Dear NMHU Community:

With the start of this academic year right around the corner, I continue to meet many new friends and learn more about this great university and community. Once classes begin, I look forward to meeting many of you at monthly meetings at Kennedy, at monthly community forums, at staff, faculty, and student senate meetings, and at each of our center locations, which I’ll be visiting this fall.

As I learn more about New Mexico Highlands University, I am struck by how it is both similar and different to the other universities where I have worked. I have spent most of my career working at regional comprehensive universities in the West: Nevada State University, Eastern Washington University, and Southern Oregon University. I see many of the same strengths–a commitment to mission and a focus on student success. Tisha and I both have been overwhelmed by the passion for NMHU that we see in the faculty, staff, and community members. I also see similar opportunities for improving our financial outlook through careful budgeting and expanded fund raising, growing our student body, and strengthening our ties to the community. But I know I still have a lot to learn from all of you about NMHU and the unique challenges we face, from our water situation to our campus deferred maintenance needs.

At the city council meeting on July 17, the city announced the formation of an Economic Development Committee, and I am a proud member of that committee. I see this as the first of many opportunities to collaborate with the city and county.

One last thing–I’m excited to finally meet all our students and faculty. A university isn’t a university without them. While my time so far has been great, I’m ready to begin the fall semester. We’re just a few weeks away!

Recent Highlights:

• Foundation Executive Committee and full Foundation Board meeting on campus.
• Spoke to and met many of the state’s K-12 superintendents at the New Mexico Coalition of Education Leaders conference in Albuquerque.
• Met with Dr. Becky Rowley, President at Santa Fe Community College. We focused on expanding our partnership through transfer practices and policies, articulation, and degree development, and we are planning on forming a coalition of education leaders from Northern New Mexico.
• Staff Advisory Senate–thank you to all those who serve on the Staff Senate.
• Attended the City Council meeting, where Mayor Romero announced July 17, 2024, as Juan Ortega Day. Mr. Ortega, who was being recognized for his music by the city council, is a proud NMHU alum, and his daughter Brenda is, too. We are exploring hosting a concert in his honor this fall to celebrate his music and achievements.
  
• Mora Fiestas Parade with Director of Admissions Ricardo Martinez and new Head Football coach Kurt Taufa’asau and his family
  
• Hosted San Miguel County Commission Chair Harold Garcia and Commissioner Martin Sena.
• Hosted our first of many events at the University Residence.
• Attended the K-6 Literacy Camp that is hosted by the NMHU School of Education. Many thanks to Lorraine Martínez for showing me around. I met elementary students engaged in literacy efforts as well as the New Mexico State Secretary of Public Education Dr. Arsenio Romero.
  

This morning I was interviewed by the CBS affiliate in Albuquerque on its morning news program, New Mexico Living. I’ll send a link to the interview campuswide once it’s available if you’d like to watch my interview. I’m proud to represent all the wonderful efforts and initiatives ongoing at NMHU.

Recent Steps Taken:

• Financial Aid: As of July 23, NMHU was able to package over $4 million in Pell Grant funds for undergraduates. Federal Loans for undergraduate and graduate students will also package this week. Official award notices will be generated via email for all of the awardees.
• Transcripts Holds: NMHU will no longer withhold the transcripts of students who owe a balance to the university. This complies with federal financial aid regulations and a national movement to make transcripts more accessible to students.

Campus Congratulations and News:

Johana Burciaga, Senior Accountant, Business Office, received her CPA license Jan 24, 2024.

Upcoming Events:

• I am beginning monthly community forums where we will invite you and the community to learn more about what’s happening at NMHU and open another venue of communication and coordination with the Las Vegas and regional communities. The first forum will take place on August 20 at the Stu Clark building. We have seven new athletic coaches (of our nine varsity sport teams), and we will introduce them to the community.
• NMHU is hosting the Higher Education Department Capital Outlay hearings on July 30. Education leaders from across the state will be making their case for capital needs on our campus.
• July 31 is NMHU at the New Mexico United alumni event in Albuquerque. Join us for exciting soccer action.

If you have an item or event you’d like to be featured here, please forward that to your relevant Vice President.

Respectfully,
Dr. Neil Woolf
President, New Mexico Highlands University