Dear colleagues,

I want to share key takeaways from the New Mexico Higher Education Department’s 2025 Annual Report and, more importantly, what they mean for NMSU.

After years of decline, statewide enrollment has increased for a third consecutive year. In Fall 2024 alone, statewide enrollment grew by 3.0% from the previous year, marking the third straight year of growth, with more than 110,000 students now pursuing certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees at public institutions.

As New Mexico’s land-grant and Hispanic-Serving Institution, NMSU plays a critical role in this recovery. Our statewide reach, commitment to access, and strength in both academic and workforce-focused programs align directly with the direction of New Mexico higher education.

Expanded Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships continue to reduce financial barriers for tens of thousands of students. During the 2024–25 academic year, more than 41,800 students statewide received the Opportunity Scholarship and approximately 15,700 received the Lottery Scholarship, significantly expanding access to higher education for low-income and first-generation students. For NMSU, this translates into greater access for first-generation and rural students, improved retention and persistence, and reduced reliance on student loans.

The state’s priorities are clear: retention, completion, and alignment with workforce and community needs. Experiential learning, internships, undergraduate research, and community engagement are no longer “add-ons”; they are central to our academic mission and to the state’s expectations.

What this means for NMSU:

• Our mission and values are closely aligned with state priorities
• Enrollment growth presents opportunity, but also requires intentional and strategic planning
• Student success is, and must continue to be, everyone's responsibility
• We must consistently demonstrate impact for students, communities, and the state

Faculty Feature: Dennis Daily
Department Head, Library Archives and Special Collections

Mr. Daily came to NMSU in 1993 as a non-traditional undergraduate journalism student, and the incredible faculty, meaningful student jobs, and unexpected opportunities quickly changed the direction of his life. From working as a student photographer to becoming the university photographer, and later discovering his calling through archival work—including a formative microfilming project in Durango, Mexico—NMSU became the foundation of his professional career and personal growth.

While the university has evolved over the years, its steady commitment to serving students and the people of New Mexico has remained constant. What he finds most rewarding is connecting students, colleagues, and the broader community with resources that make a real difference, and knowing he has played a small role in others’ successes.

“To me, “We Are NMSU’ signifies that it’s all of us together—students, staff, faculty, and administrators—who form the beating heart that gives life to this institution,” said Mr. Daily. “It’s the contributions of every one of us, working together, that animate NMSU and make it great.”

Lakshmi N. Reddi
Interim Provost
New Mexico State University