Community News

Alum and WNMU Data Analyst Specialist Adele Springer is the WNMU June Employee of the MonthSILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University honors Adele Springer, data analyst in the Institutional Research office inside Academic Affairs, as its June Employee of the Month. Springer is recognized for her leadership, commitment to breaking down departmental silos, and transformative impact on university data systems.

Since stepping into her role in institutional research and academic assessment nearly seven years ago, Springer has changed how the university handles enrollment reporting and demographic data. One of her earliest initiatives was establishing a standardized timeline for data distribution. Moving away from sporadic reporting, she created a reliable system, sending critical data to a mid-week cohort every Wednesday and a comprehensive cross-campus report to all divisions every Friday.

WNMU marine biology students enjoying their trek to the waterSILVER CITY, NM — While the high desert may seem an unlikely hub for marine studies, Western New Mexico University continues to provide a comprehensive education in the field, bolstered by the return of its signature, hands-on regional expeditions. First stop, San Diego, where students recently returned from a four-day field expedition using the Pacific coast as a real-time laboratory to witness the accelerating local impacts of climate change. The annual April excursion is a cornerstone of the WNMU Department of Natural Sciences' field curriculum, this year preparing students for an even more rigorous upcoming voyage to Sonora, Mexico this June.

The regional trips, co-led by WNMU Professor of Biology Manda Jost, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor of Biology Caleb Loughran, Ph.D., give students direct access to coastal ecosystems. During the San Diego trip, students balanced urban car camping at Sweetwater Regional Park in Bonita with biodiversity surveys at Sunset Cliffs, Point Loma, and the intertidal tide pools of La Jolla. The June Marine Biology course marks the return to the exhibitions for the first time since COVID.

WNMU nursing students navigate complex clinical ethicsSILVER CITY, NM — Western New Mexico University nursing students recently joined forces with peers from the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) for a cutting-edge virtual Interprofessional Education (IPE) session. This event, held in April create a synchronous simulation challenged future healthcare professionals to navigate the complex intersection of ethical dilemmas and medicolegal responsibilities in modern medicine.

Giving their presentation to the Grant Soil & Water Conservation District,  from left are Dustin Hooker, Emmy Allsup, Harper Allsup, Jaspar Allsup, FFA Advisor Stacy Watkins, and Grant SWCD Chairman, Armando Aguilera (Courtesy Photo)

Cliff FFA Pasture and Range Team presents National Highlights of their trip and contest to Oklahoma to the Grant Soil & Water Conservation District's June meeting.

Four Cliff High School FFA members competed in the New Mexico State FFA 2026 spring contests. The four member team studied and worked together to judge in the Range Contest. Range Judging includes: identifying plants, their growth habits, and value for livestock; managing and preserving range land.

They placed 2nd in the State Competition which moved them on to the National Contest, May 5 – May 7, 2026 in El Reno, Oklahoma.

Photos and video below courtesy of HMS

Silver City, NM — On Saturday, June 13th, Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) hosted its sixteenth annual Jump Into Summer event. The event saw an impressive turnout with over 400 registered children and more than 750 anticipated attendees.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with various local healthcare system participants, including HMS' Behavioral Health, Dental, Family Support, Human Resources and Credentialing, I.T., Medical, Mobile Unit, Nursing, and Transportation divisions. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in hands-on education led by the HMS nursing department on "Stop the Bleed," diabetic education, and dehydration prevention.

One of many new acquisitions at the WNMU Museum: Seri/Comcaac BasketSILVER CITY, NM — The Western New Mexico University Museum announces a significant expansion of its permanent collection following a successful transfer of objects from the Museum of Northern Arizona.

The strategic acquisition brings a diverse array of Casas Grandes pottery and ethno-historic Indigenous Mexican objects to Silver City, effectively growing areas of the museum's holdings that were previously underrepresented. The transfer originated when the MNA deaccessioned objects that no longer aligned with its mission. The two institutions collaborated to ensure these culturally significant materials remained in the public trust.

Danielle Romero, Ph.D., director of the WNMU Museum, noted the importance of finding a permanent home for these specific styles of artistry.

"The opportunity to bring these pieces to Silver City allows us to fill critical gaps in our Casas Grandes collection," Romero said. "By working with the Museum of Northern Arizona, we are ensuring that these pre-Hispanic vessels, specifically the Madera Black-on-red style, are preserved in a setting where they can be properly studied and appreciated by our local community and visiting scholars alike."

Officers and Trustees (L to R): Carolyn Peckham (Treasurer), Lorraine Anglin (President Elect), Carolee Cross (President), Joni Miller (Trustee), JoAnn Turner (Trustee), Connie Shivner (Secretary), Vicky Jensen (1st Vice President), Kathleen Schuster, and Alisa Estrada.On Friday, June 12, 2026, the SCWC held its installation ceremony for the 2026–2028 officers and trustees. The ceremony was conducted by past local and state presidents Kathleen Schuster and Alisa Estrada.

Active since 1910, the SCWC is a community service organization dedicated to meeting local needs through initiatives such as our annual Veterans Day Dinner, school backpack drives, and vision and hearing screenings for children.

We are also pleased to announce that the SCWC, located at 411 Silver Heights Blvd., will host a Children's Fun Fest on July 25th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This event is free for families and features activities for children aged 1–10.

SILVER CITY, NM — The Expressive Arts Department and the Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art at Western New Mexico University recently celebrated the culmination of years of rigorous studio practice with the Spring 2026 Expressive Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition, which concluded its run May 7.

The works on display spanned a sophisticated range of mediums, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the WNMU curriculum. The collections explored complex regional, personal, and contemporary themes, demonstrating the students' ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with deep visual commentary.