Interview by Wendel Sloan
Communication Services
"I helped raise money for California legislation which improved living conditions for farm animals." – Nicole East
Editor's Note: Nicole East, curriculum coordinator and part-time instructor of Geology Lab 151, moved to Portales in February 2102. She filled a temporary position in the CUB as an assistant in Campus Life and stayed on campus to teach part-time in Fall 2012.
She entered the ENMU anthropology graduate program in fall 2012 and graduated in December 2014.
Q. What are the main duties of your job?
I produce the undergraduate catalog and university schedules, monitoring and maintaining accuracy of course offerings in Banner and provide administrative support to the Curriculum and General Education Committees.
Q. What have you enjoyed most about your job, and what have been the biggest challenges?
I have enjoyed getting to know the nuts and bolts of all the degree programs. Initially, I was intimidated by Banner. I am lucky to have a pro teaching me how to navigate the different screens.
Q. What were you doing before you came to ENMU, and what other jobs have you held?
Previous to moving to Portales in 2012, I worked as a geologist in the environmental consulting industry in California for eight years. I became a semi-expert of contaminated groundwater projects and got to hang out on a drill rig many a day. I also found myself spending weeks in hot weather at landfills.
Sometimes on tribal land I made some friends along the way, including stray dogs. Once, I encountered the sweetest homeless dog at an old closed landfill and helped rescue him. I have a big heart for animals. Back home, I used to volunteer at the local no-kill animal shelter. I am proud to say I helped raise money for California legislation which improved living conditions for farm animals (Proposition 2 passed in 2008).
Q. What are your degrees and majors?
1999 - Associate of Arts, Cosumnes River College
2004 - Bachelor of Arts in Geology and Anthropology, California State University, Sacramento
2014 - Master of Arts in Anthropology, Eastern New Mexico University
Q. Where were you born, raised, and what was your life like growing up?
I was born and raised in the Central Valley and Sacramento area of California in a normal, even stereotypical, middle-class family. I had a pretty good upbringing; I was lucky I had everything I needed. My parents were super role models for my brother and me. 
Q. Your own family?
My husband, Jace, has lived in Portales for about 25 years and works in the dairy industry. We have two boys who go to school in Elida.
Q. What are your hobbies?
Health and exercise are really important to me. I have been vegetarian for about eight years and enjoy growing my own food from seed and cooking from scratch. I used to run a lot but have recently switched back to swimming. You can usually find me at the Natatorium. I swim there daily and have made friends with the other regulars. I have even influenced my Banner knowledgeable co-worker to come swim with me during our lunch breaks. I am also a dog lover and enjoy taking my dogs for walks early in the morning before work or on weekends. I love to read and learn about various topics and usually have multiple books going at once.
Right now, I am reading a book about dogs and another about climate change. I am also in the middle of knitting an afghan and just purchased some art supplies for watercolor painting which is one of my favorite past-times. I also love to take little trips with my family. This last year we visited Chaco Canyon, White Sands, and for Christmas we traveled to Arizona and hiked the Grand Canyon.
Q. What is your ultimate career goal?
I am not quite sure where life will take me in terms of my career. It would be nice to continue as a geologist or even pursue work in archaeology at some point, but I am happy with my current opportunities here at ENMU.
Q. What gives your life meaning? Besides career goals, what else do you hope to accomplish?
I find joy in my faith and family. I guess I am one of those idealistic people who believe even one person can make a difference. I want to use whatever talents I have to contribute to the greater good and help people. With age, I have realized I am more of an introvert but I want to be a better friend and grow my heart towards others.
Q. What is your general impression of Portales, and ENMU?
The first time I arrived in Portales, I felt like it was home. Something about it felt so easy and comfortable. Despite initial shopping withdrawals, it was very doable. The slower paced lifestyle was appealing. The people were also down to earth.
However, I admit, I may have been looking through rose-colored glasses. I came here to meet my husband, Jace, face-to face after we had been matched on eHarmony. I was very much in love and so I could have been moving to any place and would have found it to be perfect. Three years later, I have no regrets about coming to Portales. I do not see myself leaving anytime soon.
