Each year, New Mexico State University's Department of Political Science, Public Law and Administration presents its Social Justice Award to an NMSU faculty member, staff or student who has worked to help create a more just society. This year's award goes to Guinivere Mayse, a senior double-majoring in history and art history, for her dedication to social justice issues inside and out of the classroom.
Neil Harvey, political science, public law and administration department head, presented Mayse with her award during the closing reception of the 2026 J. Paul Taylor Social Justice Symposium.
"Guinivere's commitment to social justice reflects the spirit of this award," Harvey said. "She has conducted valuable research on the life and work of Mary Daniels Taylor, celebrating her dedication to the cultural richness and educational achievements of our diverse population, while also actively supporting the arts and the work of the LBGTQ+ community in both northern and southern New Mexico."
Mary Daniels Taylor, married to symposium founder J. Paul Taylor, was a long-time Mesilla resident whose research contributions earned numerous awards and made her a leading authority on the history of southern New Mexico.
"Winning this award means a great deal to me," Mayse said. "It feels like a recognition that the work I'm doing – alongside incredibly supportive and brilliant peers – has had a meaningful impact. More importantly, it gives me an opportunity to amplify stories that might otherwise go untold."
Mayse worked carefully to document Mary Daniels Taylor's contributions to the borderlands' community, relying on the NMSU archives, interviews with family members and partnerships with residents to paint the full picture. Mayse's work led to a working historical marker application with the Department of Cultural Affairs' New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative, which was approved by the Town of Mesilla, and a paper published in The Southern New Mexico Historical Review that was awarded the Gemoets Prize for Outstanding Article by the Doña Ana County Historical Society.
Jerry Wallace, NMSU history assistant professor and director of the public history program, nominated Mayse for the award.
"Her work showcases that she is one of the brightest undergraduate students in the history department at NMSU," Wallace said. "She managed all of this while making the Dean's List every semester. Guinivere's portfolio shows her impressive dedication to social justice issues in New Mexico."
Beyond her focus on Mary Daniels Taylor, Mayse is committed to serving communities across New Mexico. She worked with Laura Hooton, history assistant professor, to develop a series of commemorative exhibit highlighting Black History in the borderlands. These panels have been requested by several archives and museums in New Mexico. Mayse also works as a coordinator and artist for Wo/Manhouse and the Alburquerque Little Theater, and helped organize the first Pride Parade in Belen, New Mexico.
"I believe strongly that we need to continue writing, speaking and engaging deeply with women's studies across all backgrounds and identities," Mayse said. "It's important that we learn about and celebrate the achievements of women whose contributions have been too often overlooked. Sharing these stories is one of the most powerful ways we can honor the trailblazers who shaped the world we live in today."
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-art-history-student-receives-j.-paul-taylor-social-justice-award/s/48c79ed9-f795-4cbb-9a3f-abe5a47bf015
