Education Hall of Honors Inductees- 2008

Randy Fowler
B.S. 1974, Physical Education, English
M.Ed. 1982, Secondary Education
Randy Fowler, a humble man who eschews public recognition for his work, is overwhelmingly recognized by his peers and employees as an outstanding school administrator, teacher, and coach. He has received the New Mexico Superintendent of the Year and New Mexico Administrator of the Year awards.At this time, Mr. Fowler is the Superintendent of the Portales Municipal School District.

William “Bill” C. Hutsell Jr.
BBE, Distributive Education and BBA, Marketing, 1975
Bill Hutsell is retired from thirty-three years as a distinguished educator and community service leader in El Paso, TX. The long time chair of the Career and Technology Department at Andress HS had a street, Hutsell Place, named after him by the City of El Paso.

Robert M. James
B.A. 1970, Elementary Education
M.E. 1972, Reading
At this time, Robert James is the Vice Chancellor for Student Services at the University Of Arkansas Community College at Hope. His distinguished career covers the spectrum of students—from elementary education to post secondary students with special needs. He has held various leadership positions in student services including an era at South Plains College in Levelland, TX.

Jimmie Fern Lees
B.A. 1952, Physical Education, Mathematics,
M.S. 1961, Mathematics
Jimmie Lees honorably led Portales High School students in rigorous high school math and science competitions for over forty-two years. Her greatest commendation came in 1983 when she was selected for the first Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching.

Joe Montgomery
Attended ENMJC from 1936 through 1938
M.A. 1955, School Administration
Joe Montgomery, a pioneering Alaskan, has modestly served his profession with high distinction. He has been an Army Air Corp pilot, a teacher, a superintendent of schools, a legislator, and a chairman of the State Board of Education. He was recognized in 1993 by Governor Walter J. Hickel and the Eighteenth Alaska State Legislature with an Executive and Legislative Proclamation honoring his many decades of selfless service to the State of Alaska and its children.

Joe R. Moore
B.S. 1958, Mathematics
Joe Moore contributed forty-two years of distinguished service in education and community service throughout six states in the nation (CA, NM, NE, ILL, IA, and WI). Mr. Moore retired as the Director of Instruction and Curriculum in the Chilton School District, Wisconsin.

Fernando Ramirez
B.A. 1959, Industrial Education
M.A 1963, Secondary Education
Fernando Ramirez was an educational leader for forty years as an industrial arts/vocational building trades teacher and administrator. He enriched the lives of Hispanic youth and all other students under his tutelage while teaching in Sante Fe.  

Dr. LaNelle Witt, Ph.D
B.S. 1966, Education
M.A. 1967, English
Dr. Witt has demonstrated her educational skills and professionalism for more than forty years by her teaching, writing, leadership, management and service to ENMU-R. Her community service to the Roswell Independent School District, City of Roswell, and the State of New Mexico is also distinguished.