Dr. Imelda OlagueSilver City, NM - Dr. Imelda Olague has been named the new Director of International Studies at Western New Mexico University.

International Studies is an area of focus for rapid growth at WNMU and Dr. Olague is planning for the growth through new initiatives and partnerships.

"This is not a new trend, it is a global tendency," said. Dr. Olague about the importance of international studies. "It is our responsibility as an institution to better prepare our students to be competitive, competent and successful."

Dr. Olague recently completed an internship with the Division of External Affairs where she became familiar with the partnerships and agreements WNMU has been developing with international partners.

"The goal is to open the doors for students to explore and study abroad, as well as to bring international students to WNMU," said Olague. "Developing individual plans to do so will help to strengthen our university in many aspects, and this will better prepare our students in the future."

Plans for the office include increasing study abroad opportunities and to promote WNMU as an ideal location for international students. A longer-term goal is the internationalization of the university curriculum.

"Dr. Olague's experience in international education is exceptional and her educational background in engineering positions us to advance our STEMH recruitment internationally," said Dr. Magdaleno Manzanarez, WNMU Vice President for External Affairs.

Dr. Olague holds three master degrees and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering. She is a native of Chihuahua, Mexico, and was previously the Liaison for Latin American and Mexican Affairs at New Mexico State University.