LAS CRUCES, New Mexico and LIMESTONE, Maine — The Honorable Nathan P. Cote received the 2017 Honorary Degree at Dona Ana Community College, receiving an associate of arts degree in business office technology during commencement on May 11, 2017 at the Pan American Center on the New Mexico State University (NMSU) campus.
The NMSU Board of Regents conferred the degree for the many contributions he has made to education and the Doña Ana County community including his public service as a state representative, his service to his country, his teaching as an adjunct faculty member and his efforts in establishing the Manual Tapia Memorial Scholarship at DACC for disabled American veterans and their families.
Originally from Limestone, Cote grew up on a potato farm as a third-generation American. His ancestor, Jean Paul Cote, was one of the original settlers of Quebec. Both parents were of Canadian French heritage.
As a youngster, he would walk to fishing streams, hunt small game, and otherwise explore the beaver dams and other acts of nature. He developed a love of the outdoors by exploring The County’s expansive forests, and is an accomplished hiker. He has backpacked trails, parks and forests in Korea, Europe and the United States.
Cote has dedicated his life to public service, education and advocacy for his community.
He was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 2006, where he served three terms. As a legislator he sponsored bills to help all New Mexicans as well as his constituents in Doña Ana and Otero Counties. Some of his legislation included assistance for the military, veterans and their families, economic development in Doña Ana County, a bill to help expand needed medical services in the state and a bill to help victims of domestic violence. While serving, he developed ethics training for newly elected legislators.
Cote spent much of his career as a civilian human resources manager with the U.S. Air Force in Europe and Asia. While with the Air Force he negotiated several management – labor agreements, served as a guest instructor at Air University and set up alternative dispute resolution plans at three major Air Force installations. As a civil servant, his last job was as human resources director at Kirtland Air Force Base and upon his retirement he became an academic director and assistant professor for the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
A Navy veteran, he served on the aircraft carrier, USS Saratoga. As a former commander of the Disabled American Veterans Mesilla Valley No. 10, he was instrumental in establishing the Manuel Tapia Memorial Scholarship.
He is a graduate of the Air War College and has several other graduate degrees including a doctorate. He has served as adjunct faculty at several colleges and universities and has been honored with awards throughout his career including personnel management specialist of the year for the Pacific Air Command and civilian personnel officer of the year three times for the Tactical Air Command.
