Family's gift of care

NMSU's newest research institute celebrated its first year in 2022 with attendance at a statewide conference and a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the ground floor of O’Donnell Hall. 

In April 2022, four teams representing the Glass Family Research Institute for Early Childhood Studies attended the New Mexico Association for the Education of Young Children annual conference to share research in early childhood education. The teams representing NMSU consisted of a variety of early childhood stakeholders from the Southwest and borderland area. 

Presenting research team members included early childhood pre-service teachers, professors and researchers from NMSU and Doña Ana Community College; in-service teachers from Doña Ana County; and undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students from the College of HEST. 

Angela Owens also celebrated her first year as the institute’s director. She and dozens of NMSU faculty and staff, along with government officials and community members, attended the institute’s ribbon-cutting ceremony also in April 2022. At the ceremony, Owens and institute staff and faculty gave tours of their office space, and heard remarks from NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu and New Mexico State Sen. Carrie Hamblen. 

The institute seeks to influence policy and practices related to New Mexico’s young children, families and early childhood stakeholders. It was made possible by a generous gift from Smoky Glass Torgerson and her husband, Alan, and will advance research in early childhood care and education through collaboration not only between departments at NMSU, but with partners off campus as well, to identify best practices and policies. 

The institute’s vision was co-created in part by NMSU Professor of Early Childhood Education Emeritus Betsy Cahill, an early childhood advocate and pioneer. The goal of the institute is to disseminate research that captures the essence of experiences and knowledge that exists between local early childhood care, the community and educational practices and policies. 

Owens’ research focuses on caregiver experiences with the special education process, early childhood education and inclusivity for all children. She also has experience ranging from teaching in childcare, elementary and special education settings to serving as an elementary campus administrator, and as a liaison at the state level between school districts and families during the special education process. 

To donate to the institute, visit nmsufoundation.org/givenow/giving-hest.html.