At CNM, our mission is to be a leader in education and training with the vision of Changing Lives, Building Community.

CNM is the largest higher education institution in New Mexico in terms of undergraduate enrollment.

Representatives from local businesses and industries help CNM develop programs to ensure that students acquire skills needed for success in the workplace. The college has many transfer articulation agreements with four-year institutions around the state, including the University of New Mexico.

Authorized by the New Mexico Legislature in 1963, CNM was approved by district voters in 1964 to provide adults with the skills necessary to gain employment and succeed in the workforce. Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1978, degree-granting power was approved for CNM by the State Legislature in 1986, signaling the college’s transformation into a full-fledged community college.

Since its inception, CNM's career-technical programs in business, health, technologies, and trades have continually been redesigned to provide students with the most current and relevant skills needed by local employers.