Western New Mexico University

Did you know?

WNMU is more than New Mexico's only Applied Liberal Arts and Sciences university and a leader in workforce development. It is also a vibrant center for arts, culture and heritage.

Each semester, the university welcomes artists, performers, scholars and thought leaders to campus through exhibitions, lectures, concerts and cultural events that are open to the community.

Universities are places where knowledge is created and discoveries are made, but they are also places where creativity flourishes, ideas are exchanged and the human spirit is celebrated.

Once again, the WNMU commitment to preparing exceptional educators has earned national recognition.

The National Council on Teacher Quality has awarded A+ ratings to both the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education with Certification programs.

Founded as a Normal School that predates New Mexico statehood, WNMU has a proud legacy of teacher preparation and continues to lead the field as home to the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education.

Strong readers begin with strong teachers. These exemplary programs are recognized for preparing future educators with the knowledge and skills to explicitly teach the five core components of reading—research-based practices grounded in more than 50 years of evidence.

From its founding to today, WNMU remains dedicated to developing the next generation of educators who will make a difference in classrooms across New Mexico and beyond.

The pursuit of education is often strengthened by those who encourage it.

This Father's Day, WNMU recognizes the dads who have supported students through every milestone, challenge, and achievement.

The university also honors the fathers pursuing degrees of their own, balancing family responsibilities while investing in their futures.

Whether providing encouragement from the sidelines or leading by example in the classroom, Mustang dads help create pathways to opportunity that extend across generations.

Happy Father's Day, Mustangs.

Congratulations to Dr. Alexandra Neves on being named the 2026 University Bilingual Education Professor of the Year by the Association of Bilingual Education New Mexico.

Dr. Neves serves as Associate Dean in the College of Education with a focus on TESOL/Bilingual Education. The award recognizes her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing bilingual and dual-language education throughout New Mexico.

Attending this year’s conference included 16 WNMU dual enrollment students from Deming High School, received a standing ovation while sharing their experiences and presenting their projects alongside their teachers.

Through her work in higher education and community engagement, Dr. Neves continues to champion bilingualism, cultural preservation, and educational opportunity for students across the state.

For many first-generation college students, earning a degree is only part of the journey. Building the financial knowledge and confidence needed to navigate adulthood is equally important.

New research from Western New Mexico University and Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua found that while students often understand financial concepts such as inflation and interest rates, but applying that knowledge to everyday financial decisions can be more challenging.

The findings are already shaping new opportunities within the School of Business, including a Finance minor launching in Fall 2026, plans for a Financial Lab, and future financial literacy initiatives designed to extend beyond the classroom and into homes and communities.

By helping students develop practical financial skills alongside their academic studies, WNMU is empowering the next generation to make informed decisions, build long-term financial stability, and create lasting opportunities for themselves and their families.

The WNMU community is invited to a special reception recognizing the service and leadership of Interim President Dr. Chris Maples and welcoming incoming President Dr. Jose Coll.

📅Thursday, June 25
⌚️5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
📍WNMU Pool Patio

This event is free and open to the public.

Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members are encouraged to attend as WNMU celebrates the contributions of Dr. Maples and welcomes Dr. Coll as the university's 16th president.

Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolution Caleb Loughran, Ph.D., is shedding new light on the fascinating world of rattlesnakes.

His latest research reveals how temperature, body size, and even social behavior influence the survival of Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes in the Pacific Northwest. The findings challenge long-held assumptions that rattlesnakes are solitary animals, documenting their use of communal shedding sites that serve as important social and biological hubs.

Dr. Loughran’s work also explores how wildlife responds to environmental change and could help inform future conservation efforts in New Mexico. He is currently pursuing research on how climate change may affect snake populations in the Gila and hopes to involve WNMU students in future field studies.

From understanding reptile behavior to addressing conservation challenges, WNMU faculty continue to make discoveries that advance science and create opportunities for student research.

The Western New Mexico University Museum has expanded its permanent collection with a significant transfer of culturally important objects from the Museum of Northern Arizona.

The acquisition strengthens the museum’s holdings of Casas Grandes pottery, including rare Madera Black-on-red vessels and effigy pottery, while also adding Indigenous Mexican artworks such as Mata Ortiz ceramics, Wixárika woven accessories, Rarámuri baskets, and Comcaac baskets and jewelry.

These additions help preserve and share the rich artistic traditions of Indigenous communities while providing new opportunities for research, education, and public engagement.

Many of the objects will be available for viewing once cataloging is complete, and the museum’s growing online catalog continues to expand access for visitors and researchers around the world.