A primary highlight of the session was the approval of the Rank and Tenure Agreement for incoming President Jose Coll, Ph.D., presented by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jack Crocker, Ph.D.��This action formalizes the academic standing for the university’s incoming leadership following the extensive presidential search concluded earlier this spring.

Crocker also presented a comprehensive five-year plan for new program offerings, emphasizing the university’s commitment to adapting its curriculum to meet evolving workforce demands. Additionally, the Board moved to approve several faculty-focused items, including:

• Promotion and Tenure: Recognizing the scholarly achievements and service of dedicated faculty members.
• Post-Tenure Review: Ensuring continued academic rigor and professional development.
• Sabbatical Leave: Granting faculty opportunities for intensive research and creative projects.
• Faculty Handbook Revisions: Approving updates presented by��Faculty Senate President Gregory Robinson-Guerra, Ph.D.,��to streamline university governance.

Vice President of Business Affairs Kelley Riddle led the Board through a series of financial approvals, most notably the fiscal year 2027 operating budget. This budget serves as the foundational financial plan for the next academic year, building on the university’s efforts to maintain stability following previous enrollment fluctuations.

The Regents also formally accepted the fiscal year 2025 final audit report and approved the fiscal year 2026f final budget adjustment request. These actions reflect the university’s continued emphasis on transparent financial management.

Further business included:

• LITEPATH Project: The Board passed a resolution naming the authorized representative for the LITEPATH project, a key regional connectivity initiative.
• Student Support: A resolution for the Student Regent Scholarship was approved, reinforcing the university’s support for student leadership.
• Annual Asset Disposal: Ensuring efficient management of university resources.

Interim President Chris Maples, Ph.D., called special attention to the��student commencement stories��featured on the university website, highlighting how these narratives serve as a profound reflection of the diverse and resilient �鶹ֱ�� student population. He noted that these stories capture the unique backgrounds and perspectives of the students, and that each profile provides clear evidence that �鶹ֱ�� really does change lives, illustrating the journey from ambition to achievement.

The meeting concluded following the election of officers, establishing the leadership structure for the Board’s next term and a call for public comment. A recording of the meeting is posted on the �鶹ֱ�� Board Meetings video archive webpage at: .

The next Board of Regents meeting will be held on a date to be determined.

The post �鶹ֱ�� Board of Regents Approves New Leadership Appointments and FY27 Operating Budget appeared first on Western New Mexico University.

Regent J. Dean Reed, Interim President Chris Maples, Ph.D., and members of the university’s executive leadership team attended in person from the Serna Conference Room. Regents Steven Neville, John V. Wertheim, Gregory Trujillo and Keana Huerta attending virtually. Incoming President Jose Coll, Ph.D. was also present in person.

Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Betsy Miller and Associated Students of �鶹ֱ�� President Carlos Carranza opened the meeting with a presentation on student fees. Carranza provided a detailed overview of the proposed fee structure, noting there will be no net increase in student fees for the upcoming academic year.

Vice President of Business Affairs Kelley Riddle added that required fees include debt service for recent campus improvements such as the renovation of the university’s softball complex and construction of a climbing wall in the university gym. The Follett Access program, which provides required textbooks, will also continue, with students retaining the option to opt out at the beginning of each semester.

Vice President Riddle then presented the proposed tuition rates, which also include no increase for 2026-2027. “This is the third year that we have not increased tuition,” said Riddle, but noted the university should proceed with caution as the costs for day-to-day operational expenses continue to increase.

Following the approval of tuition and fees, Vice President Riddle presented the third quarter financial certification for fiscal year 2026. Reporting no issues with university balances and no significant budget adjustments, Riddle also noted the university continues to maintain reserves above the 3% required threshold.

Finally, the board authorized the university to move forward with pursuing the purchase of Sixth Street Elementary School from the Silver Consolidated Schools District for $1.4 million. The facility will house the College of Education’s early childhood programs, including the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education, and will replace the earlier proposed new construction on university-owned property.

“This facility will provide twice the space for half the cost and will be available sooner than if we had to build from the ground-up,” said Interim President Chris Maples, Ph.D., who also noted the university anticipates the new facility to be ready for fall 2027.

The board also approved a joint resolution supporting the purchase of the facility. The resolution will next go before the Silver Consolidated Schools Board of Education for consideration. Next, the project will proceed to the New Mexico Higher Education Department for review on Monday, April 13, followed by a capital outlay hearing committee on Wednesday, May 13, and then the State Board of Finance for final approval on Tuesday, June 16. Upon receiving all required state approvals, the university will have 30 days to close on the property.

During closing remarks, Regent Reed invited Incoming President Coll to address the board and campus community.

“It’s been a delight to spend the past week on campus, walking the halls, meeting with students and dining on campus and in the community,” said Coll, who added he will return to campus for Commencement on May 8.

The date for the next Board of Regents meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2026.

A recording of the meeting will be posted on the �鶹ֱ�� Board Meetings video archive webpage at:��

The post �鶹ֱ�� Regents Approve Tuition and Fees, Advance Sixth Street School Acquisition appeared first on Western New Mexico University.

A highlight of this year is the $1,825,100 increase in the university’s Instruction & General (I&G) appropriation. This crucial funding supports daily academic operations that affect the student experience. The appropriation includes: $1,598,600 from the state’s funding formula ($171,500 as a non-formula adjustment for specific institutional needs), and $55,000 specifically for the expansion of the �鶹ֱ�� nursing programs.

The legislature’s House Bill 2 (HB2) provides a 1% compensation increase for all faculty and staff hired before March 1, 2026.

The Associated Students of Western New Mexico University (AS�鶹ֱ��) helped secure $440,000 for student-focused improvements, including $220,000 for campus-wide irrigation infrastructure to boost sustainability and beautification, $120,000 for a new university vehicle to support student travel and activities, and $100,000 for a Student Collaborative Learning Hub offering a modern, technology-ready space for peer academic support.

�鶹ֱ�� Athletics secured $1,000,000 for essential athletic field improvements, providing safe, competitive facilities for Mustang student-athletes. The department also received nearly $1,000,000 for operating expenses over three years, ensuring stable financial support for sports programs.

Some initiatives faced challenges. A bill was introduced for $3,000,000 to modernize the university’s record-keeping systems, but the proposal did not receive a committee hearing and did not advance.

The university is preparing for the November 2026 General Election, a General Obligation Bond (GOB) year. If approved, �鶹ֱ�� will receive $3,000,000 for essential infrastructure improvements at the Silver City campus.

The post �鶹ֱ�� Secures Key Legislative Funding for Infrastructure, Academic Growth appeared first on Western New Mexico University.

The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents met in a hybrid session available via livestream, with public seating, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Present in J. Cloyd Miler Library were Regents J. Dean Reed, Keana Huerta, and John V. Wertheim, along with the university’s executive leadership team; present online were Regents Steven Neville and Gregory Trujillo.

The Board of Regents officially appointed Jose Coll, Ph.D., as the university’s next president during the session. The meeting also marked a major step forward in the university’s expansion, with the potential acquisition of the 6th Street School.

Coll, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and current Provost at Western Oregon University, was selected for his leadership philosophy grounded in collaboration and advocacy. He will formally begin his presidency on July 1, 2026, under a three-year contract that automatically extends for two more years upon a successful completion of his first year as president. The agreement includes a $310,000 salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Coll joined the meeting briefly online. His address to the Board and the �鶹ֱ�� community emphasized a comprehensive educational experience that spans the liberal arts to the trades, aiming to meet state workforce needs while upholding shared governance. Coll expressed his deepest gratitude to the presidential search committee and thanked Interim President Christopher Maples, Ph.D., for his “unwavering leadership” and for providing a stable foundation for the transition.

“My first role is to listen, learn, and collaborate with all stakeholders,” Coll stated. “�鶹ֱ�� must engage the whole person and adapt to realities around the world. We will be a steward of regional identity and a powerful engine for social mobility.”

In the period leading up to July 1, Coll plans to make several trips to the Silver City campus to work on transition planning. He invited students, faculty, and staff to connect with him during these visits, even offering to meet for coffee. Coll shared his excitement, along with that of his wife Cary, in making Silver City their new home.

Reed recapped the year-long search process, thanking the 14-member search committee and the Anthem Executive search firm for their diligence in finding the right candidate.

The Board also addressed the potential purchase of the 6^th Street School, slated to become a center for early childhood development and professional programs. According to Maples, the acquisition is highly cost-effective, with the square footage costing roughly half as much as constructing a new building.

“It’s great for the city, students, and faculty,” Maples said. “We feel like we have a lot of support moving forward and are ready to do our due diligence on the process.”

The Board of Regents authorized the university to proceed with negotiations and subsequently approved a motion for Maples to finalize the deal. A public meeting regarding the project will be scheduled soon.

After inviting the public to comment, the meeting concluded.

The date for the next Board of Regents meeting is to be determined.

A recording of the meeting is posted on the �鶹ֱ�� Board Meetings video archive webpage at:

More about President Coll:

Welcome Statement – Jose Coll, Ph.D.
Bio – Jose Coll, Ph.D.
�鶹ֱ�� Contract – Jose Coll, Ph.D.

The post �鶹ֱ�� Appoints Jose Coll, Ph.D., as 16th President of �鶹ֱ�� appeared first on Western New Mexico University.

Over the course of the week, candidates Martinez, Sharon Jones, Ph.D., Carlos Rey Romero, Ph.D., and Jose E. Coll, Ph.D., presented their visions for �鶹ֱ��, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Silver City community and the broader Southwest region.

The forums focused on critical themes, including academic quality across online and in-person modalities, staff morale, and the integration of artificial intelligence in higher education.

Martinez, currently serving at Fort Lewis College, emphasized the university’s potential for seamless academic progression through its degree offerings, from certificates to graduate degrees. He distinguished himself by proposing a systematic solution to salary compression and workload issues, advocating for standing committees and a collaborative leadership style focused on operational improvement. His message centered on creating a frictionless, student-focused experience as a defining institutional goal.

Jones, a Vice Chancellor at the University of Washington Bothell and environmental engineering expert, defined her candidacy through her commitment to place-based education and strong mentorship. She emphasized her personal journey as a first-generation college graduate, distinguishing her approach by focusing on diversifying the funding model—particularly through philanthropy—to ensure institutional mission success in challenging financial times.

Romero, noted for his expertise in research and economic development, focused on ensuring public trust in university governance. He pushed for rigorous IT and cybersecurity practices and introduced the idea of “budget summits” to reinforce transparency. Romero’s approach tied the university’s institutional identity to its responsibility for Silver City’s well-being.

Coll, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and current Provost at Western Oregon University, stood out through a leadership philosophy grounded in collaboration and advocacy for veterans. He prioritized workforce readiness from day one and praised the �鶹ֱ�� advanced digital presence, setting himself apart by highlighting the importance of leveraging staff as the university’s foundation and driving operational excellence through digital innovation.

Despite their varied backgrounds, several common priorities emerged from the candidates:

• The Applied Liberal Arts: Recognition of the university’s unique identity in blending traditional academics with professional and vocational training.
• Sustainability: A commitment to leveraging the university’s proximity to the Gila National Forest for experiential learning and regional economic development.
• Shared Governance: All candidates pledged to rebuild trust through transparent decisions and partnerships with Faculty and Staff Senates.

The �鶹ֱ�� Board of Regents is entering the final search phase, and the search firm Anthem Executive is gathering stakeholder feedback.

“Student, faculty, and staff input is the cornerstone,” Board of Regents Treasurer/Secretary Dean Reed said. Reed was also part of the hiring committee. “We seek a leader who understands and lives our mission.”

The Board of Regents meets in executive session today to review survey data and interview notes. After contract negotiations, �鶹ֱ�� expects to formally announce its 16th President on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The post �鶹ֱ�� Concludes Presidential Candidate Visits with Focus on Stability, Trust, and Innovation appeared first on Western New Mexico University.

The presidential search process will proceed with the remaining four distinguished finalists. The schedule for the upcoming campus visitations and community engagement sessions remains unchanged for the other candidates.

The four finalists and their public meet-and-greets:

• Jose E. Coll, Ph.D. (Western Oregon University):��Dr. Coll currently serves as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Western Oregon University. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, his career has focused on student success and veteran transition. He previously held leadership roles at Portland State University and the University of Southern California.
  • Visitation Date:��February 25, 2026, with a��public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at��.

• Carlos Rey Romero, Ph.D. (New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology):��Dr. Romero is an Associate Vice President at New Mexico Tech and has extensive experience within the New Mexico higher education and governmental landscape. His background includes leadership in economic development and research at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC).
  • Visitation Date:����February 27, 2026, with a��public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at��.

• Sharon A. Jones, Ph.D. (University of Washington Bothell):��Dr. Jones is the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and a Professor of Engineering at UW Bothell. A first-generation college student and a licensed Professional Engineer, she has a background in bridging STEM with the liberal arts. Jones also served as a dean at the University of Portland.
  • Visitation Date:��March 3, 2026, with a��public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at��.

• Mario Martinez, Ph.D. (Fort Lewis College):��Dr. Martinez serves as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fort Lewis College. His work emphasizes institutional innovation, particularly in integrating artificial intelligence with inclusive learning and addressing equity gaps in rural education.
  • Visitation Date:���� March 4, 2026, with a��public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at��.

“�鶹ֱ�� and the Regents remain fully confident in the strength and diversity of our finalist pool,” said��Board of Regents Treasurer and co-chair of the Presidential Hiring committee,��Dean Reed, Board of Regents’ Treasurer and co-chair of the presidential hiring committee. “Our priority is to ensure a transparent and thorough selection process that identifies a leader dedicated to the unique mission of �鶹ֱ�� and the success of our students. We look forward to the upcoming campus visits and highly value the input we will receive from our community members during this final stage.”

Additional information regarding the final four candidates.

The �鶹ֱ�� Board of Regents is still scheduled to convene on March 17, 2026, to announce the university’s next leader, in accordance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act.

�鶹ֱ�� encourages all stakeholders to attend these public sessions—either in person or via livestream—to help shape the university’s future by providing feedback on the final candidates.

The post Western New Mexico University Announces Update to Presidential Finalist Pool appeared first on Western New Mexico University.

In accordance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act, the �鶹ֱ�� Board of Regents will convene on��March 17, 2026, to announce the university’s next leader.

Interim President Chris Maples, Ph.D., said, “Identifying the next leader of Western New Mexico University is one of the most important tasks that can be undertaken by the university community. These five finalists rose to the top of a field of highly qualified candidates with outstanding leadership and innovation credentials. Each candidate brings a unique perspective that aligns with our mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and our commitment to the applied liberal arts.”

�鶹ֱ�� search committee representatives noted the search process was ethical, collaborative, and professional, ensuring all voices were heard, including student needs. To ensure the finalists were selected based on the committee’s collective insight the decision on the final candidates was made entirely by search committee members.

“We look forward to seeing how the five finalists and their visions resonate with our campus and the broader Silver City and Mustang communities. I encourage everyone to partake in the selection process where possible, either in person or remotely,” Maples said.

The finalists represent a diverse range of expertise in higher education leadership, research, and community advocacy:

• Jose E. Coll, Ph.D. (Western Oregon University): Coll currently serves as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Western Oregon University. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, his career has focused on student success and veteran transition. He previously held leadership roles at Portland State University and the University of Southern California.
  • Visitation Date:February 25, 2026, with a public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at .

• Cameron Braxton Wesson, Ph.D. (La Salle University): Wesson serves as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at La Salle University. An archaeologist by training, he has held significant administrative roles at Lehigh University and Franklin & Marshall College, focusing on curriculum redesign and student retention.
  • Visitation Date: February 26, 2026, with a public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at .

• Carlos Rey Romero, Ph.D. (New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology): Romero is an Associate Vice President at New Mexico Tech and has extensive experience within the New Mexico higher education and governmental landscape. His background includes leadership in economic development and research at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC).
  • Visitation Date: February 27, 2026, with a public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at .

• Sharon A. Jones, Ph.D. (University of Washington Bothell): Jones is the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and a Professor of Engineering at UW Bothell. A first-generation college student and a licensed Professional Engineer, she has a background in bridging STEM with the liberal arts and has served as a dean at the University of Portland.
  • Visitation Date: March 3, 2026, with a public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at .

• Mario Martinez, Ph.D. (Fort Lewis College): Martinez serves as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fort Lewis College. His work emphasizes institutional innovation, particularly in integrating artificial intelligence with inclusive learning and addressing equity gaps in rural education.
  • Visitation Date:�� March 4, 2026, with a public meet and greet from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the J. Cloyd Miller Library, or through a livestream at .

Additional information regarding the final five candidates.

The post �鶹ֱ�� Announces Five Finalists for 16th President; Campus Visitations Set appeared first on Western New Mexico University.

Matthes’s connection to �鶹ֱ�� and Silver City is deeply personal. After his father retired and moved the family from Hawaii to Silver City, Matthes found a home in the high desert. He earned both his Bachelor of Business Administration and his MBA from �鶹ֱ��. His professional journey at the university began in 1992 as a recruiter for applied technology. Before spending the bulk of his early career—34 years—working in the local mining industry.

In May 2018, Matthes returned to his alma mater to lead the Facilities and Operations department, bringing decades of industrial experience and a passion for �鶹ֱ�� and the Mustang community.

Under Matthes’ oversight, the �鶹ֱ�� campus underwent a visible renaissance. Managing a team of 40 to 50 members across custodial, grounds, maintenance, and special projects, Matthes is the architect of both grand renovations and essential behind-the-scenes modernizations.

The time Matthes spent at �鶹ֱ�� is marked by high-profile successes, including the renovation of College Avenue and the creation of the Mustang Fountain in Regents Square. Matthes was also instrumental in developing the �鶹ֱ����John Arthur and Janette Smith Educational Center��to expand healthcare programs in Deming, providing vital resources for first-generation students in nursing and healthcare.

On the athletics front, Matthes helped bring night games to �鶹ֱ�� by installing field lights and upgrading the softball complex to a standard that drew praise from visiting teams across the conference. Currently, his team is navigating the complex legislative and engineering phases of the Graham Gym renovation (which is part of the National Register of Historic Places and dates to the mid-1930s), with sights set on the Fine Arts Center Theatre auditorium next.

Despite the scale of these projects, Matthes’ leadership was defined by his empathy for the “invisible” work that keeps a university standing. “No one is going to thank you because their toilet flushes, but they will call you if there’s a problem,” Matthes said. “My team understands this and is diligent in servicing the campus.”

Matthes often led from the front, notably during a “fire-watch” several years ago when safety monitoring systems for fire alarms and other critical emergencies failed. He worked 16-hour shifts alongside his crew to ensure campus safety, eventually using the challenge as a catalyst to digitize the university’s monitoring systems with built-in redundancies.

His successor will inherit a more efficient campus, thanks to the push for standardization—such as streamlining six different keying systems, the implementation of modern maintenance management software, and using underground “wand” technology to map century-old infrastructure.

After retiring and a vacation that involves a Caribbean cruise and visiting a sister in Florida, Matthes plans to tackle his long “to-do” list at home.

His advice to the next AVP is simple: “Get out on campus; meet people and generally get to know your team really well. Most importantly, trust your people to do the job you hired them to do.”

The post Kevin Matthes Honored by �鶹ֱ�� for Years of Dedicated Leadership and Service appeared first on Western New Mexico University.

Board Chair Steven Neville presided over the meeting, joined by Regents J. Dean Reed, Gregory Trujillo, John V. Wertheim, and Keana Huerta. The gathering highlighted a period of transition and “building back credibility” for the university, as noted by visiting state officials.

The meeting was punctuated by a visit from State Senator Jay C. Block, who praised the Board and Interim President Christopher Maples, Ph.D., for their leadership. “You are building back a lot of credibility, and I’m excited to see where it goes,” Senator Block said, noting that while �鶹ֱ�� is not in his district, it remains a point of pride at the Roundhouse. “On behalf of all the legislators, hold your head up at Western. You have the respect of every senator and House member.”

Lt. Governor Howie Morales also joined the proceedings, expressing his gratitude for the Regents’ service and Dr. Maples’ interim leadership. Morales emphasized the solid support for the university’s funding requests currently moving through the legislature. Morales is also a strong supporter of the acquisition of the 6^th Street School.

Maples provided updates on the university’s strategic growth, specifically the acquisition of the 6th Street School. Located just one block from the main campus in a historic area of Silver City, the facility is slated to become a cornerstone for the �鶹ֱ�� College of Education. Maples credited the Dean of Education for spearheading the effort, noting that the expansion serves the interests of both the university and the broader Silver City community.

In his report, Maples celebrated the diverse achievements of the Mustang community, highlighting the �鶹ֱ�� Men’s Basketball team and its stellar season record. Maples also pointed out the recent story of Professor Chris Taylor, whose recently published book has garnered international attention in the field of medieval studies. Maples concluded with noting the modernization and digitization of university record-keeping to ensure security and efficiency for the digital age.

Regent Treasurer/Secretary J. Dean Reed provided a detailed timeline for the selection of the university’s next president. Following an intensive review, a 15-member search committee has narrowed the initial candidate pool down to 10.

The next phases of the search include:

• February 5–6: The committee will narrow the field to five finalists.
• Late February/Early March: All five finalists will conduct on-campus visits to meet with faculty, staff, and students.
• March 10: The Board expects to identify the top two candidates and then begin contract negotiations.

Vice President of Business Affairs Kelley Riddle presented several key items, including the FY26 Quarter 2 Financial Actions Report, which showed no significant budgetary concerns. Riddle also addressed the financial impact of a previous cyber-incident, estimating a loss of approximately $3 million over two semesters due to related enrollment fluctuations.

The Board approved the Capital Project Transmittal for the Deming Student Center. This project involves purchasing a dedicated building at the John Arthur Smith Learning Center to provide �鶹ֱ�� students in Deming with a permanent campus space.

Additionally, the Regents approved the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan presented by Riddle, and revisions to the Staff Handbook presented by Staff Senate President Bart Brown.

In a move to honor long-term dedication, the Board voted unanimously to grant Staff Emeritus status to former University Registrar Susan Russell, who retired at the end of 2025. Vice President of Student Affairs Betsy Miller presented the recommendation, citing Russell’s decades of service to the university.

Senator Gabriel Ramos also visited the meeting and expressed his strong support for the Regents and the work being done �鶹ֱ��.

A training session on shared governance was then conducted by WittKieffer.

After the training, the Regents talked further about the digitization of �鶹ֱ��. Riddle explained it’s a campus-wide initiative and it will take time to implement.

The meeting concluded following and a call for public comment.

A recording of the meeting is posted on the �鶹ֱ�� Board Meetings video archive webpage at:��

The next Board of Regents meeting will be held on a date to be determined.

The post Board of Regents Discusses Presidential Search and Campus Growth for �鶹ֱ�� appeared first on Western New Mexico University.

As a primary driver of education and workforce development in the Southwest, �鶹ֱ�� relies on state partnerships to ensure its facilities and systems meet the evolving needs of students and the local economy.

“Our mission at �鶹ֱ�� is to catalyze opportunity in rural New Mexico, but we cannot do that work in a vacuum,” said Interim President Chris Maples, Ph.D.

The university plans to present a focused slate of legislative priorities designed to modernize the campus and expand its capacity to serve the community by upgrading processes, assuring continued opportunity and growth, securing critical systems, supporting students via HVAC upgrades, investing in scientific know-how, modernizing student academic support, and preserving campus infrastructure.

Other critical university projects include increasing funding for Mustang Athletics, purchasing a 16-passenger van for the �鶹ֱ�� Child Development Center, and expanding financing for a web-based network for teacher licensure programs. Additional asks will include increased funding for the NM Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education, Out-of-School Time programs, and the School of Nursing.

The �鶹ֱ�� Board of Regents emphasizes that these requests are part of a broader strategy to ensure the university remains a resilient and innovative institution. Members of the Board noted that a robust partnership with legislators is the foundation of the university’s success, ensuring transparency and accountability as they work together to build a brighter future for �鶹ֱ�� students and the Silver City community.

Maples also hopes the legislature will continue leading the way in access to higher education with the Opportunity Scholarship. “With federal funding in decline, the state’s role is no longer optional; it is imperative. We must double down on the Opportunity Scholarship to ensure every New Mexican has a clear and accessible path to a degree,” Maples said.

View a complete, detailed list of all �鶹ֱ�� legislative asks.

The post �鶹ֱ�� Leadership Advocates for Higher Education During Legislative Session appeared first on Western New Mexico University.