Category: Student Success

For Catherine Fierro, completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) last December was not a finish line, but the launchpad for a high-stakes career in trauma and emergency medicine. While her academic record is distinguished—graduating as an honors student with straight “As”—Fierro’s focus is now fixed on the intensive… Continue reading Dreams Taking Flight — WNMU Alum Becomes RN, Joins Gila Regional Medical Center

At Western New Mexico University (WNMU), academic advising is far more than a routine checklist of degree requirements; it is a dedicated journey of mentorship, advocacy, and personal transformation. WNMU January employee of the month, Eric Lowe, embodies this vision. Serving as an undergraduate advisor for the WNMU College of Education, Lowe brings what colleagues… Continue reading A “Student-First” Approach to Academic Success

Sunshine Patterson’s passion for maternal care is rooted in her previous life in Hawaii. Following the empowering and easy delivery of her youngest of five children, Patterson began teaching hypnobirthing—a method utilizing visualization, self-hypnosis, and relaxation to replace fear with focus during labor. As she transitioned into working as a doula in Hawaiian hospitals, Patterson… Continue reading From Doula to Degree: Sunshine Patterson Pursues Mission to Restore the ‘Joy of Birth’

A childhood fascination with biology, a deep-seated cultural work ethic and a commitment to balancing the rigors of academia have guided Ariana Medina’s journey to become a registered nurse. On December 12, Medina crossed the stage at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) to accept her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Born and raised in… Continue reading Silver City Native and WNMU Student Eyes Future in Critical Care

Academic achievement and military service will converge this December as Silver City native Daniel Soliz graduates from Western New Mexico University (WNMU) with a Master of Arts in Teaching and Special Education. A father of five and an Army Sergeant, Soliz’s journey highlights the university’s commitment to supporting veterans through flexible online learning and robust… Continue reading Silver City Army Veteran Transitions from Service to Master’s Graduate

For Christina Guerrero, the path to becoming a nurse was a mission rooted in personal history. Guerrero, the youngest member of her graduating cohort, is set to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Western New Mexico University (WNMU) this December. Guerrero’s inspiration stems from a pivotal moment in her youth while watching… Continue reading Deming Resident Christina Guerrero Graduates with BSN from WNMU

For Laura Black, life is a delicate, albeit successful, balance of what she affectionately calls “organized chaos.” A native of Bayard, New Mexico, Black is not just a graduating senior; she is also a mother, a business owner, a full-time night-shift employee, and a self-described “professional student of life.” This December 12, Black will cross… Continue reading WNMU Student Laura Black Earns BSN, Speaks at Nurse Pinning Ceremony

Western New Mexico University (WNMU) student Valeria Adame is graduating in December 2025 with a double major in business management and marketing, complemented by a minor in accounting. A native of Palomas, Adame channeled her deep connection to her family’s transnational businesses into her academic pursuits. “I thought, if I were to go into the… Continue reading WNMU Graduate Valeria Adame Graduates Ready to Elevate Businesses

December 2025 marks a shared triumph for sisters Dulce Renteria and Daniela Renteria, lifelong residents of Animas, New Mexico. After years of balancing full-time work, family life, and rigorous online coursework, the sisters will walk across the stage together at Western New Mexico University (WNMU). Dulce Renteria is earning her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary… Continue reading A WNMU Graduation Over 10 Years in the Making for Two Sisters