Alumni Award Recipients

Kathie Winograd
Zia Award, 2009

Earlier this year you heard the news that a New Mexican made a real splash in Kentucky… You probably recall how Mine that Bird surprised just about everyone by winning the Kentucky Derby. Well, this is the story of how someone from the Bluegrass State has made good in the Land of Enchantment – with much more enduring results.

Kathie Winograd hails from Cumberland, Kentucky where she grew up fishing with her dad, exploring the Appalachian Mountains with her siblings, and riding her bike. Her earliest jobs foreshadowed her future career.

She attended Georgetown College in Kentucky where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and therapeutic recreation. She went on to the University of Louisville where she received her master’s in higher education administration. Kathie worked in several education positions in Kentucky before moving to New Mexico in 1996 to take a job at UNM’s College of Education. In 1997, she moved to CNM – then known as TVI – where she steadily moved up the ranks.

While she was completing her Ph.D. in educational leadership at UNM in 2007, Kathie was elected president of CNM by a unanimous vote. Her many supporters cited her passion for expanding educational opportunities for students and her communication skills as winning qualities.

Just two years into her post at CNM, Kathie has already made great strides to improve education for generations of New Mexicans. Together, she and UNM President David Schmidly have developed an agreement among CNM, UNM, and APS that creates a clear pathway from pre-school all the way through college for APS students. The Winograd-Schmidly duo also led the effort to establish an agreement between CNM and UNM that makes it easier for students at both places to get the services they need. It’s a true breakthrough in higher education for the state.

Given her ability to navigate complex partnerships, it's no surprise that Kathie is called a “uniter.” She’s also called smart, joyful, and caring – and she’s known for her self-deprecating sense of humor. You’d have to have a great sense of humor to enter a tricycle race against your predecessor as Kathie did during a United Way event. Pedaling and laughing all the way, she won.

Despite a busy schedule, Kathie still finds time to share her vision and talents with the community. She serves – actively – on the boards of United Way of Central New Mexico, Special Olympics, and the UNM Alumni Association.

During rare down-times, Kathie still fishes and bikes, now with her husband, Peter, in the Land of Enchantment.

Kentucky’s loss is definitely New Mexico’s gain. Kathie, for your leadership, your work to reform education, your talent for building strong partnerships, and your dedication, we’re honored to present this Zia Award to you.