History of NMSU Grants

NMSU at Grants was established as a branch campus of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools.

During the first year of operation, classes were held in the evening in the public school facilities and were taught by qualified part-time instructors from the community.

In August 1969, the college moved to its present site, which previously housed the Grants Job Corps Center. During 1977–78 a Main Building was constructed which housed the academic classrooms, student lounge, library, law library, as well as faculty and administration offices. Later the former Vocational Building and Gymnasium became Fidel Hall, which remain from the Job Corps Center, were also renovated during the same period.

In May of 1987, the Main Building was dedicated as "Walter K. Martinez Memorial Hall," in memory of Walter K. Martinez, former State Representative from 1966–1984 and Speaker of the House from 1971–1978. During his tenure in the legislature, NMSU-Grants received significant appropriations for capital improvements to plan, remodel and construct the present physical plant. In addition, two buildings were named and dedicated to leaders in the development of the NMSU at Grants Campus:

  • the gymnasium became the "Joseph A. Fidel Activities Center,"
  • while the new name of the Annex, the “McClure Building,” honored former state Senator Frank McClure for his pioneering efforts in establishing this campus.

NMSU Grants celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018 and dedicated the new Teacher Education and Health Care building as "Lucy Belle Ma Hall", in memory of Lucy Belle Ma, a former employee who dedicated her time to recruiting and helping our students.

In the 21st century, NMSU Grants is distinguished by serving as both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and a Non-Tribal Native American Serving Institution (NASNTI). This reflects the local service base of Cibola and Catron counties, including the tribal communities of the Laguna Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo and Navajo Nation.

Academic programs at NMSU Grants range from a bachelor’s of science in nursing to a variety of associate and applied science associate degrees as well as a wide range of certificates that prepare students for additional bachelor’s study or careers in trades, technology or health and social services. Recently NMSU Grants has increased collaboration with area schools including Grants Cibola County Schools and Pine Hill High School to foster dual enrollment opportunities.  Additional emphasis is on our GED program, increases in our on-line course offerings, and efforts to hire and retain highly qualified professional faculty and staff. These activities all contribute to the institutional mission of providing quality education through innovative teaching and learning that promotes respect for our diverse students and community.

Mission, Vision, & Values

Mission Statement: NMSU Grants provides an accessible quality education through innovative teaching and learning that promotes respect and service for our diverse students and community.

Vision Statement: To embrace innovation in teaching and learning to promote a sustainable prosperous community.

Values Statement:

  • Personal Success
  • Growth
  • Respect
  • Healthy Lifestyles
  • Teamwork
  • Community Partnerships
  • Stewardship
  • Excellence
  • Integrity
  • Positive Attitude
  • Employability
  • Empowerment
  • Intellectual Inquiry
  • Social Justice
  • Creativity
  • Safe Environment

NMSU Grants Institutional Learning Outcomes

Goals Goal Articulation
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Actively and skillfully engage in the process of analyzing and evaluating in order to make judgments to solve problems.
Goal Setting and Initiative Develop self-motivation and self-confidence in identifying and ranking priorities for achievements in life.
Technology and Information Literacy Use technology effectively as a tool for communication and to complete tasks as well as to locate, evaluate and use information.
Professionalism Use time management to meet deadlines and approach collaborations objectively.
Citizenship Improve and affect positive change in communities at all levels including sustainability and global issues.
Lifelong Learning Expose students to new and diverse modes of learning to spark a continuing quest for knowledge.
Reading/Writing/Math Ability Acquire foundational abilities in reading, writing, and math that will enhance future studies, career, and citizenship.
Diversity and Cultural Value Celebrate and enhance students' sense of identity while encouraging inclusion and empathy.
Communication Skills Practice essential listening, speaking, writing, and other forms of communication to advance and share ideas.
Ethics Develop principles and standards of behavior supporting honesty and integrity while avoiding dishonesty and harm.
Commitment and Leadership Cultivate perseverance and the ability to move ideas and positions forward.
Creativity Foster and amplify innovation and imagination by connecting creative efforts to enhance life experiences.

Catalog Intent

The catalog is a summary of information of interest to students. Readers should be aware of the following:

  1. This catalog is not a complete statement of all procedures, policies, rules and regulations. See the Schedule of Courses and the Student Code of Conduct for additional information.
  2. The university reserves the right to change, without notice, any academic or other requirements, course offerings, course content, programs, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations as published in this catalog.

Special procedures, policies, rules, and regulations, whether or not contained in this catalog, may be applicable to students.

Students planning to earn degrees or certificates may elect to fulfill requirements as outlined in the catalog in effect at the date of initial enrollment or as outlined in catalogs published subsequent to their initial enrollment.

Non-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of NMSU Grants not to discriminate based on age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in employment or other college-administered programs. This policy is in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended by 11375 and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and subsequent revisions. To report concerns at NMSU Grants, call the Vice President of Student Services at (505) 287-6628. To report concerns directly to the NMSU Office of Institutional Equity, call (575) 646-3635. You may also visit the website at: https://equity.nmsu.edu