Hobbs, NM – New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) has some exciting news to share: the successful implementation of the new chatbot "Talon" on its official website. This innovative technology aims to enhance the user experience by providing immediate assistance and information to students, staff, and prospective learners; at all hours!

The journey to bring the Talon Chatbot to life began in November 2024, when Valerie Onsurez Gauna, Director of Outreach & Engagement, met with the representatives of Gecko, the service vendor, during the American Marketing Association (AMA) conference in Las Vegas, NV. Following productive discussions, contracts were negotiated and signed in March 2025. Over the past six months, the Director of O&E has worked diligently to ensure that this long-requested technology is now available to the college, community, and all other digital visitors.

“This technological implementation marks a significant milestone for our NMJC,” said the Director of Outreach & Engagement. “I work to listen to the needs of our students and staff, and the Talon chatbot is a direct response to those requests. Our partnership with Gecko has proven to be a great fit, and we are all excited to offer this resource to improve communication and support. Beyond this one tool, my team has also been trained in other offerings provided by Gecko that do not only serve the chatbot needs, but other needs in other departments. This has proven to be a very collaborative tool, and I am grateful for that!”

Rachel Gallagher, Vice President for Advancement, also expressed great enthusiasm about the new addition, stating, “The Talon chatbot represents a substantial leap forward in our digital engagement strategy. It not only streamlines communication but also demonstrates our commitment to providing our community with the best tools and resources for success. We are proud of the hard work that has gone into this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.”

The Talon Chatbot is now live on the college website, ready to assist users with questions ranging from enrollment procedures to campus events, and even just to be your digital friend, Talon is very friendly! This implementation is just one of the many steps being taken to enhance the online presence NMJC has, and improve the overall user experience.

The introduction of the Talon chatbot brings numerous advantages and benefits to the college community and visitors of NMJC.edu, which include the following:

• 24/7 Availability: The chatbot provides instant support, ensuring that students and staff can access information any time, reducing wait times.
• Improved Communication: With efficient responses to common inquiries, the chatbot enhances communication between students, faculty, and administration.
• Personalized Learning: The chatbot tailors interactions based on individual needs, contributing to a more personalized educational experience, as much as is possible.
• Streamlined Administrative Processes: By managing routine inquiries related to enrollment and scheduling, the chatbot allows staff to focus on more complex issues.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Valuable insights can be gathered from student interactions, helping the college identify trends and improve services.
• Enhanced Student Engagement: The chatbot keeps students informed and connected to campus activities and resources, fostering a sense of community.
• Support for Diverse Learning Environments: Whether online or in-person, the chatbot is versatile and adaptable to various educational formats.
• Support for Mental Health and Wellness: The chatbot can direct students to resources for mental health support, providing a confidential space to seek help.

 

For more information about Talon the chatbot or to interact with it, please visit www.nmjc.edu 

New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) is a leading educational institution committed to providing success through learning and high-quality education to its diverse student body. Founded in 1965, NMJC offers a wide range of academic programs, certifications, services to empower students to achieve their educational and career goals.

Contact: Valerie Onsurez Gauna, Director of Engagement & Outreach, New Mexico Junior College,              575-492-2780, vgauna@nmjc.edu