Barbara Perez, who is Western New Mexico University’s 2016-2017 Employee of the Year,
stands in front of the campus security monitors.Silver City, NM – Barbara Perez was recently named Western New Mexico University's Employee of the Year for 2016-2017.

For more than two decades she has served in various roles central to the institution's success, starting in WNMU's Business Office and moving to Campus Police. Perez is currently the Campus Security Specialist.

A native of Tularosa, NM, Perez has several hours of advanced law enforcement training. A Certified Tele-communicator through the State of New Mexico Department of Public Safety, she dispatches but also works as the records clerk, monitors security cameras, and manages the Campus Police Office.

She develops budgets and schedules, compiles the Annual Security Report (police.wnmu.edu), and facilitates the monthly Clery Act reporting. With the help of other Campus Police staff, the longtime employee provides security at events and makes recommendations for improving campus safety.

Perez said she enjoys the work, even with its daily surprises and sometimes dramatic turns of events. "I love the staff, faculty, and students here on campus and also love working with the community," she said.

One of her favorite aspects of the job is having conversations with people on campus. Whether students need support or faculty members want to bend her ear, Perez said she is available to listen and collaborates with other agencies, such as campus counseling, that can help. "I like to offer assistance, even if they just want to talk about home or something that is happening at school," she said.

Perez, whose husband Tim is also employed by WNMU as an HVAC technician, aims to help not just students but the entire campus community and feels she is successful at keeping everyone on campus safe. "Our crime rates are low, and we have full-time police officers to be available 24/7," Perez said.