Gene Henley is a familiar face on the University of New Mexico’s main campus – he’s often seen walking briskly between meetings or out in the field for exercise. But he’s never too busy to help out a graduate student in UNM’s School of Public Administration (SPA), be part of UNM’s budget leadership team, or meet a colleague for a chat. warm.
“It’s the eyes, I like to see people’s eyes when they’re making connections. That’s what I love so much about working with SPA students,” he said.
This pleasure was recently recognized by the UNM Staff Council, which awarded Henley the 2022 Jim Davis Staff Council Award for Meritorious Service. The award recognizes an individual’s significant contributions to the Staff Council. Henley was Chairman of the Staff Council in 2013-2014 and was part of the group for many years before and after his chairmanship.
Henley is also a proud UNM alumnus. He graduated with a BBA in Financial Management from the University of Albuquerque and a Masters in Public Administration from UNM with a specialization in Conflict and Dispute Resolution. Additionally, he holds an MBA from NM Highlands University, and as a side project, he is completing his PhD in Organizational Learning and Instructional Technology with the UNM OILS program.
Before joining his alma mater in 2008 as Director of Operations and Consulting for the UNM School of Public Administration, he held various positions in the public sector. He served as Deputy Court Administrator of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, Deputy Director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center, and Deputy Director of the Administrative and Regulatory Services Division for the State of New Mexico.
“Gene Henley is one of the most dedicated and conscientious Lobos I have had the pleasure of working with,” said Scott Sanchez, outgoing Staff Council Chairman and SPA alumnus. “He is always well prepared to represent organizations that are fortunate enough to have him as a member, be it the Staff Council, SPA or UNM in general. Our institution has benefited from his leadership and insight for nearly two decades and we should count ourselves lucky every day that he continues to be here to make the campus a better place.
Henley’s award is named in memory of the late Jim Davis who served as a staff advisor for more than five years on numerous committees and served as Chairman of the Board for four years. Davis was the first recipient of this award.
The Jim Davis Award is presented annually during the month of April to an individual or individuals who are or have been staff advisors and/or who serve as representatives on standing committees, University-wide or ad hoc committees. Click here to find out more about the price and UNM Staff Council.
