NMSU seeks input through town hall sessions

New Mexico State University leaders are seeking input on the development of the university’s strategic direction from both the campus community and stakeholders statewide through two town hall sessions planned for November and December.

The first session was Nov. 19 in the Yates Auditorium, room 109 in Domenici Hall on the Las Cruces campus. A second session will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 in the Corbett Center Student Union West Ballroom, also on the Las Cruces campus. The session is also available to be viewed online

“President Valerio Ferme is seeking input from university stakeholders as NMSU begins the process of building our strategic direction in advance of our next strategic plan,” said Justin Bannister, chief of staff for the president’s office. “Specifically, we’re looking to gather internal and external input and ideas about the university’s future. The information shared by stakeholders will help inform the development of our strategic direction, which will guide the university’s priorities and goals into the future.”

Bannister has also facilitated a series of focus groups this fall with key stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff and administrators from the Las Cruces campus and the community colleges, community representatives, industry leaders, elected officials, alumni, donors, tribal representatives, and others.

“What we are hearing so far is overwhelming support for both NMSU and our land-grant mission,” Bannister said. “We’re also hearing the need for NMSU to continue our efforts to enhance the student experience; to advance our research and economic development engines; and to strengthen connections within Las Cruces and in communities across the state.”

Ferme said the upcoming town halls will provide an opportunity for more stakeholders to give direct input and participate in an open conversation about what the university system’s priorities and goals should be.

“Internal and external participation and feedback during this process is vitally important and will be given sincere consideration as we develop our strategic direction,” Ferme said. “Our mission is clear, so our strategy needs to be equally clear: to embody and advance creatively our land-grant mission to educate the citizens of New Mexico, and to embed it further into the current educational and professional environment; to produce research, creative works and innovation that advance the well-being of the state; and to provide the public service to our communities that bring our education and innovation to all corners of our vast and richly diverse state.”