It’s never too late to finish what you started. Western New Mexico University (WNMU) alum Chris Cochran proves this after a 35-year educational journey. His story embodies resilience, Mustang pride, and a life-changing connection to Silver City.
Cochran is a former Mustang quarterback and successful Oklahoma entrepreneur. He returned to his roots to complete his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at WNMU.
In 1988, he transferred from an Oklahoma school to play football for the Mustangs. Cochran sought to leave his small hometown and start fresh, and he thrived in the unique environment of Silver City. He acknowledged Silver City and WNMU with helping him “straighten up” and focus on his future.
Cochran excelled on the field during his time on campus. He also showed strong leadership, serving as a Junior and Senior Senator for the student body.
Meanwhile, he commanded the Mustangs’ offense as quarterback during the 1988 and 1989 seasons. He played a central role in one of the most storied wins in the university’s history. IN 1989, Cochran helped the Mustangs upset Division I Northern Arizona University, a team ranked third in the nation at the time. Decades later, he reunited his teammates to honor that achievement at the New Mexico Bowl.
After graduating in 1990 with a 3.7 GPA and a business degree in marketing, Cochran launched a successful career. He began in public relations for Delta Dental in Albuquerque before returning to Oklahoma. He ran a commercial insurance agency there for 25 years while raising four sons with his wife of 36 years.
Finishing the unfinished business
Despite his professional success, Cochran felt compelled to finish his graduate studies. He began an MBA years earlier but left it unfinished to pursue a business opportunity. WNMU welcomed him back. Cochran enrolled in January 2024 and completed his MBA in July 2025.
“I called Western and they were so welcoming,” Cochran said. “They honored my undergraduate credits, which allowed me to achieve my masters. I’m so proud to be from WNMU; they’ve taken the care of their students to a different level.”
Cochran is a proud member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. He now serves as a consultant for Native-owned businesses and develops property near the Texas-Oklahoma border. He remains a vocal advocate for the university, encouraging prospective students to choose Silver City’s personalized, community-focused learning environment.
“You need to look into Western because it’s small enough that you can be engaged in several different things,” Cochran advised. “At a bigger place, you get lost in the mix. At Western, you’re part of something.”