Education Hall of Honors Inductees

Marion Lecil Richards – Attended 1945-47; 1953, BA in Secondary Education; 1958 MA in Education
Marion Richards is a native and 1945 graduate of Dora, NM schools. Mr. Richards retired in 1983 following 36 years of service in education. Despite a paralyzing accident in 1984, Marion continues to inspire the best from his family and friends by his sparkling eyes which portray his positive view on life and public education.  His career led him to the Causey, Dora, Chaves County, and Roswell schools.

Judy Armstrong – 1968, BA English; 1969, MA English
Judy Armstrong provided professional leadership and educational skills spanning her 39 year career. Judy’s career benefited not only students seeking an education but community agencies in Roswell, Chaves County, and regional non-profit organizations.  She earned her Doctor of Education degree from UNM in 1995 before serving with distinction as the Provost/President of ENMU- Roswell from 2001 through 2008.

Charles Leo Martinez – 1964, BA, Industrial Education; 1968, MA, Education
Charles Leo Martinez is recognized as the closest being to a real Santa Claus to New Mexico Highlands University students, children, the disabled, seniors, and shut-ins. His unselfish behavior continues today but served Eastern from 1972 to 1977, as an Emeritus Professor at NMHU, and the Las Vegas, NM community for over 33 years. Throughout his distinguished career he championed the educational interests of Hispanic and Native Americans.

Delman Shirley – 1960, BS, 1965, Mathematics; MA, 1972, Secondary Education
Delman Shirley retired in 1995 after 35 years in public education. He served as teacher and principal in elementary and secondary schools at Raton, Portales, Cimarron, and Clovis. Delman served in NEA-NM leadership beyond the scope of his classroom years. He served on the ERB continuously from 1984 until 2007 and for several years on the Legislative Committee of the NMAER and chaired the committee in 2008.

Lonnie L. Leslie – 1971, BS; Industrial Education; 1973, MS; Educational Administration
Lonnie Lesley’s loyalty to the Clovis schools is admirable. Lonnie was continuously employed for 33 years by the Clovis schools in teaching and building/ district level administration. He retired in 2005 but continues to provide community service to civic associations, church, service clubs, the medical center, and schools. His most rewarding years were as a drafting and electronics teacher watching students succeed in life and careers.