Educator avoids fire after ENMU

Where are they now

link Tapia

Editor’s note: Where are they now is a weekly feature updating the lives of Eastern New Mexico University graduates.

Allan Tapia’s first experience as an education professional was literally baptism under (gun) fire.

In his first semester out of college as a science teacher and coach at Manzano High School, gunshots were fired from a passing vehicle in the direction of the football team’s practice.

“I clearly recall the sound of the bullets overhead, like that of a buzzing bee,” said Tapia, who has been an educator and administrator for more than two decades, including the last four years as superintendent of Bernalillo Municipal Schools.

“It was overwhelming and quite scary. The individuals in the vehicle were later apprehended and identified as gang members. I was not used to this lifestyle, especially growing up in Moriarty and then attending rural ENMU.”

Tapia has been in the Bernalillo school district since 1996, starting as an assistant principal.

Not only did he earn his degree at ENMU, it’s also where he met his wife, fellow 1992 graduate Alyssa Bearce.

“She was a Chi Omega and I was a Pike,” he said.” We met at a Greek flag football game between the Pikes and Kappa Sigmas.”

Quotable

“I initially was interested in teaching science and coaching at the high school level. I always knew I wanted to work with kids. I moved up the ladder of education in an effort to affect more students. The job is extremely rewarding, After 23 years I still love it. I especially enjoy getting into the classrooms to watch young minds at work.”

Notable

Tapia’s oldest daughter, Taylor, is a freshman at ENMU, majoring in speech pathology.

Flashback

Most memorable ENMU professor?

“No question about this one. Dr. Robert G. Taylor. He taught science. He specialized in microbiology. Dr. Taylor made learning enjoyable, especially our field work in the peanut fields. I will always remember this man for his dedication to the field and passion for teaching.”

What song makes you think of your time at ENMU every time you hear it?

“Say Anything” by Depeche Mode

What was the biggest national issue while you were attending ENMU and what was your stance on it? Has that stance changed?

“The Gulf War. I was in favor of the war and in the name of national security and freedom. I continue to support the effort. Especially since terrorism has become a global issue.”

Bio

Name: Allan Tapia

Hometown: Moriarty

Family: Wife, Alyssa Bearce Tapia; two daughters

Current residence: Albuquerque

Current job: Superintendent of Bernalillo Municipal Schools

Year graduated from ENMU: 1992, majored in secondary education science and physical education

Hobbies: Gardening, reading, watching high school sports, boating at the lake with family

— Compiled by Rick White, correspondent