Western New Mexico University

Abstract

Western New Mexico University, a state-supported institution of higher learning, is located in Silver City at an elevation of 6,000 feet next to the sprawling Gila National Forest. The university, founded in 1893, celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1968, highlighted by a record-breaking fall semester increase in enrollment of 16.7 percent. Total enrollment for the 1968 fall semester was 1439 students as compared to 1233 students during the 1967 fall semester. The campus comprises 84 acres with 25 buildings or building groups valued at $6,500,000. Since 1957, nine new buildings have been completed on the campus at a cost of $3,700,000. Two new additions, planned for this spring or early summer, include a new laboratory-office building and an addition to the library, total cost around $900,000. The university offers the bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts and in teaching; also the bachelor of science degree in electronics technology and in medical technology. The university curriculum includes courses in 24 majors and minors. The master of arts degree is offered in teaching, school administration, and guidance and counseling. The university is accredited by or in full standing with nine national accrediting associations for undergraduate and graduate work. Located in the southwest part of the state, 150 miles northwest of El Paso, Texas; 200 miles east of Tucson and 300 miles east of Phoenix, Silver City is served by Frontier Airlines with two flights daily to Albuquerque, Tucson, and Phoenix. The department of language and literature offers the master of arts degree in English and is initiating graduate work in Spanish this summer. The department also offers majors in English and Spanish, and minors in French, theater, and drama. Special courses in speech designed to meet the needs of the school teacher are offered along with selected courses in journalism. The department publishes Western Review, a magazine dealing with the humanities, education, and the culture of Southwestern America. Scholarships, grants-in-aid, and other financial assistance are open to students. —Lewis A. Richards