The New Mexico State University (NMSU) Foundation has named Dr. Sylvia Y. Acosta ’10 as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Acosta brings a wealth of experience inspiring supporters, generating growth, and creating positive change through focused philanthropy in the business, non-profit, and educational sectors. Acosta begins her new role as CEO on October 2nd, which also involves her becoming a member of the NMSU Foundation Board of Directors.

“I am deeply honored to spearhead the NMSU Foundation in its unwavering commitment to champion the land-grant mission of this university, a noble endeavor that resonates profoundly with my own passion and dedication,” said Acosta, a 2010 graduate of NMSU with a Ph.D. in Education. “My role is to facilitate dreams – to help people achieve their goals and unleash the potential of everything possible at NMSU,” she added.

A native of El Paso, Texas, a child of migrant workers, and a first-generation college graduate, Acosta brings more than 25 years of management experience in non-profit organizations, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer of the National Minority Supplier Development Council in New York, N.Y. Prior to that, she was Chief Executive Officer of YWCA El Paso del Norte Region in El Paso, the largest YWCA in the nation. There, she set the vision and direction of the organization while eliminating a 10-year deficit and bringing the organization to financial sustainability.

Acosta also held development and management positions with several other higher educational institutions, including the University of California at Irvine, The University of Texas at El Paso, New Mexico State University, St. Mary’s University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso. In addition to her Ph.D. in Education from NMSU, she has a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in Political Science from St. Mary’s University.

“Dr. Acosta’s story parallels the stories of so many of us who graduated from NMSU, and we are thrilled to have her guiding us into the next phase of our proud history,” said Louis Vega ’92, NMSU Foundation Board Vice Chair and head of the CEO search committee. “It’s all about the students – helping someone find their path and their potential. We’re overjoyed to welcome Sylvia as she leads us to becoming nationally known for our bold vision and inspired philanthropy that has made a difference in the lives of so many,” Vega added.

UNLEASHING POTENTIAL

As CEO, Acosta will provide visionary leadership that advances system-wide fundraising priorities, including specific annual and unit targets and other institutional advancement strategies to build long-term support for the NMSU mission.

“The Board of Regents is pleased with the selection of Dr. Acosta as the Foundation’s chief executive officer,” said Ammu Devasthali ‘93, Chair, New Mexico State University Board of Regents. “Sylvia has a unique ability to carry on the Foundation’s goal of supporting the important mission of NMSU as a land-grant, Hispanic-Serving, and Minority-Serving Institution. She is the right person at the right time to lead this organization in strengthening the very foundation of this University.”

Acosta will prudently and responsibly manage the assets of the NMSU Foundation with a focus on sustainability. Further, she will drive a culture of philanthropy that embraces all institutional and community stakeholders while enhancing and expanding the Foundation’s impact among alumni and donors.

“We can’t wait to welcome Dr. Acosta to our team both as a leader and colleague,” said Christian Hendrickson ’97, Board Chair, NMSU Foundation. “She has a clear vision for the Foundation’s future and a strong commitment to its purpose. Based on that understanding, plus her work ethic, experience and deep roots in the region, we are confident that under her guidance the NMSU Foundation will continue to thrive and grow.”

Acosta will oversee a team of approximately 60 employees and coordinate with the senior leadership team and their staff members to ensure the Foundation is cohesive, productive, and efficient.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for the NMSU Foundation and we are looking forward to working with Dr. Acosta,” said Dr. Jay Gogue, interim NMSU President. “She will help us strengthen our fundraising efforts, reach new alumni and supporters, and bring even greater distinction to our top-tier university.”

ABOUT THE NMSU FOUNDATION

Established in 1959, the Foundation is a privately governed non-profit corporation whose mission is to support New Mexico State University. The Foundation consistently strives for trust, accountability, and excellence in its constituent relationships by promoting the values of fiduciary care, leadership, teamwork, and the highest standard of ethics among its employees and volunteers. With assets of more than $390 million, the NMSU Foundation is on track to raise over $25 million in calendar year 2023.

The mission of the NMSU Foundation is to foster long-term relationships with alumni, supporters, and community to secure, manage, steward, and protect a sustainable source of private resources that will enhance the ability of New Mexico State University to fulfill its land grant mission. It is committed to upholding and preserving public and private trust, while at the same time protecting the privacy of donors and employees, and the confidentiality of its competitive strategies.

ABOUT DR. SYLVIA Y. ACOSTA

Dr. Sylvia Acosta holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from New Mexico State University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from the Graduate Political Science Program at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from The University of Texas at Austin. An ardent supporter of educational access, social mobility, and equality, Acosta is known for her nonprofit leadership skills and fundraising expertise. She is also passionate about community relations, academic partnership, and inspiring Hispanic alumni, friends, and university leadership in fundraising. She is married and has two children.