Dr. Mary Gutierrez serves as the Chancellor of UNM-Taos, where she is dedicated to student success, equity, and inclusive leadership. Since joining in August 2021, she has led transformative initiatives focused on guided pathways, career and technical education, and fostering a supportive campus environment. Under her leadership, UNM-Taos launched the Caminos de la Cumbre pathways program and increased retention rates to over 76% college-wide, including 80% among Hispanic students and 84% among Native American students.

With a career spanning leadership roles at Diablo Valley College, Skyline College, and Cascadia College, Dr. Gutierrez has consistently championed student-centered innovation and institutional change. She was selected as an Aspen Presidential Fellow in 2020 and holds a doctorate in educational leadership from San Francisco State University, where her research centered on equity and institutional transformation. A proud New Mexican, Dr. Gutierrez is committed to expanding access to education and workforce opportunities across the region.