Quarterly Initiative Brings University Leadership into Direct Conversation with Alumni, Community, and Friends — Centered at Historic Ilfeld Auditorium
New Mexico Highlands University announces the launch of Dialogue Highlands, a new quarterly initiative designed to deepen engagement between the university and its alumni, donors, community partners, and friends through direct, open conversation with university leadership.
Envisioned to be a regular event at Ilfeld Auditorium, the historic 1915 venue at the heart of the Las Vegas campus, Dialogue Highlands will bring the institution’s most important conversations into a setting that reflects both its history and its future. Each session will also be broadcast live via Zoom to audiences across New Mexico and beyond.
“Highlands has never been an institution that talked ‘at’ its community. It has always been built with its community,” said NMHU President Dr. Neil Woolf. “Dialogue Highlands is about keeping that relationship direct. We want our alumni and friends to hear from us, ask hard questions, and share what they see. That kind of exchange makes us better.”
FORMAT
Dialogue Highlands will be held quarterly, with each session designed to be interactive, accessible, and substantive.
Each program will feature President Woolf in a moderated conversation with rotating guests, including senior leadership, faculty, students, and community partners. The format emphasizes real dialogue rather than a one-way presentation, creating opportunity for meaningful exchange.
Each session will include:
- A welcome an introductions from a host
- An opening update from President Woolf on institutional priorities and progress
- A moderated panel discussion with invited guests
- Live Q&A from attendees in the room
- Live Q&A from Zoom participants
- A brief closing highlighting key themes and upcoming highlights
Sessions will be recorded and made available following each event. In-person attendance will be open to registered participants, with seating limited.
WHY DIALOGUE HIGHLANDS
New Mexico Highlands University is experiencing significant momentum.
Recent milestones include Carnegie R3 research designation, the launch of a Doctor of Nursing Practice program, expansion of doctoral education through the EdD, enrollment growth and other programs on the horizon, all complementing the institution’s historic notoriety for teacher education and social work.
That progress brings with it a responsibility to communicate clearly and consistently with the people who support and believe in the institution.
“Dialogue Highlands is a simple idea, but an important one,” said Dr. Paul Grindstaff, Vice President of Advancement and University Relations. “The people connected to this university deserve to understand where it’s going and why. We think the best way to do that is directly, in conversation, in a setting that reflects who we are. Ilfeld gives us that stage.”
ILFELD AUDITORIUM
Built in 1915, Ilfeld Auditorium is one of northern New Mexico’s most distinctive venues and a longstanding gathering place for both the university and the surrounding community. Currently open seasonally while HVAC repairs are on the horizon, the importance of elevating one of the crown jewels of campus and Las Vegas through an initiative called IlfeldLive! has only grown, as Highlands seeks to position the auditorium as a revitalized hub for performances, events, and community connection.
Dialogue Highlands will be a cornerstone of that effort, bringing consistent, meaningful programming into the venue while reinforcing its role as a place where the university and community come together.
THE FIRST SESSION
Details for the inaugural Dialogue Highlands session will be announced soon, including date, registration, and broadcast information.
The first program will focus on institutional momentum across academics, student experience, and strategic initiatives, and will include extended Q&A with participants both in-person and online.
Registration will be open to alumni, donors, community partners, and friends of the university. In-person seating will be limited, with virtual access available to all registrants.
ABOUT DIALOGUE HIGHLANDS
Dialogue Highlands is a quarterly engagement initiative produced by the Office of Advancement and University Relations and IlfeldLive!, bringing university leadership into direct conversation with the broader NMHU community.
For registration, sponsorship opportunities, or media inquiries, contact Advancement and University Relations at universityrelations@nmhu.edu , foundation@nmhu.edu or 505-454-3387.
