UTEP President Emerita Diana Natalicio has died at age 82. Current UTEP President Heather Wilson issued the following statement:
"It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that UTEP President Emerita Diana Natalicio, who led the University from 1988-2019, has died.
Dr. Natalicio will be remembered by many as a pioneer in higher education. She defied the critics who said it wasn’t possible to open access to higher education to everyone and still offer a top tier educational experience. Her sustained commitment to provide all residents of the Paso del Norte region access to outstanding higher education opportunities has helped make UTEP a national success story. During Dr. Natalicio’s 31-year presidency – the longest of any sitting president of a public research university at the time – UTEP’s student body began to more closely reflect the demographics of the region. The University awarded more than 91,000 degrees during her tenure and was recognized as a national leader for the upward mobility of its graduates. Just a few months before Dr. Natalicio’s retirement, UTEP was designated an R1 research university, placing it among the top 5% of universities nationally for research.
The Miner family has lost a great advocate and leader who devoted her life to making a difference in the lives of others. Our hearts go out to all of those whose lives she touched. We mourn the loss of an inspirational leader, and celebrate her legacy of access and excellence that lives on."
NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu and President John Floros issued the following statement in response to the passing of Dr. Diana Natalicio today:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Diana Natalicio. She was an icon and a pioneer in higher education leadership, serving UTEP for more than three decades. She achieved what all of us in this role strive to do: She made a lasting positive impact on generations of students from all walks of life in our border region. Her legacy and influence will continue to be felt for years to come.”