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For Immediate Release

 

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Eric Davis, Marketing & Communications Director

505.424.2351, or [email protected] 
Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) 
Hosted
Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veteran's Services 
on Monday, December 3, 2018
For Dedication Ceremony 
of IAIA Veterans Resource Room


Santa Fe: December 5, 2018.

Retired New Mexico Army National Guard Brigadier General Jack R. Fox , the current Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veteran's Services,  visited the IAIA campus on Monday, December 3, 2018 to participate in the dedication of the IAIA Veteran's Resource Room --  which is part of the school's Student Success Center.

Born and raised in Roswell, Secretary Fox is a graduate of the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) and New Mexico State University (NMSU). Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from NMSU, he was commissioned as a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant/Infantry in 1969. While stationed at Ft. Benning, GA, he earned a Master's Degree in Education from Georgia State University.

General Jack R. Fox


Fox continued serving with the Army, the Army Reserves -- and ultimately, the New Mexico National Guard before retiring in 1995 as a colonel. He then began a post-military career as an educator--teaching high school in Hereford, Texas, before returning home in 1999 to Roswell to serve as NMMI Commandant.

In 2004, Fox was selected as President of St. John's Military School in Salina, Kan. In 2007, he was recalled from Retired-Reserve status and commissioned full-time as Deputy Adjutant General of the New Mexico National Guard-where he was tasked with the overall training and readiness of the entire Guard force.

Fox retired in 2010 at the rank of Brigadier General. He then volunteered to serve on the New Mexico State Armory Board and the New Mexico National Guard Bataan Memorial Museum Foundation.

(L to R) Nena Martinez Anaya, Rachelle Pablo (Diné),
 IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee),
General Jack R. Fox, Valentina Herrera (San Felipe Pueblo)
When appointed to the Department of Veteran's Services, Fox commented: "As a native New Mexican, I am honored and humbled to be given this chance to serve my state's veterans and their families. I have seen first-hand the sacrifices they have made to serve our country. Along with my staff, I will fight  to help veterans receive every VA and state veterans' benefit they have earned - and will seek to further improve their post-military lives."  

Dr. Martin and General Fox cutting the ribbon on the Veterans Resource Center

Before the dedication, Fox toured the campus with IAIA Student and veteran Rachelle Pablo (Diné). Afterwards, he spoke of the 160,000 veterans registered in the VA system, and mentioned some local resources for veterans needing assistance. He also and did a "Q and A" with IAIA students who had served in the military, along with other veterans on campus, then enjoyed a group lunch in IAIA's Bon Appétit Cafe.


IAIA President Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee) stated that "We were honored General Fox could join us for this special occasion to dedicate the Veteran's Resource Center, an informal gathering space for our student veterans. With the assistance of General Fox and the New Mexico Department of Veteran Services, we are committed to helping our veterans access available resources that will support their success."



General Fox addressing IAIA veterans and community members


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Offering undergraduate degrees in Studio Arts, Creative Writing, Cinematic Arts and Technology, Indigenous Liberal Studies, and Museum Studies -- a minor in Performing Arts -- an MFA in Creative Writing -- along with certificates in Business and Entrepreneurship, Museum Studies, and Native American Art History -- IAIA is the only college in the nation dedicated to the study of contemporary Native arts. The school serves 495 full time equivalent (FTE) Native and non-Native American college students from across the globe.  IAIA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission -- and is the only college in New Mexico accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. 
About IAIA -- For over 50 years, the Institute of American Indian Arts has played a key role in the direction and shape of Native expression. With an internationally acclaimed college, museum, and tribal support resource through our Land Grant Programs, IAIA is dedicated to the study and advancement of Native arts and cultures -- and committed to student achievement and the preservation and progress of their communities.  Learn more about IAIA and our mission at   www.iaia.edu.
The Institute of American Indian Arts Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.  To make a donation on-line, please click here -- or call toll free: 1.800.804.6423.