Top executives from General Motors visited New Mexico State University’s College of Business in September, meeting with students in the supply chain program and discussing the global automotive industry. The visit followed NMSU’s strong performance at a national case competition, which prompted Dave Leich, GM’s executive director for supply chain, to reach out to Victor Pimentel, director of NMSU’s supply chain program.
“To put this in real terms, bringing top executives from Detroit to New Mexico is no small thing,” Pimentel said. “These are senior executives, and three days away from their roles represents a significant productivity investment for GM. For them to dedicate that time to us was an enormous compliment. Making it happen took almost a year of coordination – but it was absolutely worth the effort.”
During the multi-day visit, GM leaders including Miguel Rios, global vice president for supply chain; John Foody, program purchasing manager; and Diana Reyes, assistant program purchasing manager, participated in discussions, networking sessions, and classroom visits with students. They shared perspectives on challenges and opportunities in supply chain leadership at a major automaker.
Students described the visit as a unique and impactful experience. Eliana Gallegos, a project and supply chain major, said, “This was a great opportunity to combine my interests in supply chain and the automotive industry. It was great to hear about the industry from this point of view, learn more about internships, and ask important questions. We learned that it is a very competitive internship but with hard work and dedication, we can take the necessary steps to stand out. Not a lot of people get that opportunity, so we here at NMSU are very fortunate.”
Kyle Parkins added, “Getting the chance to talk with GM executives was truly a pleasure. I was able to gain valuable industry insight into the field I want to make a difference in.”
Nancy Nartey commented, “It was inspiring to see people who’ve built their careers at GM share their insights with us. It made the industry feel more approachable.”
Ciara Quezada said, “It was an amazing opportunity seeing and hearing first-hand experiences from people who have started from the bottom to the top in supply chain!”
Rima Joukhadar, president of the Supply Chain Student Association, noted, “Meeting with GM executives was an incredibly motivating experience. Hearing their journeys and insights not only broadened my understanding of supply chain management but also inspired me to continue striving toward leadership opportunities in the field.”
Ashley Prieto called the event “such a great opportunity,” adding, “I’m really grateful to have been able to network with the GM representatives. It helped me learn more about the job market and how to network.”
Pimentel highlighted the long-term impact of such visits, saying, “These are life-changing opportunities for our students. When you secure a position with a company like GM, you are being adopted by a global organization that will mentor and develop you throughout your career. I have no doubt that within the next 10 years, we will see Aggies working globally for GM.”
The visit also underscored the increasing prominence and leadership of women in NMSU’s supply chain program, which Diana Reyes described as an uncommon but encouraging development in the field.
Pimentel concluded by emphasizing the significance of GM’s engagement with NMSU: “GM is one of the top 50 companies in the world. For them to not only notice us, but to actively recruit our students, is an extraordinary compliment. It shows that GM views our program as competitive with the very best in the country.”
