DEMING — As the 2026 Legislative Session gets underway in Santa Fe, Western New Mexico University leaders are stepping forward with a clear message: sustained state investment is essential to keep higher education accessible, modern, and responsive to the needs of rural New Mexico.
University officials say the 30-day session, which began January 20, represents a critical window to secure funding for infrastructure upgrades and campus modernization projects that directly support students and strengthen the regional workforce. WNMU, based in Silver City, positions itself as a key driver of education and economic development across the southwest corner of the state, particularly in communities where access to higher education can shape long-term opportunity.
Interim President Dr. Chris Maples told lawmakers the university’s mission depends on strong partnerships with the state. “Our mission at WNMU is to catalyze opportunity in rural New Mexico, but we cannot do that work in a vacuum,” Maples said, emphasizing the need for reliable funding to maintain facilities, expand academic support, and protect critical systems.
The university’s legislative priorities focus on campus improvements designed to modernize operations and better serve students, including upgrades to HVAC systems, investments in scientific and academic resources, and preservation of aging infrastructure. Additional requests include increased support for Mustang Athletics, a 16-passenger van for the WNMU Child Development Center, and expanded financing for a web-based network supporting teacher licensure programs. University leaders are also seeking more funding for the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education, out-of-school time programs, and the School of Nursing.
Members of the WNMU Board of Regents say these proposals are part of a broader strategy to ensure the university remains resilient and innovative. They stressed that a strong working relationship with state legislators is central to transparency, accountability, and long-term success for both students and the Silver City community.
Maples also urged lawmakers to continue backing the state’s Opportunity Scholarship, calling it a cornerstone of access to higher education. With federal support declining, he said, the state’s role has become increasingly vital in ensuring every New Mexican has a clear path to earning a degree.
University officials say a full list of legislative requests is available for public review as the session continues in Santa Fe.