Eastern New Mexico University Celebrates 90 Years of Student Success

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 05 January 2024 05 January 2024

Portales, NM – January 4, 2024 – From its humble beginnings as a one-building campus on the high plains of Eastern New Mexico in 1934 to today’s thriving campus as the largest regional comprehensive University in New Mexico, ENMU is proud to celebrate 90 years of student success.

Eastern New Mexico University was officially approved to be located in Portales, New Mexico, by the New Mexico Legislature in 1927. The New Mexico Legislature of 1929 approved the first appropriation for buildings on campus. Although the first building was constructed in 1930, ENMU’s doors were not opened to students until 1934.

On June 2, 1934, Eastern New Mexico Normal School held registration and signed up 165 students for their 6-week summer session. On June 4, 1934, Eastern New Mexico Normal School officially hosted its first classes. The fall 1934-spring 1935 school year saw 299 students enroll at the school. Since then, ENMU has grown into the largest regional comprehensive University in New Mexico, with student enrollment growing to an average of 5000-6000 students per year. 

Eastern New Mexico University is kicking off a year-long celebration highlighting its 90 years of Student Success. The Eastern New Mexico University website launched its 90th anniversary web page this week. This webpage highlights the history of ENMU with a detailed timeline, allows visitors to listen to an oral history of some high points in ENMU’s history, and shows a vision for the future with our campus master plan. A video highlighting the history of ENMU, narrated by ENMU history professor Dr. Donald Elder, will be available later this month.

“Throughout the coming year, we will reflect on 90 years of providing higher education opportunities for our region and the world. Our continuous growth and success reflect our unwavering commitment to our mission, student success.,” said James Johnston, ENMU Chancellor. “I hope you enjoy the website that looks back and forward. I also hope everyone will join us at our planned events this year to celebrate all that is Eastern New Mexico University.”

On April 6, 2024, ENMU will hold a 90th-anniversary campus and community celebration featuring live music, inflatables, food, and fun for the whole family. A celebration for Alumni will also be held at homecoming. The date for the 2024 homecoming will be announced later this spring.

To learn more about ENMU’s 90th-anniversary celebration, visit www.enmu.edu/90th . 

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