DEMING – Western New Mexico University (WNMU) is realigning its academic offerings in Luna County, expanding healthcare education in Deming while transitioning its technical and trades programs to Silver City starting in the fall 2025 semester.
The move comes as Luna County plans to occupy the Mimbres Valley Learning Center, which currently houses WNMU’s workforce programs, and following the opening of the new John Arthur and Janette Smith Education Center in Deming in 2024.
According to Dr. Patti West-Okiri, WNMU Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, this change will help better align resources to meet student and industry demands. “The change will allow the university to better coordinate staffing, equipment and instructional resources to strengthen workforce programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials while reinforcing our commitment to Luna County through expanded healthcare offerings,” West-Okiri said.
Trade and technical programs, including welding, electrical and construction, will move to the main Silver City campus. Meanwhile, WNMU will increase its healthcare offerings in Deming at the Smith Education Center. These programs will include:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Phlebotomy training for clinic, hospital and long-term care employment
- Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for first-time nurses
- RN to BSN program for licensed nurses
- An Accelerated RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a fast-track program leading to a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification track expected in Fall 2025—the first such program in New Mexico
All healthcare programs will also continue to be available at the Silver City campus.
“WNMU is appreciative of Luna County’s many years of support at the Mimbres Valley Learning Center and looks forward to a continuing collaboration to serve students in the region and respond to local workforce demands,” West-Okiri said. “In the meantime, we will work directly with students affected by the transition of the trades programs to ensure they have the support and guidance needed to continue their education.”
The transition will begin over the summer in preparation for the fall semester.