Dr. López (they/them) is the Director of Latin American Programs, formerly known as the Chicano Programs. Originally from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Dr. López is an alumnus of this university, where they earned a degree in Multicultural and Bilingual Special Education with a minor in Family Studies. They have extensive experience working with pre-service teachers, starting during their graduate studies and continuing at the Graduate School of Education at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, before assuming their role as LAP director.

In addition to leading the Latin American Programs, Dr. López serves as a professor at NMSU, teaching courses that focus on intersectional approaches to inclusive teaching in linguistically diverse settings. Their current research focuses on identifying and addressing barriers faced by NMSU students from diverse backgrounds, with the aim of establishing spaces, practices and policies that foster a sense of belonging, inclusion, and community for all.

Fun Fact: Dr. Lopez enjoys painting tiny canvases in their spare time.

Dr. Rio Lopez

Director of Latin American Program