Dr. Taffeta Elliott, Associate Professor and Chair of the Communication, Liberal Arts, and Social Sciences (CLASS) Department,has been named the recipient of the Faculty Distinguished Service Award for her exceptional contributions to New Mexico Tech and the surrounding community. 

Serving as a faculty member since 2015, Dr. Elliott has demonstrated administrative leadership across multiple roles, including as former chair of the Psychology and Education Department and the current Provost Fellow focusing on assessment, advising, and academic honesty. Her collaborative approach, commitment to faculty mentorship, and effective management have strengthened institutional governance through key roles on the Regents-Faculty Conference Committee, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and as chair of the Undergraduate Academic Advising Committee.

Beyond her institutional leadership, Dr. Elliott is a dedicated advocate for student success and academic access. She was awarded a Department of Education Title V grant and NSF S-STEM grant, securing critical funding to support economically disadvantaged undergraduate STEM students through structured mentoring, study skills training, and academic advising. Her commitment to education extends throughout the region as she regularly engages in K–12 and community outreach, leading neuroscience workshops for secondary teachers, volunteering for Science Olympiad, and providing neuroscience demonstrations to public school students at Science Nights and a statewide Brain Bee. She also serves on the Building Science Leaders Network, NMPED Math and Science Bureau, and organized faculty mentoring for local elementary reading initiatives.

Dr. Elliott’s service is equally vibrant within the local Socorro community. An active participant in the arts and local organization, she plays flute for the Socorro Community Band, participates in CLASS department and community theater musical productions, and leads youth ministries and music at Epiphany Episcopal Church.Whether running in local athletic events, volunteering with the Cottonwood Valley Charter School, or contributing to meals for university students, Dr. Elliott consistently builds meaningful bridges between the campus and the town.

Dr. Elliott has made NMT stronger and creates community with her collaborative administrative approach. Her tireless energy, collaborative spirit, and profound dedication make her an extraordinary pillar of the New Mexico Tech community and deserving of this year’s Distinguished Service Award. 

Navid Mojtabai, a professor of mineral engineering and last year's award recipient, said at the recent Convocation Ceremony, “Through her collaborative leadership, commitment to students, and dedication to both New Mexico Tech and the surrounding community, Dr. Elliot exemplifies the spirit of this award.”