It’s a Lobo Family Affair Marilee Petranovich

It’s a Lobo Family Affair

The University of New Mexico – Gallup campus is a spot where students are encouraged to start and finish short-term certificate or degree programs, or perhaps transfer on to other institutions of higher education to finish a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The support they receive while at UNM-Gallup often comes from faculty, student affairs experts, staff, and administrators. In most cases, this support also comes from family members, friends, and other external personal systems that are there to reassure and celebrate students as they move forward in reaching for their educational goals.

The Herrera family of Gallup has taken that support system to an all-time high level of inspiration with a strong sense of togetherness. They also function as a role model of how one family appreciates the value of a college education and cheers each other on through each class, each program, and each degree. This family of Lobos continues to learn, grow, and value education as part of their life plans.

By day, Jobi Herrera is a fiscal services technician in the department of business operations at UNM-Gallup. Jobi also worked in public education and early childhood development for ten years. This matriarch of the Herrera family is a first generation college graduate of UNM-Gallup who

From left to right: Lynns, Joey, Jobi, Chance, Jolene and Jonas Herrera.

obtained an Associate of Arts degree in early childhood multicultural education in 2018. She is currently studying to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in family and child studies.

Jobi’s husband Joseph (Joey) Herrera, a United States Navy veteran, is also a first generation college graduate and UNM-Gallup alum. He graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in construction technology in 1990. Joey is employed as a construction control inspector for the Bureau of Reclamation and credits his UNM-Gallup degree and years of experience as a general contractor with opening doors for him. As a Navy veteran, Joey was able to use his GI Bill benefits to obtain a degree that enhanced his existing interest and experience.

With their parents as great role models, the Herrera children followed in their parents’ footsteps and most started their college educations at the UNM-Gallup campus. From there they either entered directly into the workforce or used their UNM-G credentials as launching pads to bigger and greater accomplishments.

Daughter Jolene Herrera started as a UNM-Gallup student after graduating from Gallup High School. While at UNM-Gallup, Jolene participated in a student employment program where she worked as a math tutor while attending classes. She was able to obtain many of her core and prerequisite classes while staying close to home before transferring to Arizona State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in biology in 2009. Jolene, currently a government employee, is continuing to expand her horizons by studying water science at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.

Brother Chance Herrera is a graduate of the Middle College High School which is a charter high school located on the UNMGallup campus. Chance received a certificate in welding technology from UNM-Gallup in 2015. Chance served his country in the United States Army as an infantryman and has recently re-enlisted in the United States Army for four more years. Later he plans to use his GI Bill benefits to further his career.

Sister Lynnsay (Lynns) Herrera graduated from Middle College High School in 2016 and received both her high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree in liberal arts

Lynns, Joey, Chance, Jolene and Jobi Herrera

through the concurrent enrollment options available. Since that time, Lynns has continued to build her academic resume with a Bachelor’s Degree in geologic studies from New Mexico State University in 2019. When she transferred to NMSU in 2016, all her college credits from UNM-Gallup transferred with her. Lynns noted, “The Blue Planet class taught by Antoinette (UNM-Gallup Assistant Professor Antoinette Abeyta) was a turning point to become a geologist in addition to the incredibly gorgeous mountains to hike and explore in our area.” From her beginnings at UNMGallup, Lynns is currently pursuing a career as an oilfield geologist.

Lynnsay Herrera at her UNM-Gallup spring 2016 commencement ceremonies

Jobi Herrera states, “Our family is grateful to have attended The University of New Mexico – Gallup campus. Higher education has definitely made a difference in all our lives.”

Brother Jonas also received his early education in Gallup. Jonas joined the United States Army as a combat engineer and he served his country in Iraq for five years. After returning to civilian life, Jonas attended Central New Mexico Community College in Albuquerque using his GI Bill benefits and he has been employed as a federal officer for several years.

It is clear from the example set by the Herrera family that families that study together, learn together, and set educational goals together, grow academically, personally, and professionally.

From our Lobo family to all Lobo families everywhere, congratulations on choosing UNM-Gallup for your start. Staying close and going far definitely go hand-in-hand. If you or family members are looking to start a new and transformative part of your lives, know that UNM-Gallup has something for everyone and the supports systems in place to make it happen. For more information for you and your family, visit gallup.unm.edu.

For more information contact: Marilee Petranovich mpetrano@unm.edu (505) 863-7770

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