CEHD First Gen Institute 2022: Keynote

Dr. T. Mark Montoya Keynote: Living in the Space Between
Grounded in current first-generation student success research and utilizing appropriate borderlands pedagogy theories, this presentation will draw attention to the academic border-crossing experiences of first-gens and the many intersections that inform their journeys. This presentation will also offer suggestions to confront and cross the myriad challenges (borderlands) that first-gens face. As such, together we will explicitly highlight asset-based strategies via borderlands pedagogy as an innovative scholarly approach to understanding and advancing first-gen student success, as we attempt to understand their/our lived and intersectional experiences.

T. Mark Montoya, Ph.D. is associate dean for curriculum and student affairs, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, and associate professor, ethnic studies, at Northern Arizona University (NAU). A first-generation college student, Montoya attended New Mexico State University (NMSU), where he received a B.A. in history and an M.A. in government. He moved to Arizona to pursue a Ph.D. in political science at NAU, which he completed with distinction in 2009. Montoya’s scholarship centers broadly on the U.S.-Mexico borderlands, borderlands pedagogy, citizenship, ethnic studies, Latinx studies, DACA, hip hop, and first-generation student experiences. At NAU, Montoya is most involved with the First-generation Learning Community, the Teaching Academy, and the Commission on Ethnic Diversity. He also serves as president of the Association for Borderlands Studies, chair of the Northern Arizona Dream Fund, and is on the editorial board for the Journal of First-generation Student Success. His awards include the NAU President's Distinguished Teaching Fellow (2022-2026 term), the “Government Department Star” of the College of Arts and Sciences at NMSU (2020), the Victoria Foundation’s Outstanding Latinx Faculty Service/Teaching in Arizona Higher Education Award (2019), NAU Commencement Speaker for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (2016), NAU College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Teacher of the Year (2015), NAU Outstanding Advocate Award for First-Generation College Students (2013), and the NAU President’s Award for Ethnic Diversity (2012). He is most grateful for his partner Katy and to their dog Maya.