Stationed at the finish line’s primary First Aid tent, the student nursing team collaborated closely with regional event staff, race officials, and local emergency medical services (EMS). The partnership was anchored by athletic trainer Mike McMillan, who coordinated the operational layout and supplied crucial logistical resources. The tent served as an immediate medical triage point, equipped with shaded recovery areas, client seating, and an array of specialized supplies, including wound care kits and orthopedic slings, as well as rapid-acting ice packs and over-the-counter analgesics.

Throughout the day, students managed a steady influx of athletes presenting with injuries typical of a high-velocity cycling race. The most common ailments required immediate attention for road rash, extensive scrapes, and acute lacerations requiring precise wound care. Additionally, students assessed numerous extremity injuries, treating bruised and sprained fingers, hands, knees, and elbows resulting from racecourse wrecks.

“The fast-paced environment of an outdoor athletic event is a great way to challenge our students and give them experience in a new care setting,” said Ariana Garcia, an Associate Professor of Nursing. Their typical clinical experiences are in traditional health care settings. This is a fantastic way to help reinforce those rapid, focused assessments and help teach them to think on their feet, in order to prioritize what patient care they think should be completed first based on the chief complaint.”

Operating outside a controlled clinical environment forced the nursing team to pivot their standard diagnostic protocols. Lacking the heavy diagnostic imaging and laboratory resources of a full-scale hospital, the team relied heavily on rapid, focused assessments determined by each athlete’s immediate chief complaint. For injuries involving suspected fractured extremities or severe head trauma, the team maintained a strict protocol to stabilize patients on-site before executing seamless handoffs to local EMS for emergency room transport and advanced imaging.

Neurological assessments became paramount when cyclists displayed potential concussion symptoms following a crash. Students conducted immediate evaluations of consciousness, mental orientation, and pupil responsiveness, while monitoring for secondary indicators such as persistent headaches, nausea, or vomiting.

Environmental and physical factors also demanded continuous vigilance. As exhausted riders crossed the finish line, the nursing team performed rapid assessments to differentiate between extreme physical exertion, severe heat exhaustion, and life-threatening heat stroke. Interventions included monitoring core temperatures, applying localized cooling rags, administering oral fluids and electrolytes when tolerated, and utilizing emergency temperature-control blankets.

Ultimately, the immersive experience allowed the student nurses to fulfill an essential public safety function while deeply embedding themselves in the fabric of Southwest New Mexico’s community health network.

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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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Castañon grew up in Bayard; her deep-rooted connection to the area informs her approach to support, as she understands the unique challenges and the strong sense of communal reliance that defines the local culture. After graduating from WNMU with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Castañon pursued a Master of Fine Arts at Illinois State University, but a desire for the collective spirit of her home community drew her back to Silver City.

Castañon joined the university staff two years ago, initially serving as a part-time reference librarian. Her rapid progression highlights her versatility and commitment to the institution. In her current capacity, she serves as a vital engine for the Miller Library, managing work-study students, overseeing interlibrary loans, and ensuring that the facility remains an organized, functional space for academic pursuit.

Her colleagues describe her as an indispensable leader who leads by example. “Jenny always goes above and beyond for patrons and co-workers,” one colleague noted. “She’s excellent with the work studies and never asks them to do anything she wouldn’t do herself. She’s protective of them but also builds self-confidence so they can effectively work independently.”

While administrative duties occupy much of her schedule, Castañon finds deep fulfillment in assisting students who feel overwhelmed by the demands of higher education. She is particularly drawn to supporting recent high school graduates, international students, and non-traditional learners who may feel lost when tasked with mastering unfamiliar technology or academic skills.

Drawing from her own experience of overcoming language barriers while learning English, Castañon approaches these interactions with a unique level of empathy. She recognizes that these moments are about more than just technical instruction; they are opportunities to provide encouragement and foster a safe environment where students feel comfortable being vulnerable about their needs. Though she balances these high-energy interactions to maintain her professional focus, she remains dedicated to helping students build the foundational confidence and skills necessary for their long-term success.

“Sometimes you have patrons come in and not really know basics,” Castañon said. “Even though it takes an hour or so, there is this benefit—they are progressing. I’m happy to help them.”

Castañon’s perspective is uniquely shaped by her background as an abstract painter. Having studied calligraphy and intentional mark-making in China, she views the library’s collection through a lens of visual parallels. This artistic eye has led her back to the classroom as a student once again, taking graphic design courses to find new ways to contribute to the university’s visual outreach.

“I consider it like a painting,” Castañon said of the literature she manages. “When you read a good book, you feel the same way you do when seeing a good painting—it speaks to you. I want to use all my skills to add value to the library and WNMU.”

Castañon is also a dedicated advocate for her peers through her work on the Staff Senate. Her colleagues emphasize that this dedication is paired with deep compassion. “She’s extremely compassionate and understanding, a great communicator, and always makes time to listen,” her colleague added. “Jenny has a strong sense of ethical integrity and is one of the most dedicated people I’ve ever met.”

For Castañon, the university’s strength lies in its people. “Here it is like a community where everyone comes together,” she said. “There are people that make an effort each and every day.”

[Cutline: Jenny Castañon, access services librarian, WNMU April Employee of the Month.]

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The NMLN Fund is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to expanding and strengthening local news coverage in New Mexico. Through its fellowship and internship program, the organization “recruits and selects emerging journalists and matches them with mentors in local newsrooms,” according to the organization’s website.

Barnett said that she was surprised to learn she was awarded the fellowship. “I honestly did not even expect a call back,” said Barnett. “With my crazy schedule because of my son, I thought I would be passed over for a younger applicant with less baggage. When I received the call, I was happy to even be considered, and when I found out I was awarded the fellowship, I was very excited but also nervous.” Barnett explained that the nerves were due to the fact that she has not worked an office job for about eight years because she has been caring for her young son, who has autism, and attending WNMU remotely.

Barnett, who has been writing for the Sierra County Sentinel, explained that her attraction to journalism was spurred in part by studying history at WNMU. “Having been a history major, I know how important local papers are for the preservation of history in a community,” she stated. “I meet so many amazing people in my community and elsewhere, and I want their stories to be told not just for right now but for future generations who may be looking up that information in archives the way I have for so many assignments.”

The opportunity to connect with people in her community and learn of their diverse experiences also draws Barnett to journalism. “I have gone to events where I was able to participate in a ghost hunter investigation in Kingston, NM, an old mining ghost town, and once I was able to go on a canoe tour on Caballo Lake where I was able to listen to the stories of the stars from a Navajo medicine man,” she said. “These experiences make the job really fun, but I mostly just enjoy hearing about people’s lives and giving small community people and businesses the recognition they deserve. They are always very grateful, and it makes me feel good.”

At El Defensor Chieftain, Barnett will have an opportunity to expand the kinds of stories she writes. “I will be working on the police blotter, some human-interest stories, and also learning to cover county and other government meetings,” she said.

Barnett said that both her undergraduate studies and her master’s program at WNMU have helped prepare her for the work she will be doing under the NMLN Fellowship. “The program at WNMU has helped me in terms of my writing skills and time management since I mainly work on my own schedule with deadlines,” she said. “I have also learned many research skills, [and] WNMU’s focus on the humanities has made me a better person in the way that I am able to understand several people’s points of view, and I am also more resilient to criticism.”

WNMU Professor of English Heather Steinmann, who has taught Barnett at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, said that she was not at all surprised to learn that Barnett was awarded the prestigious NMLN Fellowship. Barnett is “a model writer and graduate student,” said Steinmann. “She understands and completes complex tasks with ease and is a great communicator. This is why she landed work as a writer and tutor, and why she’ll excel in her fellowship position.”

[Photo courtesy of the��El Defensor Chieftain.]

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Huerta’s journey to the Board of Regents is a testament to her commitment to her community. A lifelong resident of Grant County, she served as a Councilwoman for the Town of Hurley from 2022 to 2025. Her passion for public service and dedication to WNMU led Huerta to her current role as Student Regent.����

“I am a product of this community and this university,” Huerta said. “I was born and raised here, and I am so grateful to have a world-class institution right in my own backyard. WNMU has always been a place where people can thrive in a safe, caring environment.”��

Huerta believes that strengthening student morale—especially after such a challenging period for WNMU—requires a more vocal and visible show of support from everyone in the surrounding area.����

“It’s more than just WNMU the university, it’s the people who live and work in the area, we are all WNMU,” she emphasized. “We need the community to fearlessly show up—to games, to events, and to meetings. Students deserve to be excited and proud of the work they do here. As a student, when you see a crowd of people supporting you, there’s no better feeling in the world. That’s what pushes you to graduation day.”��

As a first-generation college student, Huerta understands the unique challenges many students face. A key part of her agenda is to make it easier for students to access resources and to ensure that the highest levels of leadership are transparent and approachable. She believes that leading by example is the best way to foster a culture of transparency and open dialogue.��

Beyond her work as a regent and her demanding nursing studies, Huerta is also a gifted musician. A Tejano recording artist with Shellshock Records 3, she performs with local jazz and variety bands. She sees a clear connection between her creative pursuits and her career path. “There’s a singing doctor, and I’d love to be a singing nurse,” she said with a laugh. “Music connects us all, and it’s another way for me to talk about the good things we’re doing at WNMU.”��

Huerta is set to graduate in December of 2026 with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She foresees potentially pursuing her master’s degree at WNMU.����

While Huerta’s term as a Student Regent will conclude at the end of the 2026 academic year, she is determined to make a lasting impact that is part of a noticeable culture shift toward even greater support for WNMU students.��

“My story is a testimony to every first-generation student out there that they can do it. They can take up space, serve as a voice for others, and lead. It’s about being the person you needed when you first started.”��

More information WNMU Board of Regents.����

This series features the members of the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents, highlighting their diverse backgrounds, motivations, and long-term goals for the university.

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Western New Mexico University’s athletic training staff has been selected as the 2024–25 Lone Star Conference Athletic Training Staff of the Year among football-playing institutions. It is the program’s second recognition in the past three seasons, having also earned the honor in 2022–23.

The Mustang staff is led by Head Athletic Trainer Terra Dunlap, who recently completed her 18th year at WNMU.

Assisting Dunlap during the 2024–25 academic year were Assistant Athletic Trainers Jocelyn Hurtado and Brooke Weisenberger, along with student assistants Selma Carrasco, Sorrin Garcia, Nicholas Bobo and Maxx Todden. The group provides year-round medical coverage for 13 varsity sport programs, ensuring the health and safety of Mustang student-athletes.

The Lone Star Conference established the Athletic Training Staff of the Year award in 2004. Since 2019, two staffs are honored annually—one from a football-playing institution and one from a non-football member school. Winners are selected through a vote of head athletic trainers from across the conference.

The award recognizes excellence in the athletic training profession, with criteria that include preparedness for emergencies, quality of care for visiting teams, hospitality toward opponents and overall professionalism.

“WNMU’s continued recognition speaks to the consistency and dedication of its athletic training staff,” said a university spokesperson. “Their commitment behind the scenes plays a vital role in the success of Mustang Athletics.”

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In his first official report to the board, Interim President Dr. Chris Maples introduced himself, shared his background, and outlined his overarching goals for the university during his interim appointment. “I’m happy to be here and excited about the electricity of students arriving to campus,” Dr. Maples said.

Following his remarks, the presidents of the staff, faculty and student governments provided brief updates and extended welcome messages.

In welcoming Dr. Maples to campus, Regent Chair Steven Neville offered gratitude to Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jack Crocker for serving as acting president for the past six months. Regent Chair Neville also delivered an update on the university’s ongoing presidential search, highlighting the recent community town hall meetings and survey as an important first step in the process. As part of that update, the board approved the formation of the first phase of the Presidential Search Committee. Members will include Regents Reed and Wertheim as chair and vice chair, respectively; Vice President for Business Affairs Kelley Riddle; the presidents or designees of the faculty, staff and student governments; and Silver Consolidated Schools Superintendent William Hawkins.

Vice President Riddle then presented the university’s FY 2025 fourth-quarter Financial Certification. As part of the report, Riddle informed the board that due to a cybersecurity incident in April, the university was 24 hours late in processing one payroll. Affected employees were promptly notified, and the university committed to covering any resulting fees or overdrafts. “I don’t have anything concerning on the finance side,” Riddle said, emphasizing that while this was a late payroll that was reported to the New Mexico Higher Education Department, it was not due to financial issues and should be transparently shared with the board and community.

Additionally, Riddle presented the university’s first Budget Adjustment Request (BAR) for FY ’26, submitted earlier than the typical December timeline. The early submission was prompted by updated information indicating a revenue increase in the Instruction and General (I&G) category, primarily due to the university’s Building Renewal and Replacement appropriation from the state. The BAR includes details on financial increases, decreases and transfers.

Riddle also reported the disposal of a piece of equipment formerly located at the Deming Mimbres Learning Center, which the university has recently vacated. Lastly, Riddle provided information regarding the renewal of a 25-year lease agreement allowing Verizon to continue operating a wireless tower on university property.

Regent Vice Chair John Wertheim introduced two motions related to the separation agreement and faculty appointment of President Emeritus Dr. Joseph Shepard. Wertheim noted that the board’s December 20, 2024, meeting failed to meet the legal notice requirements of the New Mexico Open Meetings Act (OMA), rendering the approval of those actions potentially invalid.

Wertheim offered the following motion:

I move that this Board of Regents conclude that the action taken on December 20, 2024, by the then-Board of Regents regarding the proposed Western New Mexico University separation and faculty appointment agreement involving a former university president was invalid due to failure to comply with the legal requirements of the New Mexico Open Meetings Act.

The motion passed unanimously.

A second motion followed:

I move to disapprove the proposed Western New Mexico University separation agreement and faculty appointment involving a former university president.

Upon approval of this second motion, Regent Wertheim acknowledged that the board’s decisions may raise questions among the university community. “We ask for patience and time, as this is now a personnel matter that must be handled appropriately and in due course,” he said. “As of right now, from the perspective of the Board of Regents, Dr. Shepard’s separation agreement and faculty appointment is no longer in existence.”

Following the public comment portion of the meeting, Regents expressed gratitude to the university community for their continued support and engagement as WNMU advances its search for the next president.

The next meeting of the WNMU Board of Regents will be scheduled at a later date.

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At present, the greatest source of renewable energy at WNMU is PNM’s Community Solar Direct program, which draws electricity from a solar farm in northern New Mexico.

The university also draws power from photovoltaic solar panels located near the Fine Arts Center Theatre and the WNMU Museum, and the university plans to install additional solar carports as well as freestanding photovoltaic panels.��According to the WNMU Campus Master Plan, the “best source of energy is produced right at the point of use. Therefore, onsite renewable energy generation systems are paramount for reducing carbon emissions in the most efficient method possible.”

In order to increase the production of solar energy and achieve carbon neutrality, WNMU will need to improve existing power and water systems to make them more robust and efficient and to ensure the infrastructure is in place to install additional EV charging in the future. The university has already taken steps in this direction by working with the energy service company Yearout Energy to conduct an investment grade audit of the university’s power and water systems. The report from this audit includes a cost/benefit analysis of a number of potential energy and water savings opportunities, some of which the university has already implemented and others that will be future projects.

Along with installing more solar panels and improving energy efficiency, WNMU also plans to increase the number of EV charging stations on campus as a way to encourage EV use and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Most recently, WNMU installed four fast EV charging stations, each with the ability to charge two vehicles at once. The project was partly funded by Freeport-McMoRan. EV charging on campus ies made available at no cost to the public.

Assistant Vice President of Facilities and Operations Kevin Matthes noted that the demand for EV charging will almost certainly increase in the coming years. “With the current federal goal for 50% of all vehicle sales by 2030 to be electric,” he said, “WNMU understands that additional electrical infrastructure will be needed to facilitate that goal and is working to be a leader in the state and region in working toward our shared goal of carbon neutrality.”�� The installation of additional charging stations will “continue our long tradition of good stewardship to our environment,” said Matthes.

According to Matthes, part of what is needed to achieve carbon neutrality is a thorough study of the university’s long-term electrical and other utility needs. The university will then be able to modernize its infrastructure, he said, to make sure it has the capacity to support expanded EV charging and additional photovoltaic panels that will be central to achieving carbon neutrality. These improvements will in turn demand site-specific improvements, such as paving and landscaping.

While the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 is ambitious, the requested outlay from the NM Legislature for infrastructure improvements would put that goal within sight.

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“We are pleased to help support the fulfillment of WNMU President Dr. Joseph Shepard’s vision of 1,000 trees planted in the region through a grant-funded project that simultaneously supports our Provost Dr. William Crocker’s focus on offering accelerated, competency-based degrees that fast-track students to in-demand and higher-paying jobs regionally and beyond,” says Dr. Magdaleno Manzanárez, Vice President for External Affairs.

“This is a critical breakthrough step for WNMU and our efforts to offer experiential learning opportunities that lead to immediate jobs connected to our environment that open up pathways to science, technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability,” says S. Otto Khera, Director of Grants and Rural Initiative and organizer of the project. Together with Marivel Medel who is Program Manager within External Affairs, Khera is committed to the region’s workforce and economic development through external funding. Together, Khera and Medel have competitively garnered over $8 million in grants and external funding over the past year.

According to Medel who co-leads the WNMU Con Ganas/Title V (Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions) project, “We are eager to work with all the communities served by this project to offer ecologically appropriate urban forests that help boost economic development. According to our research, a hands-on higher-education program such as in arboriculture, as defined in this project, is something that our high-school learners are seeking, and it ties into our dual enrollment strategies.”

The $5 million “Rural Southwest New Mexico Integrated Urban Forestry Project” includes the Gila Resources and Information Project (GRIP) as critical community partner. Led by Allyson Siwik, GRIP partners with the Town of Silver City, businesses, and community organizations in implementing improvements to tree removal and pruning, erosion control, water harvesting, tree planting and maintenance. Its team of experts are implementing two NM Environment Department-funded River Stewardship projects within the Silver City town limits to reduce riparian fire risk and to improve water quality and wildlife habitat.

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