CHESS Celebrates 5 Years of Collaborating for Student Success
Anniversary Event Highlighted CHESS Achievements and Honored Legislative Champions
at the Santa Fe Higher Education Center on November 14, 2025
Pictured from left to right are Dr. Becky Rowley, Santa Fe Community College President
& CHESS Board Chair, Senator Linda Trujillo, and Dr. Shaun McAlmont, CHESS CEO.
On Friday, November 14, 2025, the CHESS 5th Anniversary Celebration, “Collaborating for Student Success,” brought together a distinguished group of leaders, partners, and champions for higher education at the Santa Fe Higher Education Center. The event was a resounding success, drawing NM State Legislators, CHESS Board of Directors and College Trustees, Implementation Team Members, CHESS employees, and key partners for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to reflecting on five years of collaborative and transformative progress.
Warm Welcomes and Inspiring Reflections
Dr. Becky Rowley, President of Santa Fe Community College and Founding Chair of the CHESS Board, opened the program with a heartfelt welcome. Dr. Rowley highlighted CHESS’s journey, emphasizing the power of community and cross-institutional collaboration in advancing student outcomes. Her remarks set a tone of gratitude and forward-thinking optimism that resonated throughout the event.
Celebrating Leadership and Vision
Dr. Shaun McAlmont, CEO of CHESS, followed with an introduction to CHESS’s mission, tracing its growth from a visionary idea to a robust, collaborative platform serving New Mexico’s higher education institutions. Dr. McAlmont praised the collective efforts that have shaped CHESS, noting the organization’s commitment to student success through shared services and innovation.
Honoring Legislative Champions
The program featured special remarks from New Mexico State Senator Linda Trujillo, who has been a steadfast advocate for educational advancement in the state. Senator Trujillo reflected on the importance of legislative support for initiatives like CHESS and commended the organization for its enduring impact.
Recognizing Excellence: Awards Ceremony
A highlight of the celebration was the awards ceremony, honoring the individuals whose leadership and vision have been instrumental to CHESS’s success:
Founder’s Award Honorees:
- Kathy Ulibarri, CHESS Founding CEO
- Greg Saunders, CHESS Founding COO
- Dr. Becky Rowley, CHESS Founding Board Chair
CHESS Innovation Award: Stephanie Rodriguez, NM Higher Education Department Secretary, for her forward-thinking leadership and dedication to educational innovation
CHESS Appreciation Award: NM Senator Linda Trujillo, recognized for her ongoing support and advocacy for higher education in New Mexico
Pictured from left to right are Founding CHESS CEO, Kathy Ulibarri,
Dr. Becky Rowley, President of Santa Fe Community College &
CHESS Board Chair, and Dr. Shaun McAlmont, CHESS CEO.
Missing from picture is Greg Saunders, Founding CHESS COO.
A Look Back—and Forward—at CHESS’s Impact
The afternoon continued with the CHESS Leadership panel discussing “CHESS Collaboration and Progress,” featuring Dr. Shaun McAlmont (CEO), Greg Saunders (COO), Dr. Mindy Watson (CAO), and Adrienne Griego (CFO). CHESS Leaders shared key milestones from the past five years, including the successful implementation of shared services, the launch of innovative student support programs, and the strengthening of partnerships across institutions.
Panelists also discussed future plans, reaffirming CHESS’s commitment to leveraging technology and collaboration to drive student achievement and institutional effectiveness across New Mexico.
Looking Ahead: A Toast to Continued Success
Dr. Shaun McAlmont closed the celebration with remarks that underscored the significance of the organization’s accomplishments and the promise of continued innovation. He called upon all attendees to keep the spirit of collaboration alive as CHESS embarks on its next chapter.
The CHESS 5th Anniversary Celebration was more than a commemoration; it was a testament to the collective power of vision, partnership, and unwavering dedication to student success. Congratulations to all honorees and to the entire CHESS community for five inspiring years—and many more to come.
Invitation
The Nutty CHESSTER
Commemorative Mocktail Recipe:
Agenda
