New classification highlights Highlands’ expanding research activity and growing doctoral programs
The American Council on Education has designated New Mexico Highlands University as a Research College and University (R3), recognizing the university’s growing research activity and expanding portfolio of doctoral programs.
This marks Highlands’ first classification as a research institution and places it among only four public universities in New Mexico with formal research status. The designation reflects Highlands’ growing momentum as a university that combines research with real-world relevance — connecting discovery, innovation, and student success.
“This classification affirms Highlands’ success in developing research and programs that solve real-world challenges facing New Mexico,” said President Neil Woolf. “Our faculty are deeply connected to northern New Mexico, and this recognition underscores our commitment to academic excellence, student success, and regional impact.”
The milestone comes as Highlands prepares to launch its first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in spring 2026, with additional doctoral programs — the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) — in development. These programs expand academic pathways for students and strengthen the university’s mission of access and applied learning.
“Highlands’ designation highlights the hard work of our faculty and the opportunities available to students through undergraduate and graduate research,” said Dr. Dann Brown, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Working with a faculty mentor builds critical thinking, communication skills, and confidence — abilities that translate directly into professional success.”
Highlands now joins the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology as one of only two “Research College and University” institutions in the state, said Dr. Ian Williamson, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies. He noted that the designation “underscores Highlands’ growing role in connecting academic inquiry to community and economic development.”
For more information about research and sponsored programs at New Mexico Highlands University, contact Dr. Ian Williamson at iwilliamson@nmhu.edu or 505.454.3311.