Contact:

Laurie Mellas-Ramirez, 277-5915

March 6, 2002

UNM-TAOS ACHIEVES BRANCH CAMPUS STATUS

Governor Gary Johnson has signed legislation giving the UNM-Taos Education Center branch campus, community college status.

The change means UNM-Taos will be eligible for higher education general funding, which will help support a larger core of full-time faculty. Other improvements planned are additional academic support, especially for at-risk students, and increased library staff, subscriptions and materials.

"UNM-Taos is an extremely important asset in Taos. Branch campus status will help the University immensely to meet the needs of the community," UNM Provost Brian Foster said.

Funding to date for the campus has been generated from a local two-mill tax levy, student tuition and instructional formula funding from state appropriations.

Taos has provided higher education opportunities since 1973. The campus received its state charter in 1982. New Mexico Highlands University and Northern New Mexico Community College (NNMCC) were jointly contracted to serve as parent institutions, a job NNMCC assumed solely in 1988. In 1993, UNM took over the role.

Rapid growth and expansion characterize the campus' partnership with UNM.

Enrollment grew from 360 students in fall semester 1993 to approximately 1,200 in fall 2001. About 27 percent transfer to a four-year institution.

UNM Taos offers one four-year degree, the bachelor of university studies through Extended University, 16 associate degrees and 17 certificate programs. Phase one of a permanent campus totaling 11,000 sq. ft. has been completed and is occupied.

Wynn Goering has served as interim director since last summer. Dr. Viola Florez, dean of the UNM College of Education, chairs the search committee to find a permanent director. The committee will meet this month to begin the search process.

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The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981