Brigadier General Bruce McLaren
Brigadier General M. Bruce McLaren is a 1963 graduate of Western Michigan University. He is the Director of the Toles Learning Center at the New Mexico Military Institute, a position held since 1976. Promoted to his current rank on 8 April 1996, BG McLaren is the commander of the New Mexico State Defense Force (SDF) and Assistant Adjutant General of New Mexico. Headquartered in Roswell his command coordinates the State of New Mexico's SDF Military Support for Civilian Authorities Program, Family Support Program, and SDF involvement in the State Counter Drug Program.
Active in the community, BG McLaren has been Chairman of the Roswell Parks and Recreation Commission, a member of the Board of the Eastern New Mexico Medical Center Foundation, Board of the American Cancer Society, President of the Leadership Roswell Alumni Association and a member of the Friends of the Roswell Spring River Zoo. He has been active with the Roswell Community Little Theater. With his family, he is a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Roswell.
His career in public education spans over 30 years in K-12 through university settings. Professionally, he has been the President of the Community College Association for Instruction and Technology, a Division President in the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, a member of the Broadcast Education Association, the National Council for Learning Resources, and the State Guard Association of the United States. An author of numerous publications in the field of library/media management, marketing, staff development, and distance learning, as well as Executive Producer for Television Broadcasting at the New Mexico Military Institute. He has spoken at numerous conferences at the local, state, national and international level. His degrees are from Western Michigan University (BA) and Wayne State University (M Ed.)
From the New Mexico Military Institute he has received the NMMI Service award with three oak-leaf clusters, NMMI Commendation award with one oak-leaf cluster and the Meritorious Service Award. From the department of Military Affairs in Santa Fe, he has received the New Mexico Medal of Merit. From the United States Department of Defense and the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve he has received the Seven Seals Award. Before moving to New Mexico, BG McLaren was an officer in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Additionally, he has received recognition from local, state, national and international professional organizations as well as local and state government for services to his community and state.
General McLaren and his wife Karlene have resided in Roswell, New Mexico since 1976 and have three children, Cameron, Kathleen, and Sean.