A Western New Mexico University instructor recently earned recognition for excellence in education, bringing pride to the university community. Alexandra Neves received the 2026 University Bilingual Education Professor of the Year Award from the Association of Bilingual Education New Mexico (ABE NM). The honor recognizes the Associate Dean and College of Education Professor of TESOL/Bilingual Education’s outstanding work.
ABE NM presented the award during a formal ceremony in April. The organization recognized Neves for her distinguished career and her unwavering advocacy for students’ educational success across the state.
The University Bilingual Education Professor of the Year Award recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to bilingual education. The ceremony brought together education leaders to honor visionaries championing language acquisition and cultural preservation in the Southwest. Neves accepted the award alongside colleagues and peers, marking a milestone in her distinguished journey.
“This recognition belongs to our students and the vibrant communities of New Mexico who remind us every day that language is not just a tool for communication, but a bridge to our heritage and our future,” Neves said. “Empowering the next generation of educators to view bilingualism as a primary asset is the most rewarding work of my career,” Neves said.
Why Neves Earned the Honor
The ABE NM Executive Board selected Neves after a rigorous review of her contributions to higher education. She also serves as chair of the Felipe de Ortego y Gasca Institute. Throughout her tenure, Neves helped shape the next generation of educators. She equipped them with the pedagogical skills and cultural competencies needed to serve New Mexico’s diverse student population
WNMU brought 16 dual enrollment students from WNMU and Deming High School to the conference. The students presented alongside their teachers and received a standing ovation for their puppet show and projects presentations.
“The session filled quickly as participants were eager to learn more about the students’ experiences as Transfronterizos—crossing the border daily to attend school,” Neves said. The conference featured students’ teachers, who also serve as WNMU adjunct faculty, as keynote speakers.
Neves’ influence extended well beyond the classroom, according to WNMU. She advocated for instructional practices that treated native languages as essential assets for student development.
In a state with a rich and complex linguistic heritage, Neves helped bridge the gap between academic research and classroom reality. Her efforts improved the instructional quality across the region and fostered learning environments that celebrated and preserved multiple languages.
ABE NM promotes high-quality educational programs for linguistically and culturally diverse students. It hosts an annual conference and leads year-round advocacy efforts to support bilingual education. The organization gives educators opportunities to share best practices and recognize leaders dedicated to the bilingual mission.
