Dr. Stephanie Hernandez was born and raised in Alamogordo and is proud to have returned home to serve the community that shaped her. She earned six degrees from New Mexico State University, including a Ph.D. in Education, Leadership and Administration; master’s degrees in Educational Administration and Economics; bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Accounting; and an associate degree in Pre-Business. She spent 20 years at NMSU, including 13 years with the NMSU Foundation, where she developed extensive experience in finance, accounting, and organizational leadership. She later brought that experience home to serve the citizens of Alamogordo through municipal leadership and public service. Stephanie is the spouse of a retired Army veteran Cruz, a mother of three, a grandma of two, and currently teaches economics and finance, sharing her professional experience and passion for education with the next generation.