Fabián García
Horticultural pioneer and champion of education for all, García developed chile varieties that form the basis of all New Mexico type chile grown today. He donated his estate to help students.
Sam Steel
Slated to be NMSU's first graduate, Steel was an outstanding student who would have earned a bachelor’s degree by age 17, had he not been killed just a few months before graduation.
Fabiola C. de Baca
Cabeza de Baca established Extension programs in Hispanic and Pueblo communities. She then carried the wisdom and traditions of rural people to larger audiences.
Roy Nakayama
A famed chile and pecan breeder, Nakayama contributed to huge economic impacts for New Mexico. He conducted research at NMSU for 32 years and developed important varieties of chile and pecans.
Jessie Fitzgerald
America’s first female County Agricultural Extension Agent, Fitzgerald served New Mexico communities and never stopped reaching for her dream, even when others said it was impossible.
Rose Marie Pangborn
Pangborn helped to establish the modern discipline of sensory science and influenced generations of scientists with her warmth and determination to understand the human experience of food.
Anthony “Tony” Bellotti
Anthony ("Tony") Charles Bellotti, a renowned cassava entomologist, pioneered work on developing biological pest control methods for cassava to improve global nutrition and agricultural sustainability.
