dr. López is an alumnus of this university, where they earned a degree in Multicultural and Bilingual Special Education with a minor in Family Studies. They have extensive experience working with pre-service teachers, starting during their graduate studies and continuing at the Graduate School of Education at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, before assuming their role as LAP director.

In addition to leading the Latin American Programs, Dr. López serves as a professor at NMSU, teaching courses that focus on intersectional approaches to inclusive teaching in linguistically diverse settings. Their current research focuses on identifying and addressing barriers faced by NMSU students from diverse backgrounds, with the aim of establishing spaces, practices and policies that foster a sense of belonging, inclusion, and community for all.

Claudia Gonzalez Astorga 

Claudia Gonzalez Astorga is the Student Program Coordinator for Latin American Programs. She was born and raised in San Isidro, D.B., a small village on the outskirt of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

Claudia is a first generation. She obtained an associate's degree from DACC. She is also an NMSU alumna, holding a bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages with a focus on Spanish and Portuguese. Gonzalez Astorga earned a Master's degree in Spanish with specialization in Literature. Claudia has extensive experience in community and equity work spanning both sides of the US-Mexico border. her commitment to language education took her to become a volunteer assisting students with Spanish language acquisition in the Department of Language and Linguistics, where later on taught Spanish as a Graduate Assistant. Her passion lies in supporting students and guiding them towards a deserved brighter future, firmly believing that with dedication and mentorship, any dream is achievable.

Before joining NMSU, Claudia established a Spanish academy, and a coffee house, who later evolved into a restaurant in Old Mesilla, which has quickly intertwined with a vibrant cultural center for senior citizens, hosting diverse activities ranging from conversational Spanish clubs, book clubs, German and French conversational clubs, to Spanish I & II clubs. Additionally, cultural events such as musical performances, dance showcases, artist gatherings, and book signings have become regular highlights of the center’s offerings.

Fun Fact: Claudia loves writing, reading, walking her dog, and expending time with her family.

Claudia’s motto: “My home is where my heart is. I am part of two worlds: I always carry two types of currency in my bag, and two languages on my lips. I am bicultural. I am an inhabitant of the border.” 

Joseph Duran 

Joseph Duran is the Administrative Assistant for Latin American Programs and Black Programs. Prior to this role, Joseph was the administrative assistant for The Foundation and for the Dept. of Psychology. Joseph is born and raised in Las Cruces, NM and graduated from New Mexico State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in management and finance.

Fun Fact: Joseph enjoys spending time with his daughter, being outdoors (hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping), and traveling. Joseph and his daughter have a bucket list, where they want to go to every MLB stadium and watch a game!