Early Birds Get the Data

A new citizen-science initiative in Southwest New Mexico is bringing together local naturalists, university researchers and student volunteers to establish critical baseline data on regional bird populations. The Southwest New Mexico Bird Survey, launched in January and hosted by the Bird Alliance of Southwestern New Mexico, is conducting rigorous monthly monitoring across seven habitat sites… Continue reading Early Birds Get the Data

Artist Dina Perlasca Explores Borderland Identity and Resilience in WNMU Exhibition

Dina Perlasca Art

Exploring the harsh beauty of the Southwest and the complexities of generational inheritance, multidisciplinary artist Dina Perlasca brings her striking new exhibition, “Desert Home/ Casa del Desierto,” to Western New Mexico University. The collection showcases ceramics, textiles, clay paintings and domestic materials to examine how regional landscapes mirror personal history, resilience and survival. Drawing on… Continue reading Artist Dina Perlasca Explores Borderland Identity and Resilience in WNMU Exhibition

International Chinese Student Embarks on New Journey Via WNMU Mustang Golf

Fresh off a 12-hour transpacific flight and a two-day acclimation stop in Arizona, freshman student-athlete Zhixian (“David”) Piao officially arrived at Western New Mexico University to join the Mustang men’s golf program. Accompanying him on this career-defining journey were his father, Hong Gen Piao, and his mother, Xian Yu Li, who traveled alongside him from… Continue reading International Chinese Student Embarks on New Journey Via WNMU Mustang Golf

Hollywood Spotlight on WNMU for Homecoming 2026 and the Chile Bowl Face Off

Roll out the red carpet—Western New Mexico University is bringing silver-screen glamour to campus the week of October 5–10 for “Hollywood Homecoming 2026,” anchored by the marquee matchup Chile Bowl rivalry clash between WNMU football and Eastern New Mexico University. The weeklong production blends cinematic spirit festivities with long-standing university traditions, leading up to the… Continue reading Hollywood Spotlight on WNMU for Homecoming 2026 and the Chile Bowl Face Off

WNMU Kicks Off Fall Semester with Spirited Welcome Week Traditions

Western New Mexico University has launched the Fall 2026 academic year, welcoming thousands of online, new and returning Mustang students to the Silver City campus. Organized and presented by WNMU Student Life, the week-long series of Welcome Week events has energized campus as students settled into residence halls, reconnected with peers and prepared for formal… Continue reading WNMU Kicks Off Fall Semester with Spirited Welcome Week Traditions

WNMU Custodial Team Sets the Stage for Student Success

Part of the WNMU custodial staff, Mikey Torrez (left) and Wade Cave (right).

As students unpack their bags, settle into residence halls and head to their first classes at Western New Mexico University this fall, the spotless corridors, gleaming floors and pristine spaces they step into represent a welcoming, supportive environment thanks to the WNMU custodial staff. The start of the academic year marks the climax of an… Continue reading WNMU Custodial Team Sets the Stage for Student Success

WNMU Upgrades Residence Halls with High-Tech Kitchen Equipment, Food Security Resources

Western New Mexico University underwent a major campus-wide residence life upgrade earlier this year, equipping every dorm suite with specialized kitchen appliances, including combination cold storage units and multi-functional microwave, air fryer, and convection oven units. This initiative is designed to enhance residential living and combat food insecurity, giving students greater autonomy over their diet,… Continue reading WNMU Upgrades Residence Halls with High-Tech Kitchen Equipment, Food Security Resources

WNMU Professor’s New Children’s Book Celebrates Culture and Modern Community Connections

Ray Jaramillo, MS, adjunct professor of early childhood education at Western New Mexico University, announced the publication of his latest children’s book, “Gust, Gust, Gust The Next Beat.” Following the success of his previous work, “Gust, Gust, Gust!” this new release shifts its focus from the unpredictable regional weather to a heartwarming exploration of family… Continue reading WNMU Professor’s New Children’s Book Celebrates Culture and Modern Community Connections

WNMU Helps CLAY Festival Re-Establish Community Roots with Growth and Dynamic Programming

The annual CLAY Festival returned this month with expanded programming for local families, art students and visitors alike, while renewing its founding legacy. Initiated in 2011, the event has operated under the organizational umbrella of Western New Mexico University for several years. According to Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) Slegeir, the WNMU program manager managing the festival, the… Continue reading WNMU Helps CLAY Festival Re-Establish Community Roots with Growth and Dynamic Programming

WNMU Alum’s Incredible Journey from Dual Enrollee to Staff

Western New Mexico University played a defining role in Katarina (“Kat”) Lowe’s life for far longer than most people realize. Lowe recently shared an astonishing detail about her academic history: her connection to the university began when she was still a child. “I technically started going here in sixth grade, because that’s when I was… Continue reading WNMU Alum’s Incredible Journey from Dual Enrollee to Staff