The Che’Be’Tu Apache Sweethearts, of McNary, Arizona, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe, perform a hoop dance during the New Mexico Consortium of Academic Libraries retreat at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on July 31, 2025.
UNM-Gallup showcases Indigenous culture at library directors retreat
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Zollinger Library Director Markos Chavez named president of New Mexico Consortium of Academic Libraries
By Cole Frame, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025
GALLUP, N.M. — The University of New Mexico-Gallup’s library director achieved the incredible honor of becoming the president of the New Mexico Consortium of Academic Libraries over the summer.
UNM-Gallup’s Zollinger Library Director Markos Chavez now serves as president of the consortium’s Executive Committee alongside other officers from libraries around the state. The consortium presents the unified position of New Mexico’s academic libraries on key issues and implements projects of mutual benefit.
“It feels weird, in a good way,” Chavez said of his new role. “It feels great to be president and keeping the academic library directors up to date and involved.”
The consortium is composed of directors from academic libraries all over the state, including The University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, Eastern New Mexico University, Western New Mexico University, and others.
The consortium follows a nomination process every year for its Executive Committee from April 1 to March 31 to determine who will serve as vice president/president-elect.
Zollinger Library Director Markos Chavez poses for a portrait in this June 9, 2023, file photo. Chavez was named the president of the New Mexico Consortium of Academic Libraries this summer.
Chavez said the executive leadership track often involves a three-year commitment with those in office serving for three years consistently.
Staying in the loop
As the new president, Chavez conducts business meetings with his fellow library directors.
He is also tasked with presenting the Librarian of the Year Award to one lucky nominee. While the secretary handles the votes, Chavez will hold the honor of presenting the award to the nominee with the most votes.
The consortium has four meetings throughout the year. The first in the cycle is the Directors Retreat in July/August, the second is in late October at the annual New Mexico Library Association Conference, the third is part of Library Legislative Day in January, and the final meeting is online in March.
Chavez said these meetings are used to keep the library directors “in the loop” by voicing concerns and brainstorming ideas to make progress towards solutions.
Members of the Che’Be’Tu Apache Sweethearts sing and play the drum during a performance for the New Mexico Consortium of Academic Libraries retreat at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on July 31, 2025.
In July, Chavez hosted the Directors Retreat at UNM-Gallup, inviting his fellow library directors to visit the campus.
Showcasing Indigenous culture
The Directors Retreat lasted for two days.
The first day consisted of a simple get-together for professional development training and a chance for all of the library directors to update each other on how their jobs are going.
The second day was an official business meeting, where members of the consortium followed an agenda to get through crucial matters that demanded discussion.
Chavez also wanted to provide a special presentation for the directors who were here for the retreat. Since it was a week before the annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, Chavez thought that bringing in Indigenous dancers would be a great way to showcase the community and end the professional development part of the retreat.
The Che’Be’Tu Apache Sweethearts perform a feather dance during the New Mexico Consortium of Academic Libraries retreat at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on July 31, 2025.
The Cha'Be'Tu Apache Sweethearts from McNary, Arizona, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe performed traditional songs and dances for the consortium members and the campus community on July 31.
“It turned out great for everyone,” Chavez said. “People on campus got to enjoy their dancing, and the directors at the retreat really enjoyed getting a first-hand look at what we have to offer here in Gallup.”
Transforming the library
As library director at UNM-Gallup, Chavez is responsible for Zollinger Library’s overall funding, staffing, and operations, ensuring the library is open for students to utilize the various study areas. He also organizes and hosts events for students and community members regularly.
Chavez came on board as library director in August 2022 and was recognized as UNM-Gallup’s Employee of the Month in May 2023 for his work in transforming the library into a hub of student, community and faculty services.
“Director Chavez has done an excellent job running the Zollinger Library in his time with UNM-Gallup,” Dean of Instruction John Zimmerman said. “It comes as no surprise to me that his colleagues, state-wide, supported him in becoming the president of NMCAL. Markos continues to do great work and is a supportive and positive leader here in Gallup and across New Mexico. We are all very proud of his accomplishments.”
Chavez was born and raised in Gallup and has been working in the Gallup area for more than a decade. The only time he left was when he pursued a higher education.
“As soon as I was able to teach, I came back to Gallup and started working in 2004,” he said.
Chavez holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in secondary education from UNM in Albuquerque. He also holds a Master of Library Information and Science from the University of Arizona.
Based on his personal experience, he encourages students to stick with school when making the transition from an undergraduate program to graduate studies.
“Stick with progress and decisions made,” he said. “Continuing with school from a bachelor’s straight to a master’s leads to success. Patience is key!”
Learn more about UNM-Gallup's Zollinger Library website here.
Learn more about the New Mexico Consortium of Academic Libraries here.
Editor's Note: Cole Frame is a work-study student who works as a public relations assistant for UNM-Gallup. Sr. Public Relations Specialist Richard Reyes contributed to this report.
The Che’Be’Tu Apache Sweethearts perform a rainbow dance during the New Mexico Consortium of Academic Libraries retreat at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on July 31, 2025.
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