Press Releases

A degree in Human Services has recently received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to be offered as an associate degree through the Department of Social Work at Western New Mexico University beginning in the upcoming summer session. The decision to develop the new degree program was prompted by a shortage of frontline human services workers in state agencies and non-profit agencies. “This program will strengthen agencies providing human services in WNMU’s areas. We look forward to this pipeline to a larger pool of professionals in this field, and a better educated workforce,” said Dr. Beth Walker, Department of Social Work Chair. The Health Resources and Services Administration, a division of the US Health and Human Services Departments, has called for colleges and universities to partner with communities to train, recruit and retain human service professionals, especially in rural areas. Training for the human service field includes learning interpersonal...

Tax season has arrived and with it comes Tax Help New Mexico. Western New Mexico has offered the program in partnership with the state for over 30 years as a free service to low income filers. Students work as volunteers at the WNMU site, one of the states’ 48 locations. All students are accounting or business majors that can also use their experience as a three-credit course. Student volunteers are required to pass an exam testing their knowledge of tax preparation prior to working for Tax Help. The free service is available for people with annual family incomes of $53,000 or less, with an exception for people who earn more than that due to Social Security income. To have a tax return prepared, individuals must have an original Social Security card, a picture ID, W-2s from all employers and a bank account with routing number for direct deposit. Housed in the MEChA Building on the WNMU campus, tax preparation is offered Monday through Friday. The service will be...

Western New Mexico University will host a Founders Day celebration in honor of the university’s 122nd birthday on Wednesday, February 11 from 1pm to 2pm. Visitors are welcome to enjoy birthday cake and live music at the University Museum. The musical talents of WNMU international students will entertain guests. “We always take a moment in February to reflect on the history of our university and the special place it has in the hearts and minds of alums, students and community members,” said Abe Villarreal, Director of Communications. WNMU was established by legislative action on February 11, 1893. In its 122-year history, the university has had four names and has grown from a teacher’s college to a comprehensive institution offering over 70 fields of study. “We want community members and former students to visit us at Fleming Hall to enjoy birthday cake and tour the University Museum’s permanent display of WNMU history,” added Villarreal. The WNMU Museum...

The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents met for their annual first meeting of the new calendar year in Santa Fe on Thursday, January 29. The January meeting occurs each year in the capital city to coincide with the activities of the state legislature and to allow board members to hear updates on higher education initiatives by cabinet makers and other statewide leaders. Regent members listened to presentations by Dr. Dan Lopez, President of the Council of University Presidents (CUP); Dr. David Lepre, Executive Director of CUP; Dr. Barbara Damron, NM Higher Education Department Secretary Designee; David Abbey, Legislative Finance Committee Director; and Clayton Abbey, New Mexico Independent Community Colleges Executive Director. In regular business, the Board approved the university’s financial audit report for the 2013-2014 year. The audit was considered unqualified, meaning that the independent auditor found the university’s financial statements sound and free...

The 2015 Southwest New Mexico Leadership Class had its initial meeting in January on WNMU’s Silver City campus. Those selected for the program come from the financial section, health care, education, county, city, town, and regional government units, the Forest Service, and non-profit organizations in Luna and Grant County. Those participating in the program this year are Mone’t Borla, Olivia Britton, Erica Carlos, Letty Castillo, Jessica Enriquez, Jessica Etcheverry, Cerisse Grijalva, Jack Herndon, Jeff Hobbs, Linda Hoy, Jolene Huffman, Glory Johnson, Jual Ortiz, Razanna Thomas, Peggy White and Michael Zaragoza. In addition to learning or renewing leadership skills and practices, the participants will develop a community project by which to apply their learning. The group will meet in February and March in Deming at the Andres Z. Silva Conference Center before returning to the WNMU campus for the April meeting and a graduation ceremony. The Southwest New Mexico...

Western New Mexico University is commemorating Black History Month with several events celebrating the history and culture of Black America during the month of February. The events include a black history film series in Light Hall Theater. The movies are free to WNMU students, $2 for adults and $1 for non-WNMU students. Concession items will be available for purchase. A forum titled “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” will take place on Tuesday, February 24 at 5:30 p.m. in the Miller Library. The guest panel will include university faculty, students and community members discussing the issue of racial profiling and the impact it has on crime in communities. Throughout the month, campus visitors will be able to participate in interactive educational displays in various campus buildings that will cover historical time periods in the United States including slavery and segregation. Community Events: Thursday, February 5, 7pm, Light Hall Theater Film Series: Dear White People...

Silver City, NM – Ever heard the term citizen scientist? Professor Emeritus Sharman Apt Russell wrote a book on the subject, and it has landed on the list of Best Nature Books of 2014. Diary Of A Citizen Scientist: Chasing Tiger Beetles and Other New Ways of Engaging the World was released in 2014. It is a 224-page journey by Russell describing her exploration in a yearlong study of a little-known species, the Western red-bellied tiger beetle. Russell has taught in the Humanities Department at Western New Mexico University since 1981, teaching developmental writing and graduate courses in Nature Writing, Writing for Magazines, and Writing for Social Changes. Diary of a Citizen Scientist is her twelfth published book. “I have long been interested in citizen science,” explains Russell about the term referring to non-professionals who become acknowledged experts in a science field or study. “Citizen science represents real revolution and renaissance on how we do science,...

A debut album is special to any musician, and its especially true to Danny Reyes who describes the release of his album Influences as a dream come true. “I worked on this album for three years and it has been a dream to release an album since I was in high school,” explained Reyes, a music professor at Western New Mexico University. Since his arrival to WNMU in 2013, the university community has experienced a renewed energy in the expressive arts program. A new pep band, mariachi concerts and partnerships with area schools are all professional achievements. The music and work it took to make an album a reality is a personal achievement for Reyes who includes three if his former school mates as musicians in several tracks. “This is my debut album, so it means a lot to me,” said Reyes. “It means that all the work I put into my studies, my playing, composing and arranging was well worth it.” The eight track album is described as contemporary jazz with a little...

Western New Mexico University will once again hold a celebration commemorating the Martin Luther King Jr legacy on Monday, January 19. This year’s event will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the Mustang Dining Hall, located in the second floor of the Student Memorial Center. The theme for this year’s event is education. More than 200 students from elementary, middle, and high schools in Grant County submitted essays for the event entitled “The Dream: What It Means To Me.” The students will be recognized with several entries earning prizes including scholarship funds. The event will include the honoring of Mr. Fred Baca, a lifelong educator, and WNMU School of Education Hall of Fame member. Mr. Baca is being recognized for his 37 years of service in public education and his outstanding contributions to the local community. A special presentation by WNMU international students will be made with a multi-lingual interpretation of the I Have A Dream speech. The event is free...

Western New Mexico University School of Nursing faculty members and area community nurse leaders recently established a nursing honor society for southwest New Mexico. This charter honor society will eventually become a recognized chapter of the National Sigma Theta Tau International Society, which was established in 1922 to honor the commitment to knowledge, learning and service in professional nursing. The Southwest New Mexico Honor Society of Nursing inducted 17 charter members in December. Inductees representing former students and community nurse leaders who exemplified academic achievement and leadership were inducted, each receiving a certificate, a gold honor’s cord and flowers. WNMU President Joe Shepherd and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Jack Crocker were both on hand to help induct and give remarks to the gathering. For more information, contact the School of Nursing at 575-538-6960 or contact Dr. Sherry Bassi at...