SW New Mexico News

Carlos Posadas, a criminal justice professor and assistant department head at New Mexico State University (NMSU), has been recognized for his contributions to education and service. Having grown up in El Paso, Posadas pursued his bachelor's degree at NMSU before continuing his graduate studies at Arizona State University. He returned to NMSU for an assistant professor position in the Department of Criminal Justice, where he is now in his 19th year.

In addition to teaching and research, Posadas holds several roles within the university. He chairs the Faculty Affairs Committee for the College of Arts & Sciences, serves on NMSU’s Institutional Review Board (IRB), is a member of the Hispanic Faculty and Staff Caucus (HFSC), and is an elected member of NMSU’s Employee Council. Outside the university, he mentors families through Jardin de los Niños’ Flourishing Families Parent Mentoring Program.

“I love serving students and my colleagues,” Posadas stated. “I have done and continue to do a lot of service work within and outside of NMSU. The work that I am most proud of is the work I have done with students in the Department of Criminal Justice. It is quite the privilege to play a small part in their journey to fulfill their academic goals.”

Posadas has received several accolades throughout his career. In 2010, he was awarded the Donald C. Roush Award for Teaching Excellence, recognized as a Star Teacher by the Teaching Academy in 2017, received a Senior Faculty Outstanding Service Award from HFSC peers, and was promoted to full professor in 2022.

“Within my department, I get to interact with my colleagues through various opportunities including as a peer, as a mentor, as a co-author on research projects and as a cheerleader for the great things they are doing for our students and community,” Posadas added.

His latest publication is a textbook titled “Juveniles in Contemporary Society: Understanding Juvenile Justice and Delinquency,” co-authored with Saundra Trujillo and emeritus professor Tom Winfree, published by Aspen Publishing in spring 2024.