Western New Mexico University recently welcomed dozens of seventh-grade students from the Mescalero Apache Schools for a multi-day visit that blended cultural preservation with an introduction to university life. The visit served as a gateway to the students’ annual mezcal harvest, a cornerstone of their cultural heritage, held in early May.

The long-standing partnership between WNMU and the Mescalero Apache community aims to provide students with an early look at the opportunities afforded by higher education. Rena Nash, cultural and language director for the Mescalero Apache Schools, emphasized the importance of the trip in broadening the students’ horizons.

“We want for our children to be able to get an awareness of what it is to be in college, off the reservation, and be able to see the outside world,” Nash said. She noted that the seventh grade is a pivotal year for the students, as many are preparing for their puberty ceremonies and transitioning toward adulthood. Nash knows the visits work, her granddaughter attended WNMU after visiting the campus during another ceremony visit years ago and then graduated in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

During their stay, students were immersed in the WNMU experience through a series of tours and activities led by the Office of Admissions. Student ambassadors, including international and domestic students, guided the visitors through several key academic and social hubs. The comprehensive tour included stops at the WNMU Museum, the School of Social Work and School of Education, highlighting professional career paths. They also visited the J. Cloyd Miller Library and the WNMU bookstore.

To provide a true sense of “student life,” the visitors enjoyed dinner at the WNMU dining hall and participated in outdoor games and activities on the campus grounds. These interactions allowed the younger students to ask questions about the college experience in a relaxed, peer-to-peer environment.

Following their time on campus, the students traveled to Freeport-McMoRan mine property for the annual mezcal harvest. This tradition is essential to the Mescalero Apache identity, focusing on the harvest of the mezcal plant, which has historically served as a vital food source and a multi-purpose resource.

Zachary Flowers, Eugene Kleinkole, and Percy Platta, members of the Mescalero Schools operations and maintenance staff, among others from the school, accompanied the students to ensure the tradition continues through the generations. Platta and Kleinkole are also members of the tribe. “We use it for food, and it’s like aloe vera for healing,” they shared, noting the plant’s deep cultural and practical significance.

The harvest itself culminated in a closed blessing and ceremony on Wednesday morning. For many students, such as seventh-grader Janay E., the event is a significant rite of passage. “I’ve been one other time and I love it, Janay E. said. “I’m excited to participate for the first time,” fellow student Lacey M. said, noting that she has heard about this vital cultural event through family and tribal communications her entire life.

By hosting the students before they head to the harvest, WNMU remains committed to fostering a supportive environment where Indigenous traditions and academic aspirations can thrive together.

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Kinesiology, the science of human movement, is divided into two specialized pillars at WNMU: exercise physiology and sport psychology. Peltonen, an expert in exercise physiology and a former professional bicycle racer, focuses on the body’s physical responses to exertion. Sato specializes in the psychosocial aspects of movement, exploring how mental performance and motivation influence both elite athletes and everyday individuals.

“Our students aren’t just reading about health; they are leading it,” said Peltonen. Through a collaboration with the Western Institute of Lifelong Learning (WILL), WNMU offers the Get Fit Seniors program. The 12-week exercise course allows top kinesiology students to act as lead instructors for older adults, gaining invaluable leadership skills while translating academic theory into life-changing results for participants.

The program’s reach extends to Silver City’s youth through the “WNMU Kids’ Bicycle Program.” Meeting at Regent Square, local elementary students gather for seven weeks each semester to learn the joy of movement, guided by WNMU students who gain experience in youth physical education and motor development.

WNMU faculty is also challenging the traditional separation of mind and body. “There is not a system in the human body that physical activity does not have a positive benefit on,” Peltonen explained, noting that exercise can even increase brain mass in the hippocampus, slowing cognitive decline.

Sato echoed this holistic view, emphasizing that movement supports social and psychological well-being. “We focus on how we can encourage people to stay active, whether they are elite athletes needing mental support for competition or individuals recovering from illness who need to relearn basic motor skills like walking or holding a cup,” said Sato.

Despite its modest size, the Kinesiology program uses sophisticated equipment to prepare students for graduate-level research. Students have access to a metabolic cart to measure VO2 max—a primary indicator of cardiovascular fitness—and resting metabolic rates. This data-driven approach allows students to analyze real-world performance metrics, such as cardiometabolic status and lipid levels, particularly within the senior population they serve.

Furthermore, the faculty is dedicated to combating health misinformation. In an era of “old wives’ tales”—such as the myth that running is inherently bad for knees or that humans have a “limited number of heartbeats”—WNMU professors teach students how to navigate peer-reviewed literature to find the facts.

“We practice what we teach,” said Peltonen. “We aren’t just talking about it; we are out there running, biking, and living it. That passion is what we pass on to our students,” Sato added.

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Western New Mexico University (WNMU) conducted its annual spring symposium in late April; the two-day event showcased academic excellence, creative scholarship and the diverse research initiatives of the university’s faculty and students. The event provided a comprehensive platform for the university community to engage with emerging insights on topics from local historical preservation to advancements in environmental science.

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The ceremony honored students graduating with degrees and certificates across various academic levels. While degrees and certificates will be officially conferred following a final audit of academic records, notable preliminary highest degrees awarded included:

• Masters – 138
• Grad Cert – 28
• Bachelors – 197
• Associates – 104
• Certificates – 8
• Fast Track Certificates – 42

Among the graduates, more than 200 attended the ceremony in person. The university recognized the remaining graduates in absentia, representing its distance-learning community, with many joining the celebration via livestream from across the country and the world.

In her speech to graduates, families and faculty, Gov. Grisham focused on the transformative power of the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship and the state’s commitment to accessible education.

Reflecting on the ceremony, Gov. Grisham said, “The last time I stood on this campus, I signed our state’s historic Opportunity Scholarship into law. Returning as your Commencement speaker, I get to witness for myself what that law made possible. This year’s graduates are proof that when New Mexico invests in its people, its people deliver.”

Expanding on her message, the governor urged graduates to use their degrees to bolster the state’s workforce, specifically highlighting the university’s role in training the next generation of educators. She emphasized that the resilience shown by the Class of 2026 prepares them to solve modern challenges in a “dynamic, interconnected world.”

During the ceremony, the university recognized several faculty and students for exceptional achievements:

• Excellence in Teaching: Wenjie Wang, Ph.D.
• Excellence in Research: Andrea Nica, Ph.D.
• Excellence in Professional Service: Stephanie Fanselow, Ph.D.
• Best Online Course Design: Becky Brandsburg-Herrera, Ph.D.
• Best Online Course Delivery: William Lane, Ph.D.
• ASWNMU Outstanding Teacher Award: Gregory Robinson Guerra, Ph.D. (presented by the Associated Students of WNMU)

The Commencement also honored students receiving top academic honors; Taylor James was recognized with the Outstanding Senior Award and Elena Rodriguez was recognized with the Excellence in Graduate Studies Award.

Additionally, the university awarded 162 baccalaureate students who graduated with academic honors (a GPA of 3.5 or higher) with bronze medallions to signify the achievement.

Continuing the celebration, Interim President Chris Maples, Ph.D., praised the graduates for their perseverance and the impact they will have on the region.

Maples stated, “The Class of 2026 represents the resilience and intellectual curiosity that define the Mustang spirit. As these graduates move forward to lead in their respective fields, they carry not only a degree but also the responsibility to serve their communities with the same dedication they showed in the classroom. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements alongside Gov. Grisham on this historic day.”

The event marked the final spring commencement before incoming President Jose Coll, Ph.D., takes office.

The university’s Panopto portal offers a recording of the full ceremony: .

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While many Western mining camps collapsed following commodity crashes, Silver City’s longevity was built on a foundation of accidental diversification and fierce political self-reliance.

In his research, notably featured in the book “Unpacking Silver City,” Fritz argues that while Silver City followed the classic “boom-to-bust” trajectory of the 1880s, it possessed unique stabilizers.

“Unlike towns like Georgetown or Gila, which relied on a single commodity, Silver City relied on two: mining and cattle,” Fritz explains. “I don’t know if the town purposely thought about diversifying, but it happened from its beginning in 1870.  It quickly became a regional hub where its businesses serviced the needs of a growing number of mines and ranches in the area. These businesses included hardware stores, shipping companies, and general stores. Because of the nearby smelters, the town had many residents who needed daily provisions, helping to explain the existence of Chinese-owned restaurants and grocery businesses, butcher shops, and liquor and drug outlets.”

The results of this economic layering were further fortified by Silver City’s status as the Grant County a seat in 1871, the arrival of the railroad in 1883, and the 1893 establishment of the Territorial Normal School (now WNMU). “Indeed, from the beginning of the school’s existence, students brought money into the community and back in this early period, when there was no such thing as a ‘university bookstore,’ students would buy their books from local shops on Bullard Street, like Blackwell’s book and music shop,” Fritz said.

A significant portion of Fritz’s work highlights “Merchants of Modernity”—business leaders who pushed the region into the 20th century. Chief among them was Silver City’s own Elizabeth Warren, a pioneer who became the first certified female insurance agent in the New Mexico Territory.

After her husband’s death in 1887, Warren ran an insurance and notary business serving miners and ranchers. A born entrepreneur, Warren also ran several other businesses simultaneously.

When the city mandated cement sidewalks in 1906, Warren pivoted, co-founding a cement business to meet the new legal demand. Her name can still be found stamped in the vintage concrete of Silver City’s older neighborhoods.

Fritz also explored the social role of the general store as a “third place”—a community hub where different cultures intersected. From the 19th-century mercantile firms like Amador y Macias to the movie theaters of the 1930s, these businesses functioned as the city’s social glue.

His research was fueled by rare primary sources, including recently recovered student council minutes from the 1930s and assessor records salvaged by local officials. Fritz is currently advocating for the digitization of these archives—including WNMU yearbooks dating back to 1901—to ensure the town’s history of resilience remains accessible to future generations.

Fritz continues his research into local business history, including “tiendas” of Chihuahua Hill and minority-owned businesses.

“Unpacking Silver City: Revealing the Rich Tapestry of a Historic Town,” by Bart Roselli, features chapters from WNMU professors Fritz and Andrew Hernandez, and is available for purchase through several online book retailers.

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The ACBSP is a premier specialized accrediting body that shifts the focus from traditional research-heavy metrics to teaching excellence and student learning outcomes. Its framework is designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that member institutions do not stagnate between major reviews. Maintaining this status is a perpetual process.

“The oversight structure includes decennial reaffirmations, which are exhaustive, ten-year deep dives into every facet of the program,” explained Professor of Finance and Dean of the WNMU School of Business Miguel Vicens, Doctorate of Economic Development (D.E.D.). “These are supplemented by Quality Assurance Reports submitted every four years and biennial interim updates. This rigorous cadence ensures that assessment and refinement are not seasonal administrative burdens but are instead woven into the daily operations of the faculty and staff.”

Vicens attributes this success to operationalizing high-level concepts. “In today’s competitive academic landscape, maintaining gold-standard accreditation takes more than meeting benchmarks—it requires systemic alignment of resources and faculty efforts,” Vicens said.

The acceptance of the 2026 report marks the culmination of a transformative decade for the School of Business. The 2018 reaffirmation noted specific areas identified by the council as requiring remedial action or additional documentation. “The shift from legacy challenges to full compliance is the result of a disciplined, data-driven strategic approach,” said Vicens.

During this transformative period, the department accomplished over 90% of the goals set in its 2016–2021 strategic plan. Key achievements include expanding accredited offerings, notably extending accreditation to Associate degree programs alongside the established bachelor’s and master’s degrees. As a result, all students now benefit from a curriculum validated by international standards, regardless of their degree path.

Vicens explained that “the strategy was paired with execution, integrating the school’s objectives into daily workflow.” Aligning classroom efforts with broader institutional goals ensures that data collected for accreditation demonstrates true, sustainable progress. “We are evolving the WNMU School of Business into the global marketplace and providing students with a relevant, dynamic education.”

The WNMU School of Business offers a world-class education grounded in accountability and academic rigor. This milestone proves that, through persistence, an institution can reach the peak of international academic standards.

For more information about the WNMU School of Business visit wnmu.edu.

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A native of Belen, New Mexico residing in Albuquerque and an online WNMU student, Sanchez just completed a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a focus on special education and criminal justice. Her road to higher education involved navigating a complex landscape of personal hurdles. For a long time, the idea of walking across a commencement stage felt more like a distant, flickering dream to Sanchez rather than a tangible reality.

“When I first started, I wasn’t sure if I belonged in a university setting,” Sanchez admitted. “But through my classes and the support here, I realized that my unique perspective is an asset. I’ve learned that my voice matters, and I want to use it to help the next person who feels the way I used to feel.”

Her early experiences often made the structured world of academia feel like “foreign territory” that made her feel like she didn’t belong. Sanchez recalls a specific “Math for Teachers” class in which she felt embarrassed and hesitant to participate, struggling to keep up with the academic language her classmates used. It was the consistent encouragement of mentors at WNMU and a deepening sense of self-reliance, that helped Sanchez shift in perspective.

Sanchez also acknowledged that her advisor, Shelby Benfield’s constant availability and guidance helped Sanchez successfully navigate her academic path.

A significant turning point for Sanchez occurred when a student confided in her about their personal struggles. Sanchez realized that her own history as a former Social Emotional Support Services (SES) student who dealt with anxiety and the feeling of not fitting in was her greatest asset in connecting with this student.

“I really want to work with kids who are in the system, whether that means kids in juvenile detention or those involved with CYFD (Children, Youth and Families Department) in New Mexico,” Sanchez said. “I feel especially passionate about this because I’ve seen how easy it is for these kids to fall through the cracks and not get the support they need to turn things around. I would like to be that person who listens, helps them see new possibilities, and connects them with resources so they can get their lives back on track.”

As a single mother raising twin boys, working, and attending school, Sanchez juggles multiple varying responsibilities and balances her career and her studies by staying organized with a planner. Sanchez often completed her coursework late at night after her children are asleep. She credits her family, friends, and coworkers for providing the support system she needs to keep going on tough days.

Currently, Sanchez applies her studies directly to her work at Harrison Middle School, where she has served for six years. After starting as an Educational Assistant, she stepped into a lead teaching role within the SES department. Daily, Sanchez teaches academic subjects while helping students develop the critical skills of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and positive interpersonal skills.

After Commencement, Sanchez plans to remain in New Mexico to work in social services and advocacy. She is particularly passionate about supporting youth within the juvenile detention system and those involved with the CYFD.

“I want people to know that it’s never too late to start over or to aim higher,” Sanchez noted. “WNMU gave me the space to grow and the tools to succeed. My history is part of me, and it doesn’t limit where I can go.”

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Gomez’s path to academia was far from traditional. A hairdresser by trade for decades, her life took a sudden, heartbreaking turn in 2019. The death of her son was unimaginable and enormous, leaving Gomez in a dark place where she struggled to “get above water.” During this same period, Gomez faced a staggering series of family crises. She also lost her mother, and her sister to cancer. Through it all, Gomez supported her father, a World War II veteran living with health issues and unspoken PTSD.

“I had to find some type of motivation to keep me going,” Gomez shared. “I thought, ‘Let me see if I can help somebody else, so that another parent doesn’t have to endure the heartache that I have.’”

At age 60, Gomez made the courageous decision to enroll at WNMU. She began by pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in chemical dependency. Entering the university as a non-traditional, first-generation student was daunting. “I was intimidated because this was a whole new world for me,” Gomez recalled. “I didn’t know what to expect or if I could even do it. It took me a minute to start paying attention and get into it. Proving to myself I could do it—that was a big one.”

Gomez credits the close-knit, community-minded environment of WNMU for helping her find a voice she didn’t know she had. Once painfully shy and anxious about public speaking, she found that the university’s small class sizes allowed her to step out of her shell.

Building on these experiences, Gomez specifically highlighted the mentorship of faculty who went above and beyond. During her undergraduate years, Associate Professor of Psychology Jennifer Johnston, Ph.D., provided the encouragement needed to persist. Gomez also talked about Department Chair of Counseling and Assistant Professor of Counseling Wally Lane, Ph.D., and how his proactive approach made a lasting impression on her. “He calls each of his students every semester just to ask how they are doing and what they need,” Gomez said. “When professors go that extra mile, it makes a big difference in a student’s ability to succeed.”

Now interning at Winborne Wellness and Counseling in Silver City, Gomez has discovered an unexpected passion for working with children aged four to 12. “I thought, ‘I’m never going to work with children; that would be too hard,’” Gomez admitted. “But I love it. I look back at my own life, and I wish counseling had been a more acceptable option when I was young. I want to be there for these kids now because I know how much they need help coping with the crazy world we live in.”

As she prepares to celebrate her graduation, Gomez is also beginning a two-year journey toward independent licensure. She offers heartfelt advice to other non-traditional students considering a return to school: “Don’t give up. Just keep going. There are days you want to hide under the covers, but learning is a lifelong opportunity. Attending WNMU gave me the strength to move forward,” she said. “I feel accomplished. I feel empowered. I’ve learned who I am, and I’m ready to help others find their way out of the dark, too.”

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Huerta is a first-generation nursing student with a deep commitment to public service. She serves as the WNMU Student Regent and is also a talented Tejano recording artist and local performer. “Being inducted into the Student Hall of Fame is an incredible honor, but it truly reflects the strength of the community I’ve found here. Western New Mexico University has been more than just a place to study; it’s where I learned that true leadership is about lifting others up as you climb. I am so proud to represent the Mustang spirit,” Huerta said.

Carranza exemplifies student leadership and forward-thinking vision through his role as the Associated Students of Western New Mexico University (ASWNMU) President, and the driving force behind the ASWNMU Learning Hub initiative. “Being recognized alongside such an incredible group of peers truly means a lot to me. I come from Hatch, and I am proud to say I’m a farmworker. That part of who I am has shaped my work ethic, my resilience, and the way I show up for others. This recognition isn’t just mine—it belongs to every hand that worked beside me and every person who helped me get here,” Carranza said.

Mancilla is a multi-talented leader who has seamlessly integrated her passion for the arts with a strong commitment to environmental advocacy and student governance who dedicated three years to student government, serving as Vice President and successfully helped lobby to improve university irrigation infrastructure. “I’m grateful for this recognition and for the people and community that shaped my time at WNMU. Much of what I’ve been able to do here has only been possible because of the support, guidance, and trust of others. I’m honored to be part of a community that has taught me the importance of responsibility, care, and contributing where I can,” Mancilla said.

“Inducting Keana, Carlos, and Nayeli into the 2026 Student Hall of Fame is a celebration of the profound impact a dedicated student can have on our campus,” said Assistant Vice President for Student Life, April Burt, MA. This year, we had several strong, highly qualified applicants. The inductees who were selected had to meet several criteria, including: demonstrated integrity and achievement, leadership in campus activities, community involvement, strong participation in various areas of campus life along with their academic scholarship while attending WNMU. All three inductees have had an exceptional impact on the campus community and as student leaders, have distinguished themselves from many other outstanding students. Their contributions to student governance and public service have left an indelible mark on WNMU and the Silver City community.”

The Student Hall of Fame remains one of the most prestigious honors a student can achieve during their tenure at WNMU. It recognizes individuals who have not only excelled in their respective academic fields but have also made significant, lasting contributions to campus culture and the broader Silver City community.

Pictured from left to right, Carlos Carranza, Keana Huerta, and Nayelli Mancilla, the WNMU Student Hall of Fame 2025-2026 inductees.

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