WNMU Leadership Advocates for Higher Education During Legislative Session
On January 20, the 2026 Legislative Session officially commenced in Santa Fe, marking the start of a pivotal 30-day period for state policy and budget allocations. Western New Mexico University (WNMU) aims to secure critical funding for infrastructure and modernization projects that are essential to the university’s mission of serving rural New Mexico and fostering […]
WNMU Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Western New Mexico University is closed in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 19, 2026.
WNMU Honors Amy McPherson – December 2025 Staff Employee of the Month
Western New Mexico University (WNMU) is proud to recognize Amy McPherson, HR Specialist and Recruiter, as the Staff Employee of the Month for December 2025. Since joining the university in July 2024, McPherson has transformed the recruitment experience for faculty and adjuncts through a steadfast commitment to transparency, teamwork, and professional growth. McPherson’s path to […]
WNMU School of Business Students Again Outperform Peers on National Exam
Students in the Western New Mexico University (WNMU) School of Business are continuing to outpace their peers at other institutions, including those at AACSB-accredited schools, according to the results of Fall 2025 standardized testing. Students in the bachelor’s degree program in Business Administration take an examination administered by Peregrine Global Services that assesses their understanding […]
WNMU Interim President Champions Innovation and Honors WNMU Faculty and Staff
Western New Mexico University (WNMU) faculty and staff gathered last week at the Besse-Forward Global Resource Center (GRC) Auditorium for the Spring 2026 Convocation. Interim President Chris Maples, Ph.D., delivered a keynote address that balanced a celebration of recent institutional milestones with a transparent look at the legislative, financial, and technological challenges facing the university […]
WNMU Provides Updates To 10th Street Landscape Improvements
While graduation cheers filled the air at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) this past December, a quieter, enduring legacy was taking root on the campus hillside, marking a milestone in institutional transformation by bringing together university students and local youth to reclaim a steep, barren incline. Once considered one of the top five most unsightly […]
From Doula to Degree: Sunshine Patterson Pursues Mission to Restore the ‘Joy of Birth’
Sunshine Patterson’s passion for maternal care is rooted in her previous life in Hawaii. Following the empowering and easy delivery of her youngest of five children, Patterson began teaching hypnobirthing—a method utilizing visualization, self-hypnosis, and relaxation to replace fear with focus during labor. As she transitioned into working as a doula in Hawaiian hospitals, Patterson […]
Honoring Susan Russell: 30 Years of Heart and Service at WNMU
Western New Mexico University (WNMU) extended its deepest gratitude to University Registrar Susan Russell, who retired on December 31, 2025. With a career spanning three decades, Russell was far more than an administrator; she was a cornerstone of the campus community, a mentor to generations of students, and a devoted steward of the university’s mission. […]
WNMU Closed for Winter Break
Western New Mexico University (WNMU) campus, including the WNMU Dining Hall, One-Stop Food Pantry, Fitness Center, and Museum are closed the following dates for winter break: Museum Closure: December 20, 2025- January 4, 2026. Regular hours of operation will resume on January 5, 2026. Fitness Center Closure: December 20, 2025 – January 2, 2026. Regular […]
Silver City Native and WNMU Student Eyes Future in Critical Care
A childhood fascination with biology, a deep-seated cultural work ethic and a commitment to balancing the rigors of academia have guided Ariana Medina’s journey to become a registered nurse. On December 12, Medina crossed the stage at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) to accept her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Born and raised in […]
