Former mayor honored for his career in pharmacy

• Nunley was a 1962 UNM College of Pharmacy graduate

L. Ray Nunley, former Ruidoso mayor, former Lincoln County Commission chairman and a 2015 University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy Distinguished Alumni award recipient, is one of six to receive UNM's 2017 Zia award.

The award celebrates alumni who have dedicated their careers to their communities. Nunley and his fellow award recipients were recognized at the All University Breakfast, Sept. 30, at Embassy Suites during UNM's Homecoming Week. 

Nunley led a distinguished career as both a pharmacist and a public servant, information from the COP’s  October publication stated. He opened and operated Nunley Drug in Ruidoso from 1966 to 1982, and then spent the most of the rest of his career as a Walmart pharmacist. He was named Walmart's Regional Pharmacist of the Year in 1994, 1998, and 2003. He retired from Walmart at the end of 2014. 

In 1990, he was appointed to serve as a public member on the Board of Nursing, where he eventually became the vice chairman. He also served on the New Mexico State Agency on Aging and the New Mexico Aging and Long Term Care Department in 2002, and was re-appointed in 2004. In 2002, he was elected to the Ruidoso Village Council, and in 2006, he was elected Mayor of Ruidoso Village. In 2010, Gov. Susana Martinez appointed Nunley to serve as a professional member of the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy, where he continued until 2013.

Nunley is the third COP alumnus to receive UNM's Zia award. Dennis Pena was honored in 2011, and Dr. Madeline King was a recipient in 2013.