Update: College Faculty Approve Union

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 7:29 PM

Update: With additional comments from San Juan College. Of the 147 individuals eligible to vote, 128 ballots were cast. 87 (68%) voted for unionization and 41 (32%) voted against.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

San Juan College President Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass released a statement this evening confirming that full-time faculty at the college had voted to approve collective bargaining.

Ballots were cast on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 and today, Wednesday, December 4, 2019. All full-time faculty and faculty administrators were eligible to vote. The bargaining unit did not include adjunct faculty, professional or support staff at the college.

Of the 147 individuals eligible to vote, 128 ballots were cast. 87 (68%) voted for unionization and 41 (32%) voted against.

Pendergrass said in a statement "Please know that our leadership team respects the faculty’s decision in this matter. We will continue to work with them for the benefit of our students, the college and our community."

From San Juan College

Thursday, December 5, 2019:

Faculty at San Juan College voted in favor of collective bargaining. Ballots were cast on December 3 and 4, in the Henderson Fine Arts Center.

Full-time faculty including faculty administrators were eligible to vote. The bargaining unit did not include adjunct faculty, professional or support staff. Of the 147 eligible to vote, 128 of ballots were cast with 87 voting for unionization, and 41 voting against. A simple majority of the votes cast determined the outcome in favor of unionization. The San Juan College Labor Board will certify the results.

“We respect the faculty’s decision in this matter, and we will continue to work with them for the benefit of our students, the college and our community,” said Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass, president of San Juan College.

“It is not unusual for faculty to be represented by unions in educational institutions,” added Dr. Adrienne Forgette, Vice President for Learning at San Juan College. “We will continue to include faculty in decisions regarding our educational programs and other matters that impact their work.”

More from Local News

San Juan Co. to NM: Find Out Why Local Gas Prices Are High

The New Mexico Department of Justice has investigated fuel prices in San Juan County under prior Attorneys General. Investigations were inconclusive, but there was relief at the pump for a brief period. “We just want to be assured that San Juan County is paying what’s fair at the pump,” said Commissioner Lanier. “With limited competition between brands, it is worth checking out.”
Suspect Sought in July 4th Fatal Shooting

Deputies responded to reports of a shooting and located 18-year-old Elihue Vialpando, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. A second victim, Jack Chavez, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment. Witness statements revealed Vialpando brandished a pistol and fired rounds earlier in the night, but based on the timeline of events and witness statements, did not support actions by Thomas Vigil.
Authorities Search for DWI Treatment Center Escapee

The suspect escaped during Sunday afternoon church services. He asked to go to the bathroom and never returned, immediately initiating a count and search of the facility. This is the first escape in the 31-year history of the jail-based treatment center.
Farmington Man Sentenced on Child Porn Conviction

Earlier this week, Jacob Marriott was sentenced after pleading guilty to 4 counts of Manufacturing of Child Pornography (2nd Degree Felony), 1 count of Possession of Child Pornography (4th Degree Felony), and 2 counts of Voyeurism of a Child Under 18 (3rd Degree Felony).
Colorado Business Expands in Farmington

NM-backed expansion expected to generate more than $22 million economic impact
2026 NM Primary Local (Unofficial) Results

We'll be updating this page with results throughout the evening on Tuesday, June 2, 2026: These are the unofficial results of the contested NM Primary races in San Juan County on June 2, 2026: