New Mexico PIRG Staff
Rich Williams is the New Mexico PIRG students Higher Education Advocate.
Since 2008, Williams has worked to represent college students before the White House, Congress and the Department of Education. His expertise is federal higher education policy, including affordable textbooks, student aid, grants, and loans. His views and opinions have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today and other publications.
A first generation college student, Williams started organizing for higher education while a student at Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. He spearheaded a statewide affordable textbooks campaign, organizing public university students, professors and Regents to introduce and pass a bill in the state legislature making textbooks more affordable. He graduated in 2008 with a degree in history.
Internships
Work on important issues, learn valuable skills, get hands-on experience, and make a difference.
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A volunteer makes a sign to advertise our CFL Light Bulb Giveaway. -
Student intern Ally Chen is interviewed by local TV station Channel 4 for the Textbook Rebellion event. -
Students serve food to educate campus about income inequality during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. -
Student leaders educate the campus about income inequality during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. -
The Energy Efficiency campaign tabling to give away free CFLs and educate others about simple ways to reduce energy use. -
Students educate others about different ways to reduce energy. -
The NMPIRG Campus Organizer explains how to be energy efficient at home and asking to take the pledge to reduce energy use.