Las Cruces -- Dr. John Walker has been named the Outstanding Career & Technical Educator by the New Mexico Association for Career and Technical Education (NMACTE). Formerly known as vocational education, career & technical education helps students acquire academic, technical, and employability skills for in-demand careers.
Walker serves as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at New Mexico State University-Dona Ana (DACC) where he has been employed for the past 32 years. He is the principal investigator for the Carl Perkins grant that provides support for career and technical programs at the Community College. The Perkins grant is funded by the federal government and flows to the state. The grant is administered by the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Walker, as the state winner, will apply for the regional award at the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) at the Regional Conference in 2017. If awarded he would be considered for the National ACTE Excellence Awards.
Most recently, Walker conducted a summer institute for high school CTE counselors, and teachers from throughout Doña Ana County as well as state officials from the PED to highlight career and technical programs at DACC. More than 70 attended the workshop held May 25-26.
DACC offers 41 different associate degrees including those in career and technical programs. DACC programs funded by the Carl Perkins grant include:
Aerospace Automation & Manufacturing Technology
Automotive Technology Building Construction Technology
Computer & Information Technology Creative Media Technology
Culinary Arts Criminal Justice
Dental Assisting Dental Hygiene
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Drafting and Design Technology
Emergency Medical Services Electronics Technology
Environmental & Energies Technology Fire Science Technology
General Engineering Health Occupations
Hospitality & Tourism Nursing
Radiologic Technology Respiratory Care
Water Technology Welding Technology
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Information from DACC