Author Archives: Mario Sanchez

Since its founding in 1893, the students, employees and surrounding community have looked to the university library for knowledge, enrichment and research guidance. But as the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology to provide information, WNMU has an eye on how the J. Cloyd Miller Library’s physical space can best be used in the digital age while ensuring the preservation of the printed knowledge housed within its walls. As part of the draft of the university’s Master Plan, WNMU expects to add new study spaces, areas for public events and access to dining as part of the expansion and remodel of Miller Library, among other changes. This planned transformation will continue modernization efforts made over the years such as the installation of a new computer lab, study and quiet spaces and areas that feature works of art. “As educators, parents and citizens, we recognize the need to assure continued access and preservation of printed materials while creating...

Mustangs now have access to counseling services with the arrival of WNMU Mental Health Therapist Orlando Zapata, who is focused on not only providing access to quality mental health services for students but creating opportunities for academic advancement and opportunity. Arriving from Austin, TX, Zapata began his career in 2008 working in domestic violence and sexual assault centers, eventually working in group practice settings prior to his arrival to WNMU. With a focus on the student population, Zapata will provide one-on-one counseling, work to reestablish the Counseling Mental Health Center, which has been dormant for six years, as well as taking on the role of the university’s on-call mental health therapist. Eventually, Zapata would like to see the creation of a telemental health service for students attending classes online, providing greater access to counseling beyond the immediate campus boundaries. Also part of his long-term plan would see the university’s...

Western New Mexico University recently attained the designation of official “Tree Campus” by the Arbor Day Foundation higher education program that recognizes sustainability through the building and maintenance of university community forests. Established in 2008, the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Higher Education initiative encourages colleges and universities across the nation to create an approach that would allow for institutions to grow community forests while working toward efficacy and conservation. “WNMU has made environmental sustainability part of its mission toward better serving our students and community by working toward creating a more beautiful and healthier campus for future generations,” said WNMU Horticulture Coordinator Chala Werber. “This designation is an important step toward the university’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2025 as well as our continued good stewardship and preservation of the Gila region, a goal we are collectively committed...

The Western New Mexico University Outdoor Program’s new manager is no stranger to seeking adventure in any terrain, and Will Tracy is keen on creating memorable experiences for students while keeping an eye toward expanding the program to include an eventual undergraduate degree in outdoor leadership and adventure education, the first of its kind in New Mexico. Growing up in urban Pennsylvania, Tracy discovered a love for being outside and the physical and mental challenges that come with navigating outdoor obstacles. “My childhood recreational activities mainly consisted of climbing cell phone towers, crawling through highway underpasses and exploring gaps in spaces throughout the city,” Tracy said. Bringing experience in higher education to WNMU, most recently Tracy comes to Silver City from the White Mountains of New Hampshire where he taught adventure education at Plymouth State University and acted as a member of the search and rescue team. “I started making trips to...

Last year the New Mexico state Legislature designated WNMU as the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education, providing both recognition and funding avenues for WNMU to continue the work of creating meaningful solutions to the challenges of early childhood development and educator training in New Mexico. Best known for providing local residents with early childhood and family services for decades, the newly achieved legislative designation provides an opportunity for the center to expand its services and develop the standard for programs statewide. “In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognized the potentially negative impact the move to remote learning and community lockdowns would have on the development of young children and stability of families,” said Cindy Martinez, Ed.D., director of NM Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education. “We worked to develop tools and information for early childhood educators and parents who were having...

Western New Mexico University Adult Education Services is being revitalized and looking to become more responsive and adaptable to the local and regional workforce by Colton Bjerke, who is now steering the programs. Historically known for providing free high school equivalency exam preparation, WNMU Adult Education Services also offers English as a second language classes and digital literacy instruction for free. And, Bjerke is working to expand services to include integrated education and vocational training plus civics education for migrants. While most services have lately been offered online, Bjerke is working to bring face-to-face courses and tutoring back to southwest New Mexico citizens at the university’s Silver City and Deming locations. The self-paced high school equivalency exam preparation WNMU offers is course-based and designed to allow people to start at the level that makes the most sense for them. Students who go through the program and earn their GED or...