About Stephanie Hands:

I grew up in a small “farm and factory” town, smaller than UNM campus. There, women from low-income backgrounds were often discouraged from applying to college. After a year of minimum-wage jobs, I took a chance at UNM despite being told I was not “college material”.

I have been at UNM for 35 years, first as a student and work-study at the University College Advisement Center (UC). Then after becoming a six-year graduate, I continued working at UC, later leading both that advisement center and the Arts and Sciences Center for Academic Success. In 2023 I took on my current role as Director of OAS. I hold a Bachelor's in Psychology and an MBA from Anderson School of Management.

I believe Advisors are:
🐾 Teachers – they teach students how to navigate successfully through the university system.
🐾 Navigators – they give guidance that enhances students’ educational journey and personal development.
🐾 Translators – they articulate for the student the language of higher education.

 

My Role in OAS

At OAS, we standardize, advocate for, and represent advisement at UNM. I lead a talented team that develops policy, collaborates across campus, and enhances the advising experience for students and advisors. We provide data-driven guidance to help colleges support student success and work creatively to remove barriers that impede progress.

 

Ask Me About:

🐾 Finding help at UNM – navigating the complex system
🐾 Becoming an Academic Advisor
🐾 Life with Huskies
🐾 Becoming a fur baby foster