Northern New Mexico College becomes University
For Immediate Release
Española, NM – The Board of Regents of Northern New Mexico College officially changed the school’s name to Northern New Mexico University in a unanimous vote during their January 27, 2015 meeting.
The name change came as a recommendation from Northern’s Academic Affairs Committee and is effective immediately. The name does not constitute a change in the institution’s status or offerings.
“This name change is long overdue,” Northern Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Pedro Martinez said. “The term University reflects the depth and breadth of our academic offerings, and we are continuing to add more.”
Northern currently offers 13 bachelor’s programs and has expanded to offering post-baccalaureate opportunities via partnerships in recent years.
Northern President Nancy Barceló said that the name change would minimize confusion between the institution’s component colleges and the school as a whole. She said it would also help the institution to be regarded with equal status as sister schools such as Western New Mexico and New Mexico Highlands.
The Board of Regents has authority under state law to change the name of the school and must inform the Higher Learning Commission of the change. Legislation will also be introduced to ensure that all references to Northern New Mexico College in statute now refer to Northern New Mexico University.
The President and the Board indicated that the name change had been discussed for several years prior to this month’s decision.
Tagged: College, NNMC, NNMU, University
