UNM Staff Council honors 2025 Gerald W. May Outstanding Staff Award winners

Four new Gerald W. May Outstanding Staff Award winners were honored recently by the UNM Staff Council. Established in 1990 through funds provided by UNM President Gerald W. May, the annual award honors outstanding staff members who have made significant contributions to the University. The Staff Council administers the award annually to recognize individuals whose work enhances their departments and advances university-wide goals.

"Our list of nominees for 2025 is a wonderful cross-representation of the Lobo community, and just a small snapshot of the hardworking staff who help make our lives and work at UNM that much better," said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes. "You are all a vital part of The University of New Mexico. You inspire me every day with your energy, your enthusiasm, and your sense of pride and commitment to our community. It is my privilege to present this year's Gerald W. May Outstanding Staff awards."

Of this year's 42 nominees, four recipients were selected and recognized for their leadership in innovation, collaboration and service excellence. They include Flor Cano-Soto, Mitch Garrity, Jill Prestopnik & Erika Partridge and Alesia Torres.

About the 2025 recipients:

Flor Cano-Soto - program manager, Community Behavioral Health, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences (HSC)
With more than two decades of experience in behavioral health, social services and program administration, Cano-Soto has dedicated her career to improving access to care and strengthening behavioral health systems across New Mexico. She manages the Statewide Opioid Response (SOR) grant, a multimillion-dollar initiative expanding treatment access and workforce capacity through culturally and linguistically responsive services. Her bilingual, bicultural background and collaborative work with federal, state, tribal and community partners continue to advance equity, inclusion and leadership development throughout the state.

Mitch Garrity - executive assistant to the president, Office of the President
Garrity is known across campus for her professionalism, integrity and unwavering dedication, embodying the spirit of the Gerald W. May Award. As the first point of contact for the Office of the President, she has provided trusted support to multiple UNM presidents, ensuring seamless operations and effective communication across the University. Her ability to anticipate needs, streamline processes and mentor colleagues has made her an invaluable partner and respected presence within the Lobo community.

Erika Partridge & Jill Prestopnik - strategic project director / administrator & education and outreach manager, NM Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (HSC)
Prestopnik and Partridge bring exceptional compassion, expertise and commitment to their work at the Center for Memory and Aging, where they lead National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded programs serving communities across New Mexico. Their efforts strengthen partnerships with diverse populations-including Zuni and Acoma Pueblos-and ensure that dementia research and resources reach those who need them most. Through scientific leadership, deep community engagement and coordination of complex projects involving more than 100 team members, they have elevated UNM's statewide research impact.

Alesia Torres - director, Core IT Services, Information Technologies
Torres represents UNM with pride and professionalism, leading a team that manages more than 200 essential systems that support students, faculty and staff. Her impact spans the University-from innovations like the Student Hub and streamlined application tools to initiatives that advance sustainability, accessibility and policy compliance. A dedicated mentor and collaborator, she co-founded the UNM Women in Technology group and champions inclusive, people-centered leadership. Torres has guided critical projects ranging from COVID-response applications to workforce management systems and promotes thoughtful exploration of emerging technologies to strengthen UNM operations.

Each fall, staff members are nominated by colleagues, faculty or students. Nominations are reviewed by the Staff Council Rewards and Recognition Committee and the Staff Council Executive Committee, with the final selection made by the University president.

Award winners receive a monetary award and a plaque, and their names are added to the perpetual plaque displayed in Scholes Hall.

For more information on the Gerald W. May Outstanding Staff Award, as well as a list of previous recipients, visit staffcouncil.unm.edu.