Deming, NM- Mary Anderson, who teaches dual-credit CNA courses for both Deming Public Schools and Western New Mexico University, has recently been chosen for the title of “Region V Advisor of the Year” for SkillsUSA, beating out nominees from 14 other states.
SkillsUSA is an organization designed to educate students hoping for careers in technology employability skills and health occupations. They have 97 skills competitions, ranging from to baking, nursing, welding, robotics and even working on diesel engines. As a part of the organization since 1980, Anderson serves several roles within the group, including a mentor advisory role in the state contests as well as serving as national chair of the American Spirit Contest.
At last years contest hosted by SkillsUSA, one of Anderson’s students, Ryan Larko, a dual-credit Western student, came in first place at both state and national Nursing Assistant contests.
Anderson has taught at CNA courses at Western New Mexico Deming (also known as Mimbres Valley Learning Center) for fifteen years, formerly teaching for Dona Ana Community College before switching sides. She’s also taught a variety of classes at Deming High School for forty-five years, ranging from traditional home economics courses to her current Certified Nursing Assistant classes.
Anderson was originally honored as New Mexico Advisor of the year, before going to work sending in a resume, an autobiography and filling out a questionnaire in order to apply for the Region V Advisor of the Year award. She received the letter congratulating her on February 22, 2016.
When asked how she felt receiving the award, Anderson said, “I jumped for joy, I screamed ‘Ah!’ It was awesome. It’s quite an honor to be selected for Regional advisor because of the vast number of skills within the field. So to be selected as the best advisor for the area is quite an achievement.”
Now that she has received this honor, Anderson, who is also an alumni of WNMU, has the opportunity to travel Louiseville, Kentucky in June to interview for a position as National Advisor for SkillsUSA.
