Lakshmi Reddi Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer | nmsu.edu
Lakshmi Reddi Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer | nmsu.edu
New Mexico State University (NMSU) is continuing a tradition started in 2023 to honor individuals and organizations contributing to economic development in New Mexico. The university is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Kevin B. Boberg Excellence in Economic Development Award. Last year, Jon Barela, CEO of the Borderplex Alliance, received the inaugural award at the NMSU Outreach Conference.
The award is named after Kevin Boberg, who was instrumental in launching Arrowhead Center at NMSU and served as its first director and CEO. Boberg passed away in March 2021.
“This award celebrates partnership and serves as a wonderful reminder that the economic development work undertaken by NMSU would not and could not occur without the collaboration of stakeholders throughout New Mexico who share our vision and desire to make an impact,” stated Luis Cifuentes, vice president of Research, Creativity and Economic Development at NMSU.
Sponsored by NMSU’s Arrowhead Center and its Office of Research, Creativity and Economic Development, the award aims to recognize those with a history of collaboration with both the university and community. Nominees should demonstrate how they enhance NMSU’s economic development efforts through partnerships and innovation.
Two recipients will be chosen: one from within the NMSU community and another representing an external collaborator. Each will receive a $2,000 prize. The deadline for nominations is Monday, Oct. 28, with forms available at nmsu.edu/economic-development/boberg-award.html.
The winners will be recognized at this year’s Fall Outreach Conference on Nov. 19 at the Las Cruces Convention Center.
Boberg had a significant impact on NMSU’s economic development initiatives during his three decades with the university. He played a key role in establishing Arrowhead Park Early College High School through a partnership between public schools and NMSU. Additionally, he was involved in bringing Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine to campus.
In 2013, Boberg was appointed as NMSU’s vice president for economic development under then-president Garrey Carruthers. Kathy Hansen succeeded him as director and CEO of Arrowhead Center.
Throughout his career, Boberg also worked as a professor and mentor to students while contributing to various programs like the Pete V. Domenici Institute Advisory Council and Domenici Scholars program.
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