Tara Gray, Ph.D., serves as Associate Provost for Faculty Development and Director of the Teaching Academy. She became the founding director of the Teaching Academy in January 2003. Her tenure home is the Department of Criminal Justice, where she served for ten years. Before that, Tara taught economics for ten years and wrote her dissertation on the question, “Do prisons pay?”

Tara has published 50 scholarly works and four books, including  Publish & Flourish: Become a Prolific Scholar. She has won ten awards for teaching, scholarship, and service, both on campus and nationally. Tara has presented workshops to more than 10,000 educators in 140 institutions, 37 states, and in Guatemala, Mexico, Canada, Thailand, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

 At the Academy, Tara sets the direction in terms of programming; leads one-time and multi-session workshops; leads the team and builds spirit within it; manages the budget; and
fund-raises.

 Tara studies scholarly writing, directing effective teaching centers, and leading collaborative faculty development programs.

 Tara’s work is her play, but she also treasures spending time with friends and family as well as teaching women, men, and juvenile boys at a local detention center and a prison. You can reach Tara at 575.646.1013 or tgray@nmsu.edu.

Oana Cimpean, Ph.D., joined the Teaching Academy in 2022 as the Associate Director. Oana earned a doctorate in French Studies from Louisiana State University. Her dissertation analyzed the conflict between literature and political commitments. She taught French for many years both at LSU and at the University of Arkansas, where she also coordinated the introductory and intermediate French program. She worked in faculty development at the University of South Florida for six years. There she designed and facilitated training programs for faculty and teaching assistants on topics including the science of learning, leadership skills, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and experiential learning. At NMSU, Oana directs the Teaching Scholars Institutes, where she is the lead presenter. Oana likes to cook, make jewelry, visit art museums, and hear her son and husband talk about whales or mythical creatures in the background. You can reach Oana at 575.646.1788 or ocimpean@nmsu.edu.

Chris Bickford, Ph.D., joined the Teaching Academy in 2024 as an Instructional Consultant, Lead after working in STEM roles at Kenyon College and the California Institute of Technology. At Kenyon, Chris was an associate professor of biology and his research and publications focused on plant physiological ecology. More recently, at Caltech, he was a STEM Writing Specialist in the Hixon Writing Center. In both these roles, Chris focused on undergraduate STEM teaching, scientific writing, and writing pedagogy. At NMSU, Chris continues his work in STEM writing pedagogy and STEM teaching in addition to focusing on AI in higher education. A graduate of the University of New Mexico (Ph.D., Biology), Chris is delighted to be back in New Mexico and in close proximity to the Gila wilderness. He enjoys walking, backpacking with his family, and generally being outdoors whenever possible. Chris can be reached at 575.646.2583 or bickford@nmsu.edu.

Theresa Healy, M.A.,  joined the Teaching Academy in 2021, where she serves as an Educational Specialist. One of her main responsibilities is running the P&T workshop series, a valuable resource for faculty members aiming for promotion and tenure. In addition, she oversees the management of awards for both the Provost’s office and the Teaching Academy, ensuring comprehensive oversight from start to finish. In addition to her job, Theresa is currently a PhD candidate in educational leadership with an expected graduation date of May 2026. Theresa has a husband, two daughters, and a Jack Russell terrier named Sam. You can reach Theresa at 575.646.2072 or tremacle@nmsu.edu.

Kelly Ahrendes, B.S., joined the Teaching Academy in 2023 as the Event Planner, Sr. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management from New Mexico State University in 2004 and is returning in Fall 2025 for his Masters Degree. He has worked in resorts all over the country in many different roles, but most recently spent six years working with Sodexo at NMSU as the Crimson Concierge. He brings customer service and planning expertise to the role with the Teaching Academy, ensuring smooth events for all, whether online or in person. When not working, Kelly loves spending time at home with his wife, son, and animals. Kelly can be reached at 575.646.2072 or kellya@nmsu.edu.

Wendy Carreras, A.S., joined the Teaching Academy in 2021, where she serves as Administrative Assistant, Sr. In that capacity, she provides administrative and technical support for the Teaching Academy, works with nine databases, and performs duties seen and unseen that make events seem to run effortlessly. Wendy earned an Associate of Applied Science in Information Computer Technology as well as an Associate of Business Office Technology. Wendy was born and raised in NM. Immediately after high school, she served a five-year stint with the United States Marine Corps., and has most recently served as a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist with the Department of Workforce Solutions for three years. You can reach Wendy at 575.646.2204 or teaching@nmsu.edu.

Matt Barganier, M.A., joined the Teaching Academy in 2024 as part-time staff writer and publicist. At the Academy, he creates content for the website, whitepapers, fundraising letters, and newsletters. He has previously worked as a faculty developer and oral history program coordinator at the University of South Florida, copywriter for a family farm, writer and editor for a nonprofit, and middle school teacher. He earned a master’s in American studies from the University of Alabama. Matt enjoys spending time with family. You can reach Matt at mcbarg@nmsu.edu.