NMSU honors Gutierrez-Olona with Roberts Memorial Staff Award

Taeya M. Padilla, New Mexico State University

LAS CRUCES - Frances Gutierrez-Olona, Doña Ana Community College Dental Hygiene Program clinical lab manager and dental assistant, has been named this year’s Stephen W. and Robert E. Roberts Memorial Staff Award recipient.

Gutierrez-Olona will receive the annual cash award for her dedication and outstanding service to NMSU as a non-exempt employee. She will be honored at a ceremony from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 in Corbett Center Student Union, Doña Ana Room.

Gutierrez-Olona said she was surprised and emotional when she was informed about the award.

“This reward reinforces my belief that if you set goals, you can make things happen by fostering a supportive environment,” Gutierrez-Olona said. “I’m inspired to continue working towards that for the future.”

“Fran’s willingness to go above and beyond her assigned tasks, along with her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results, sets her apart as a truly outstanding professional,” said Janaya Bunker, DACC dental instructor.

In 2010, Gutierrez-Olona started in the Dental Assisting Program as a part-time employee. In 2014, she became a Dental Hygiene Program full-time employee. She has worked for 14 years in her roles at DACC.

“She is so exceptional at her job that all DACC inspections have been found to be 100% in compliance since 2016 under her management,” Bunker said. “She is also partly responsible for the achievement of accreditation for the dental hygiene and dental assisting programs for the last two cycles due to her management, organization and data collection.”

“I feel deeply honored and fulfilled to know that my contributions have positively impacted the university,” Gutierrez-Olona said. “We set high standards in our dental program and provide support to our students, so that they are knowledgeable and prepared for when they graduate and are ready for employment. We receive calls from employers asking for our dental assisting and dental hygiene students. This has been incredibly rewarding knowing that my efforts have made a meaningful difference. It gives me a sense of pride and motivates me to continue working towards the university’s mission and goals; to provide educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners and academic excellence.”

Gutierrez-Olona’s favorite aspect of her job is working as a team.

“I love my co-workers,” she said.

“Fran is always approachable and pleasant, making her a trusted and valued member of the team,” Bunker said. “Her ability to balance strong leadership with warmth and inclusivity has earned her the respect and admiration of everyone she works with.”

Taeya M. Padilla writes for New Mexico State University Marketing and Communications and can be reached at 575-646-3221, or by email at taeyap@nmsu.edu.