Biography

Jillian is originally from North Carolina but grew up in a military family, which allowed her to
live in many places around the world. She is now proud to call Las Cruces home. Jillian
graduated from New Mexico State University with two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in
Government and one in Anthropology, along with minors in Public Administration and
Spanish. She enjoys learning about different cultures, meeting new people, and exploring all
things politics. Outside of work, you can usually find her at the Mesilla Valley Theatre
watching a movie or enjoying some chisme with a side of enchiladas with friends.

Why did you decide to become an academic advisor?

I chose to become an academic advisor because I love connecting with students and helping
them reach their goals, whatever those may be. During my time in college, I was fortunate to
have advisors who not only helped me plan my schedule but also gave me tools to succeed
in life beyond college. Their guidance made a huge difference in my college experience, and
I wanted to pay that forward. As an advisor, I strive to be both a guide and a listening ear,
offering students the support they need to thrive academically and personally.

Why and how did you decide what you wanted to major in?

Growing up in a military family exposed me to many different cultures, which sparked my
curiosity about the world. When I moved to El Paso at 14, I experienced culture shock in the
best way possible, which inspired me to study cultural anthropology. Later, after taking an
introductory political science course, I realized government was another passion of mine. I
have always been politically active, and studying government helped me better understand
the systems that shape our lives. To me, anthropology and government are deeply
connected. Politics exists within a diverse cultural world, so studying them together made
perfect sense. As for Spanish, I fell in love with the language and culture while studying it.
Learning Spanish opened the door to new friendships, music, movies, and experiences that
continue to enrich my life.

What is something about NMSU you wish more students knew?

I wish more students knew about the amazing study abroad opportunities available. Many
may think studying abroad is too expensive (thus, too intimidating), but there are so many
scholarships that can make it possible. It is truly a life-changing experience. In 2024, I went
on a FLIP trip to Costa Rica, where I lived with a host family, explored a new part of the
world, and made lifelong friends. To this day, I still dream of the arroz con pollo my host mom
would make for me. If students are even a little curious about studying abroad, I encourage
them to visit the Office of Experiential Learning and take that leap. It can be an adventure
that shapes your future in the best way and opens doors to countless opportunities