Dean of Students Dean of Students (2024)

Upon graduationfrom Anderson,Nasharelocated to southern Californiato focus on advocatingfor and providing legal assistance to students with disabilities at a national non-profit agency.Nasha’sinvolvementwas instrumental inthe agency’s ability tooutreach to Spanish speaking, Native American,and rural communities, as they fought for full integration and inclusion,as well as individually tailored mental health and support services.Nasha realized that she wanted to have the ability to do even more for students and her clients, so shereturned to New Mexico to pursue her law degree, earningher Juris Doctoratefrom the UNMSchool of Law in 2006.

While a law student,Nashaworked in Spanish speaking mentorship programs andcreateda pipeline program for underrepresented students to pursue legal education.Upon graduation, she accepted a position at one of the oldest and largest firms in the state before she was recruited to serve as an Assistant General Counsel to the Governor where she took a role in intergovernmental management, legal compliance,and policy. In 2008, the Governor appointedNashato serve as the General Counselto a state agency,at which timeshe was the youngest General Counsel in the state.

Nashaleftstategovernment service in 2009 and worked in private practice representing school districts across the state beforereturning to UNM to serve asin-house counselfor theUniversity. During her ten years oflegalpractice,specializingin education lawand civil rights issues andgainedvitalexperience in student issues such as grievances, academic appeals, due process, freedom of expression, student confidentiality, behavioral intervention, Title IX,and disability rights. She alsosecuredextensive expertise in conflict resolution, mediation,crisis intervention,and negotiations.

Today,as the Dean of Students,Nashaoverseesvarious areas of student affairs and works to engage with and advocate for students.She is passionate aboutaddressing student’s basic needs, working to build consensus,listeningtoand engaging with people. Shefocuses onimprovingthe educational system to make it easier for Lobosto pursue their dreams.Nasha’sfavorite campus activities are the Resident and Student Life Olympiad, Welcome Back events like Welcome Back Days, and events like Raza Junta, the American Indian Student Service Welcome Back Lunch,and the African American Student Services Welcome Back BBQ

Paula Smith is the Associate Dean for Student Rights and Responsibilities. She has been a part of the University of New Mexico community since September 2023. Paula originally hails from Central Illinois and is excited about relocating to New Mexico and becoming part of the Lobo community – a family goal for a long time.

Most recently, Paula spent 10 years at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where she built the Resolution Center for Student Conduct and Conflict from the ground up and served as acting dean for student wellbeing. Prior to being a Bulldog, Paula was Assistant Director of Residence Life and Housing and served as University hearing officer at the University of Notre Dame. She also created the infrastructure for an on-campus housing operation at an Indiana University branch campus, has experience in alumni relations, and held additional positions in higher education and student affairs.

As a first-generation college student, Paula believes it’s a privilege to accompany students as they grow and learn how to be the best versions of themselves. She has a B.S. in Education from Eastern Illinois University, an M.A. in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University, and is a certified conflict coach and mediator.

Paula is passionate about providing an environment in which students feel seen, heard and valued. She focuses her energies on strategic planning, process improvement, and providing opportunities for student learning.

Paula loves exploring cuisine and thriving in the kitchen, classic films, and short or long road trips. She is still figuring out which campus events are favorites and is enjoying the vibrancy of the UNM campus.

Greg Golden has served as the Associate Dean of Student Well-being since July of 2023. Prior to his appointment, he served as Assistant Dean of Students since June of 2017. Greg Golden grew up in the four corners of the United States in the town of Farmington, New Mexico.

In 2011, he worked for the Student Union Building, planning events, conferences, and programming while he began the pursuit of a master's of business from the UNM Anderson School of Management. After 18 months, Greg left the University of New Mexico for two years and studied Student Affairs and Higher Education at the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL). While at UNL, Greg worked in the Center for Civic Engagement and the Office of Greek Affairs. Greg built his repertoire as a student affairs professional, focusing on character-based programs, leadership development, and Fraternity/Sorority programs. He graduated with a Masters of Arts in Student Affairs Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and contributed research to the field of improving Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment Practices.

Greg returned to the University of New Mexico in 2014 and worked as a member of the Student Activities Center Staff. He completed his Masters of Business Administration and continued supporting the vibrant fraternity and sorority community at UNM for three years.

Today, Greg serves as a passionate advocate for students and has a zeal for education. He has served as an adjunct instructor for the Anderson School of Management, and as the Assistant Dean of Students. He loves to socialize, listen to podcasts, and watch films in his free time. On more adventurous days, he is an avid skier.

Greg's favorite campus events are Greek Sing, Olympiad and Red Rally.