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Down to Five: WNMU Names Finalists for Presidential Search

Grace Tackman
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Down to Five: WNMU Names Finalists for Presidential Search

The search for the next university leader reached a significant development. Western New Mexico University’s (WNMU) Presidential Search Committee named the five finalists in its national search for the institution’s 16th president.

The distinguished finalists will visit the Silver City campus for interviews and community engagement in late February and early March.

WNMU search committee representatives said the process was ethical, collaborative, and professional. They also ensured all voices were heard, including student needs. The search committee alone selected the finalists, making certain decisions reflected the group’s collective insight and judgment on the candidates. 

“We look forward to seeing how the five finalists and their visions resonate with our campus and the broader Silver City and Mustang communities. I encourage everyone to partake in the selection process where possible, either in person or remotely,” said Interim President Chris Maples.

According to WNMU, the finalists bring diverse expertise in higher education leadership, research, and community advocacy:

  • Jose E. Coll, Ph.D. (Western Oregon University): Coll currently serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Western Oregon University. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he focuses on student success and veteran transition. He previously led at Portland State University and the University of Southern California.

  • Cameron Braxton Wesson, Ph.D. (La Salle University): Wesson serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at La Salle University. An archaeologist by training, he led significant administrative roles at Lehigh University and Franklin & Marshall College. He focused on curriculum redesign and student retention.
  • Carlos Rey Romero, Ph.D. (New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology): Romero is an Associate Vice President at New Mexico Tech. He has extensive experience within the New Mexico higher education and governmental landscape. His background includes leadership in economic development and research at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC).
  • Sharon A. Jones, Ph.D. (University of Washington Bothell): Jones is the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and a Professor of Engineering at UW Bothell. She is a first-generation college student and a licensed professional engineer. She has a background in bridging STEM with the liberal arts and has served as a dean at the University of Portland.
  • Mario Martinez, Ph.D. (Fort Lewis College): Martinez serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fort Lewis College. His work emphasizes institutional innovation, particularly in integrating artificial intelligence with inclusive learning and addressing equity gaps in rural education.

WNMU’s 16th President to be Announced on March 17

On March 17, 2026, the WNMU Board of Regents will convene to announce the university’s next leader. This is in accordance with the New Mexico Open Meetings Act.

“Identifying the next leader of Western New Mexico University is one of the most important tasks that can be undertaken by the university community,” said Maples.

Maples said the five finalists rose to the top of a field of highly qualified candidates with outstanding leadership and innovation credentials. “Each candidate brings a unique perspective that aligns with our mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and our commitment to the applied liberal arts.”

In September 2025, WNMU launched a comprehensive nationwide search for its next president. 

The president serves as the university’s chief executive officer and reports directly to the WNMU Board of Regents. The new president will lead the university through a pivotal period of renewal and growth, ensuring its sustainability and mission in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

New Mexico House Passes Universal Child Care Bill, Sends SB 241 Back to Senate

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico House Passes Universal Child Care Bill, Sends SB 241 Back to Senate

The New Mexico House of Representatives passed a bill late Tuesday creating a universal child care program expected to serve around 60,000 children, moving the state closer to being the first in the US to offer free child care statewide.

Senate Bill 241, also known as the Childcare Assistance Program Act, passed on a 37-19 party-line vote. It previously cleared the New Mexico Senate, 25-15.

With the House making some amendments to the bill, it will return to the Senate for concurrence. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said on Wednesday she is confident the bill will “reach her desk before lawmakers adjourn at noon Thursday.”

What is SB 241?

SB 241 seeks to establish a universal child care program requiring copays only for higher-income families, with an exception for high inflation, unexpected enrollment growth, or declining oil revenues.

The bill authorizes the state to tap up to $700 million over five years from the $11 billion Early Childhood Education and Care Trust Fund to fund the program. It also sets wage requirements for participating child care providers and mandates referrals to support services for children at risk of developmental delays or disabilities.

Supporters say the bill could bring long-term stability to families and providers.

“It creates predictability for families, providers, and the state, enabling long-term planning, enhanced child care quality, and improving the development of participating children,” said Rep. Doreen Gallegos (D-Las Cruces), who sponsored the bill in the House.

The lawmaker shared on her Facebook page a post by NM House Democrats announcing the bill’s passage.

Funding concerns

Republican lawmakers questioned whether the trust fund can support the program in the long term.

“My concerns with this really are the amount and the sustainability of the fund,” said Rep. Brian Baca, a Republican from Los Lunas.

In a Source NM report, the Republican lawmaker raised the issue, saying, “if we are going to be able to sustain this.”

The approved measure advances Lujan Grisham’s promise last year to make New Mexico the first state to offer free universal child care. Funding sustainability, however, has been a key issue throughout the 2026 legislative session.

The bill will head to the governor’s desk if the Senate signs off on the amendments made by the House.

UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club Opens Opportunities for Female Hockey Players

Grace Tackman
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UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club Opens Opportunities for Female Hockey Players

The University of New Mexico (UNM) women’s ice hockey is no longer a dream–it’s now history.

UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club completed its first season as New Mexico’s first ACHA Division I collegiate women’s hockey program. 

The Team Behind UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club

Students Kiki Langenwalter and Mia Hollister founded the UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club in 2024. The team is building a competitive program while growing women’s hockey across New Mexico, according to UNM News. 

“Being the first women’s club hockey team in the entire state of New Mexico just means so much to me and the girls,” Langenwalter said.

A junior marketing major at the Anderson School of Management, Langenwalter plays defense and serves as club president. Hollister is vice president, and Kylie Phillips serves as treasurer. The team functions as a student-run organization under UNM Recreational Services.

“I wanted to play hockey in college,” Langenwalter said. “But there was no option here in New Mexico, and I wanted to stay here and go to school. So, I decided to start a team.”

Jarrod Ronquillo serves as their head coach. He is a Ph.D. candidate in engineering who works full-time at Sandia National Laboratories,

“When I heard that Kiki was making a team, I knew I had to get involved,” Ronquillo said.

Likewise, assistant coach Edgar Solis holds a place in UNM hockey history, joining the inaugural men’s team in 1997.

UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club Opens Doors for New Mexico Girls

For many players, the program creates opportunities that didn’t exist in the state before.

“Growing up here playing girls’ hockey, there was nothing,” Langenwalter said. “Kylie and I played boys hockey until we were 16. Then you age out, and there’s one girls’ team in the state. We didn’t really travel anywhere. It was really important to build this for the girls coming up underneath us.”

Phillips said she never expected to play college hockey without leaving New Mexico.

“I never thought I’d be able to play college hockey,” she said. “Having that opportunity for myself and the next generation is super cool and special.”

The Lobos compete in the American Collegiate Hockey Association at the Division I club level. This season marked a probationary year. They faced established programs including Arizona State, the University of Utah, the University of Denver, Colorado Boulder, and Colorado State.

In their first year of competition, the team earned praise for its culture and character.

“We’ve gotten compliments from every coach about the character of our players,” Ronquillo said. “Kiki and Kylie have done a terrific job building a local pipeline. Lobo Hockey prides itself on being one of the few Division I sports with New Mexicans on the roster.”

The team practices and plays at Rio Rancho’s McDermott Athletic Center, sharing the rink with UNM men’s hockey club.

With 13 players this season, above the league minimum of 10, the team officially established its presence. 

UNM Women’s Ice Hockey Club’s  Future Plans

The program will host a recruitment camp this spring. Prospective players can meet coaches and team members, tour the UNM campus, and learn how to join the Lobos. Their website provides details about the camp and the program.

“We really wanted to give these girls an option — don’t stop playing hockey, come play for us,” Langenwalter said.

Additionally, the team is building sponsorships and community partnerships while boosting visibility through social media and outreach.

Ronquillo said their goal is to make an impact in the community. “We want youth players to say, ‘When I grow up, I want to be a Lobo’,” he said. 

Sisterhood Prevails as the Team Looks Ahead

For freshman goalie Bella Luke, the sport’s family atmosphere is what keeps players committed.

“The hockey community is so tightly knit,” Luke said. “I’ve played almost every sport, but hockey is the only one I stuck with because of the family.”

That bond showed clearly when Langenwalter broke her leg and started playing sled hockey during recovery. Her teammates showed up to support her.

“I cried,” she said. “I love these girls so much.”

The Lobos are already preparing for year two, launching apparel, reaching out to sponsors, and planning season tickets 

“We’re going to bounce back from this season,” Ronquillo said. “Next year we’re going to prove why we deserve to be here.”

New Mexico Offers $1M Grants to Boost Clean Energy Innovation

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico Offers $1M Grants to Boost Clean Energy Innovation

New Mexico has offered state grants of up to $1 million to small businesses developing clean energy technologies under a program aimed at accelerating innovation and commercialization in the advanced energy sector.

In a press release, the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) announced the opening of the third round of its Advanced Energy Award. It offers funding to companies conducting R&D or early-stage pilot projects.

The department launched the program in 2024, funding 12 New Mexico companies with a total of $6.7 million.

Small businesses have until 5 pm Mountain Standard Time on March 17, 2026, to apply for the grants.

Two funding tracks

The New Mexico Advanced Energy Award (NMAEA) is a competitive, state-funded grant program providing non-dilutive funding to small businesses engaged in research and development.

According to the Technology and Innovation Office (TIO), the program supports innovation aimed at commercialization, backing technologies that make energy use cleaner, safer, more secure, and more reliable.

NMAEA has two categories: Research and Development and Pilot Projects.

Under the Research and Development category, the program supports companies conducting foundational research, proof-of-concept efforts, and product development. The aim is to translate scientific and technical advances into market-ready solutions.

To qualify for this category, a company must have its headquarters in New Mexico.

Pilot Projects category, on the other hand, focuses on demonstrating the viability of new technologies through pilot deployments or early-stage implementation. This is for projects ready to collect performance data and validate commercial potential.

Companies outside New Mexico may apply under the Pilot Projects category. But they must be authorized to do business in the state, establish and maintain a local presence, and use the funds to support in-state activities.

Webinar set

EDD will hold a webinar on February 24, 2026, at 1 pm MST to guide prospective applicants through the program requirements, eligibility criteria, and application process.

More details, including webinar registration and application guidelines, are available on the department’s website.

Phil Hoffman Selected as Next General Manager and CEO of New Mexico PBS

Grace Tackman
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Phil Hoffman Selected as Next General Manager and CEO of New Mexico PBS

Starting April 1, Phil Hoffman will serve as New Mexico PBS’ (NMPBS/KNME-TV) new general manager and chief executive officer. The Board of Directors of New Mexico PBS named him following a national search.

The search process began in October 2025 and included a comprehensive national recruitment effort, according to UNM News. The Board led multiple rounds of evaluations and interviews in collaboration with leadership from The University of New Mexico and Albuquerque Public Schools.

Teresa Costantinidis, UNM’s executive vice president of Finance and Administration and NMPBS Board chair, discussed the search process. She said it attracted a highly competitive pool of candidates from throughout the PBS system and public media landscape.

“Dr. Phil Hoffman is a strong and experienced leader who understands the vital role public media plays in advancing New Mexico,” Costantinidis said. 

Costantinidis expressed confidence that Hoffman will provide steady leadership as the station continues to inform, educate, and serve communities statewide.

Who is Phil Hoffman?

Hoffman is currently assistant dean of Media and general manager of Ball State PBS and Indiana Public Radio. He has over 20 years of experience in public media leadership, multimedia strategy, and higher education administration.

“I look forward to working with the team at New Mexico PBS to build on its legacy of civic service while adapting to today’s media environment,” Hoffman said. “The opportunity to serve New Mexico—with its rich culture and strong commitment to education and storytelling—is energizing.”

At Ball State University, Hoffman led Ball State PBS, which serves more than 23 counties in east central Indiana. He also managed Indiana Public Radio, a four-station network reaching 22 counties. Additionally, he serves as Indiana vice president for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He co-chairs Vision Maker Media, a national public media distributor supporting Indigenous storytelling.

Hoffman holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration. He has led innovation initiatives at multiple institutions, including the Public Media Accelerator Program at Ball State University. An Emmy Award–winning editor, director, and writer, he has worked as a reporter and documentary producer. His 2009 documentary, Turn Blue: The Short Life of Ghoulardi, received two regional Emmy Awards.

New Mexico PBS Board Thanks Outgoing General Manager and CEO 

Hoffman will start as co-general manager on March 24, with retiring general manager and CEO Franz Joachim. This is to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Joachim will step down on March 31.

The Board expressed deep appreciation to Joachim for his five decades of service in public media and his leadership at NMPBS since 2013. During his tenure, the station expanded statewide reach, strengthened its financial position, and advanced innovation in broadcasting.

New Mexico PBS serves northern and central New Mexico, as well as the Navajo Nation. It is co-licensed by UNM and Albuquerque Public Schools. In addition to broadcast programming, NMPBS streams content statewide via the PBS app.

Southern New Mexico Outlook: Jobs Grew, Wages Rebounded, Trade Weakened in Late 2025

Victoria Padilla
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Southern New Mexico Outlook: Jobs Grew, Wages Rebounded, Trade Weakened in Late 2025

In 2025, southern New Mexico added jobs and saw a modest wage increase. But trade at the Santa Teresa port dropped sharply compared to the year before, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The report shares important numbers for southern New Mexico counties, especially the Las Cruces metro area.

Crucial facts

  • Las Cruces added about 2,000 jobs from December 2024 to December 2025, a 2.5% increase. Most of these jobs were in government, education, health services, and construction or mining, according to the Dallas Fed’s Q4 2025 Southern New Mexico Economic Indicators.
  • Unemployment in Las Cruces rose to 5.1% in December 2025, up from 4.9% in September. By contrast, U.S. unemployment stayed at 4.4% during that time, according to the Dallas Fed.
  • Average hourly pay rose to $25.54 in December 2025, up from $24.67 in September. Still, this amount was below the state and national averages in the report.
  • Trade at Santa Teresa fell compared to the year before. The Dallas Fed said exports dropped by 48.9% and imports by 18.7% from November 2024 to November 2025, after adjusting for inflation.

Labor market signals strengthened, but not evenly across sectors

The Dallas Fed’s fourth-quarter update shows strong job growth in Las Cruces in 2025, while job growth was slow across the country. Most new jobs were in government and services. Some private businesses, such as professional services, hotels, and restaurants, saw small job losses during the year.

Unemployment in Las Cruces rose slightly late in the year, but the report notes the rate is still lower than before the pandemic. For more details, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides state-level labor market snapshots in its New Mexico “Economy at a Glance” series.

Wage trend turned positive after a multi-year slide

After a stretch of falling pay in Las Cruces, the Dallas Fed reported a small rise in average hourly pay in the last quarter of 2025. Even so, average pay in the area remained below the state and national averages reported in the study.

Trade and commodity exposure remain a swing factor

The report notes a small increase in the value of imports through Santa Teresa at the end of 2025, after inflation adjustment. Still, both imports and exports dropped sharply compared to the year before, especially exports. This shows trade was weaker than in 2024.

Energy and other raw materials are still important in southern New Mexico. The Dallas Fed says New Mexico produced 2.1 million barrels of oil per day in February 2025, up 7.5 percent from the year before, but growth slowed by the end of the year. The number of active oil rigs in the state also fell from 108 in April 2024 to 100 in April 2025 as oil prices dropped. Dallas Fed Q3 2025 commodity markets

WNMU Francis McCray Gallery Spotlights Emerging Artists in 2026 Student Juried Art Exhibition

Grace Tackman
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WNMU Francis McCray Gallery Spotlights Emerging Artists in 2026 Student Juried Art Exhibition

Western New Mexico University’s Expressive Arts Department and Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art hosted the 2026 Student Juried Art Exhibition. A spring cultural highlight, the exhibition showcased Southwest artists’ technical mastery and conceptual depth, developing the region’s next generation.

This year’s collection highlights WNMU’s unique “applied liberal arts” identity. The university encourages students to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary social and environmental themes.

“The Student Juried Exhibition is a meaningful part of what we do as a teaching gallery within the Expressive Arts department,” said Director of the Francis McCray Gallery Jill Winburn. 

Winburn said the exhibition lets students present work professionally and receive feedback from an external juror. 

WNMU’s Francis McCray Gallery of Contemporary Art is named after the esteemed artist, educator, and past resident of Silver City, Francis McCray. It hosts five exhibitions per year and is located on the beautiful WNMU campus. Deepening the understanding and appreciation of art is at the heart of this teaching and research gallery.

Honoring Outstanding Student Artists 

Organizers announced the 2026 awards during the late January opening reception, recognizing outstanding achievements in various categories. These honors validate student artists and enhance their professional portfolios, preparing them for careers in the arts and creative industries.

According to a WNMU report, the awards included:

  • Phoebe Lawrence Ceramic Award – Erika Cozine, “Depletion”
  • Light Art Space Award for Photography – Riata Lindley, “Ephemeral and Eternal”
  • Watercolor Society Award – Sally Tilton, “A strand of Pearls”, Watercolor”
  • Honorable Mention – Leticia Marquez, “Building Blocks”, Sculpture
  • 3rd Place – Rylee Myers, “All the little things moving in the night”, Drawing
  • 2nd Place – Caleb Macias, “Freaky Fresh Product Line”, Graphic Design
  • 1st Place – Gabe Farley – “Slightly Familiar Channels”, Sculpture

The displayed works reflect the region’s geographic and cultural influences while incorporating broader and more personal experiences. From experimental ceramic forms to high-fidelity digital compositions, the exhibition demonstrates the diverse perspectives fostered within WNMU’s Expressive Arts Department.

“There’s something transformative about seeing your artwork thoughtfully installed on the walls of a gallery — it often shifts how students see their own work and strengthens their confidence as artists. When that experience is supported by classmates, faculty, family, and the broader community showing up to celebrate them, it becomes even more powerful,” said Winburn. 

New Mexico Senate Passes SB 23 Banning Student Cellphone Use: What Parents Need to Know

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico Senate Passes SB 23 Banning Student Cellphone Use: What Parents Need to Know

The New Mexico Senate has approved a bill that would ban students from using cellphones and other wireless devices during the school day.

In a bipartisan vote Sunday, the Senate approved Senate Bill 23 with a vote of 32–6. Republican Sen. Crystal Brantley and Democratic Sen. Antonio Maestas sponsored the bill, which now heads to the New Mexico House of Representatives.

What parents need to know

If enacted into law, the bill would prohibit students from using wireless communication devices such as cellphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras during school hours. Exceptions would be allowed for educational activities, medical needs, and emergencies.

Implementation would roll out in stages. The first phase is for middle school students in the 2026–27 school year. The second phase would be for high school students in 2027–28. And finally, for the elementary level in 2028–29.

Brantley said the proposal aims to help students focus on learning by limiting digital distractions in the classroom.

$2 million funding

The bill earmarks $2 million to help schools enforce the policy over the next two years. Funds would support education technology infrastructure, including locking phone pouches similar to those piloted at Santa Fe Public Schools.

The House is expected to take up the bill in session.

Ben Ray Luján to Face No GOP Challenger in Rare New Mexico Senate Race

Juan Oliveros
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Ben Ray Luján to Face No GOP Challenger in Rare New Mexico Senate Race

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján is heading into his 2026 reelection bid with no Republican challenger on the ballot.

New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office confirmed that Republican aspirant Christopher Vanden Heuvel of Rio Rancho failed to collect the required number of valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. He needed 2,351 signatures.

The Republican contender’s disqualification leaves Luján’s only opponent in the Democratic primary race, fellow Democrat Matt Dodson.

New Mexico has seen Democrats consistently perform strongly across statewide contests in recent election cycles. The New Mexico Political Report, for example, reported that Democratic candidates swept multiple offices across the state in the 2018 general election. The positions won by the Democrats include treasurer, auditor, attorney general, and secretary of state — a demonstration of the party’s dominance even beyond the federal elective positions.

The absence of a Republican challenger in a U.S. Senate general election is the first in modern state history.

A win in the primary against fellow Democrat Matt Dodson would assure Luján of a fresh term in Washington. The senator has been in the office since 2021. Previously, he served in the U.S. House.

This development underscored the Democratic Party’s strong presence in New Mexico politics.

Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service to Close, Showing Rural Home Health Funding Issues

Victoria Padilla
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Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service to Close, Showing Rural Home Health Funding Issues

After 50 years in service, the home health hospice provider, Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service, is closing. In it’s press release, the organization will seize operations on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Agency officials said that rising health care costs and lower insurance payments led to the decision to close. Meggin Lorino, who leads the New Mexico Association for Home and Hospice Care, says the closure is an “alarm bell” for what can happen when home-based care lacks sufficient funding over time.

Financial Challenges facing the agency

Home health reimbursement depends on the payer. Medicare payments are based on the CMS Home Health Prospective Payment System, which sets rates using a federal payment structure.

In rural areas, it can be harder to make ends meet with these payment systems. Searchlight New Mexico reported that urban clinicians can see more patients each day because homes are closer together, while rural providers spend more time driving and see fewer patients.

The agency’s closure letter states the decision was based on financial viability. Leadership decided they could not keep operating under current conditions.

A bigger picture: Aging population and policy questions

This closure comes at a time when more people in New Mexico are reaching retirement age. According to the state health department, the number of residents aged 65 and older is increasing, which means more people are likely to need home care.

Uncertainty about health policy is making things even more complicated. State officials have noted that potential changes to federal Medicaid rules could place additional strain on rural health care. This concern was highlighted in a recent Medicaid reform summary.

What happens to patients and staff?

For continuity of care, Searchlight New Mexico reported that other agencies said they would take on patients. However, transitions can still be hard, especially for those with complex needs.

The agency’s closure letter also says they are working to find options for patients, including talking with another hospice provider. However, the arrangements were not final when the letter was written.

How this affects rural health care?

State officials admit that health care in rural areas costs more and is less reliable due to challenges such as long travel distances and limited resources. In response, the Governor’s office has begun seeking solutions, including launching the Rural Health Care Delivery Fund to help these communities gain better access to care.

Overall, the closure of Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service provides a real example of the ongoing debate over whether current reimbursement and support systems truly meet the needs of rural care, as described by Searchlight New Mexico.

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