Lakshmi Reddi Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer | nmsu.edu
Lakshmi Reddi Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer | nmsu.edu
Kathy Hansen, a founding member of the Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University (NMSU), has retired after over two decades of service. Hansen, along with Kevin Boberg and former NMSU Chancellor and New Mexico Governor Garrey Carruthers, established the center in 2003. Under her leadership as director and CEO since 2013, Arrowhead Center has become a significant force for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in New Mexico.
Reflecting on her tenure, Hansen stated, “While we had great hopes for what Arrowhead would be able to accomplish when we started the organization, the success we have achieved has been extraordinary to witness, even as someone who has been at the center of the work.”
Dana Catron, deputy director of Arrowhead Center and interim director following Hansen's retirement, praised Hansen’s contributions. “It would take days to do justice to the milestones achieved under Kathy’s leadership,” Catron said. She highlighted achievements such as securing U.S. Economic Development Administration support and consistently earning Small Business Association Federal and State Technology awards since 2015.
Carruthers emphasized Hansen's impact: “Kathy Hansen is among the best hires I ever made. She is quiet but confident... In the economic development world, she would be a first ballot hall of famer.” Boberg served as Arrowhead's first director and CEO until his passing in 2021.
During her directorship, Hansen initiated programs like Innoventure for younger students and fostered partnerships leading to establishments like the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship in 2017. She also supported projects such as NM CERG cluster which contributed significantly to economic growth.
Hansen expressed pride in building trust with private sector stakeholders: “I feel one of Arrowhead’s greatest accomplishments has been establishing an exceptional reputation among all stakeholders... These relationships have fundamentally changed the regional landscape.”
Catron acknowledged that Hansen's influence will persist at NMSU: “Her belief in the potential of others will remain one of her greatest legacies.”
Looking ahead, Hansen plans to spend time with family in Switzerland but remains optimistic about Arrowhead's future: “While moving into the next stage is bittersweet... I am confident that the team who remains at Arrowhead will empower the organization to continue exceeding all expectations.”
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