Greyhound Grad Annamaria Short is continuing her Eastern Experience as the new director of Alumni Affairs at Eastern New Mexico University.

"Hands down, ENMU is the friendliest university. The staff and faculty are like family and friends and will bend over backward to make their students successful," explained Annamaria, who enjoys planning events.

"I want to make sure ENMU is represented well within the community. There are extensive resources and opportunities accompanied with the fact the University is located in a small town, so you still feel like a family."

One of the director's goals in her new position is to create more events for Greyhound Grads of all ages.

"Planning and organizing events is something I have done in the past and will continue to do," said Annamaria, who was previously a unit coordinator for Texas Tech Upward Bound and the interim director for ENMU Talent Search.

Her experience with college students has prepared her to have a lasting impact at ENMU.

"Within my professional career I have been able to travel all over the United States on college tours with my students," she explained.

Annamaria, who received bachelor's degrees in psychology and sociology in 2011, said she enjoys "working with people, so studying their thoughts and behaviors was an easy choice for me."

As a Greyhound Grad, it was an "easy choice" for her to come back to her Eastern roots.

"The most positive impact for me has been the diversity of the school and the opportunities to grow professionally after graduation," she said. "Not many universities can compare to the one-on-one attention you receive here."

She also enjoys the faculty and staff and thinks that the free on-campus parking is a "plus."

Annamaria, who won the award for "Outstanding/Excellent Dedication to the TRIO Community in Portales," is actively involved in her community.

"I was a teen mom, so I realized the hard work and dedication it takes to become successful," explained Annamaria. "It's always mind over matter!"

Annamaria's faith is important to her. She said, "Christ is at the center of everything I do and believe."