By Dr. Neil Woolf

President, New Mexico Highlands University

As New Mexico’s 30-day legislative session begins this week, our state has an opportunity to look beyond short-term fixes and toward long-term impact. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape not only budgets, but the future of higher education, workforce development and opportunity across New Mexico.

For more than a century, New Mexico Highlands University has been a place of access and possibility. Today, Highlands is also a university on the rise—growing in enrollment, advancing in research, and expanding its role as a driver of economic and civic vitality for northern New Mexico and beyond.

New Mexico’s Opportunity Scholarship has become an important pillar in expanding access to higher education across the state, reflecting a sustained commitment to making college attainable for New Mexicans. Highlands stands ready to meet that commitment. Once students enroll, however, our responsibility does not end—we must ensure their success by providing innovative, workforce-aligned academic programs and enhanced student services that support both the physical and mental well-being of our students.

Too often, approaches to funding for projects at Highlands have been viewed from a “let’s just make do and patch what needs to be patched” perspective.

That framing looks backward.

The better question is: What could New Mexico achieve with a stronger, future-focused Highlands?

Momentum Built on Resilience

Highlands has recently achieved R3 research status, reflecting increased scholarly activity, faculty excellence, and growing relevance to the state’s needs. Our academic programs are expanding, partnerships are deepening and student success is improving.

This progress has come despite extraordinary challenges. The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding disrupted operations, damaged infrastructure and tested every part of our institution. Highlands responded by serving evacuees, housing first responders and continuing to educate students under unprecedented conditions.

Resilience, however, is not our end goal. Growth is.

Looking Forward, Not Backward

Like many public universities, Highlands faces deferred maintenance needs accumulated over decades. But focusing solely on patchwork repairs keeps attention fixed on the past. Our vision is different.

Highlands is choosing a forward-looking path—one centered on strategic investment, modern infrastructure and long-term sustainability, rather than short-term fixes that limit what our students and faculty can achieve.

That vision includes expanded and modernized student housing to improve retention, affordability and the student experience; upgraded athletics facilities that support recruitment, engagement and community pride; academic and research spaces that advance teaching, scholarship and workforce preparation; and campus systems designed for resilience, efficiency and growth.

These are not cosmetic projects. They are investments in outcomes—graduation rates, workforce readiness, institutional stability and regional vitality.

A Campaign That Strengthens the Whole University

This same philosophy guides Highlands’ comprehensive capital campaign, Highlands Elevated. The campaign is intentionally broad and university-wide, supporting every discipline and function of the institution. To date, Highlands Elevated has exceeded its original goal and continues to build momentum.

Funds raised are advancing scholarships and access for students; student success and support services; academic programs across all colleges; and faculty, staff, athletics, facilities and operational needs. At the same time, Highlands is seeing continued growth in its endowment, strengthening long-term financial stability and ensuring today’s progress can be sustained.

Public investment does not replace private philanthropy—it amplifies it.

A Return on Investment for New Mexico

Highlands serves students from every corner of New Mexico, particularly rural and first-generation learners. Our graduates become teachers, nurses, social workers, public servants, business owners and community leaders who stay, serve and strengthen our state.

Across the country, universities that thrive do so because ambition and investment move together. Highlands is embracing that same mindset—one grounded in New Mexico’s values, workforce needs and communities.

An Invitation to Move Forward Together

As we navigate a challenging fiscal environment and uncertainty at the federal level, Highlands remains focused on what lies ahead. We are not retreating; we are advancing.

Highlands has a clear vision, a demonstrated record of momentum, and a deep commitment to students, faculty, staff and the communities we serve. We invite legislators, the Governor, alumni, faculty, staff and partners to continue supporting a university that is growing, resilient, and ready to lead.

A stronger Highlands means a stronger New Mexico. Together, we are moving forward.