Southeast New Mexico College

Carlsbad, New Mexico

The Board of Trustees invites nominations and applications for the first President of Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC). In 2021 the New Mexico state legislature passed a bill allowing the Carlsbad campus of New Mexico State University to separate as an independent community college following overwhelmingly strong support from the community. SENMC will retain its current facilities, with the expectation to grow and expand the campus and the diversity of programs offered. When the separation occurred from the University, the College secured substantial funding to expand, and a local bond provides approximately $14 million a year in operating revenue. The first President of SENMC will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with the newly elected Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, and the community to establish educational and administrative policies and practices that will best serve SENMC, its students, and the community.

Initially established in 1950 as the Carlsbad Instructional Center, SENMC has become a valued asset to the community in providing affordable academic opportunities, career, and technical education. SENMC serves nearly 1,200 students each semester throughout Eddy County and beyond. The President will serve an integral role in the expansion of the College’s academic and workforce programs in coordination with its accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). SENMC exists in the major oil and gas production and nuclear waste repository area of the Permian Basin and is focused on developing a state-of-the-art Energy program and facility. Additionally, in 2020 and 2021 we had the #1 ranked nursing program in New Mexico according to RegisteredNursing.org.

SENMC is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and accessible learning environment for all students. As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), the student population is over 50% Hispanic or Latino. In 2016 SENMC received over $4 million in federal funds to increase STEM program accessibility for Hispanic and lower-income students, in addition to advancing graduation rates among Hispanic or Latino students. In 2018 the College received another $2.7 million dollar grant from the Department of Education to fund an HSI initiative titled Adelante, a program designed to improve success and completion. The efforts demonstrate SENMC’s dedication to pursuing high completion and transfer rates through action and innovation.

Following passage from the state legislature, New Mexico residents will be able to attend public college tuition free as a commitment to bridge educational accessibility. SENMC will serve as a guiding example in this effort by implementing policies to increase student access and engagement. Currently, the College serves as a leader in the state on tuition costs, providing a tuition rate that is among the lowest in both New Mexico and throughout the region.