From left to right: Mike Timmons, David Greene, Vanessa Grain, David Manzano, Delilah Walsh, Acting President Michael Jackson, Regent Yolanda Jones King, Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez, Brit Shaughnessy, Regent Jerry Armijo, Chair David Lepre Sr., Carlos Romero, Savana Simbola, Darryl Ackley and Lique Coolen. Courtesy photo
NMT News:
SOCORRO — On Thursday, Sept. 4, New Mexico Tech welcomed Stephanie Rodriguez, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Higher Education Department for a comprehensive tour focused on how investment in technological innovation fuels student success. The visit highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting NMT’s academic mission, campus facilities, and critical student programs.
The tour began with introductions to the NMT leadership and members of the Board of Regents before proceeding to key campus locations. At the NMT Health and Wellness Center, discussions focused on proposed capital projects designed to enhance the student and community experience. A key point of the discussion was the State’s ongoing support for the Science Olympiad and Science & Engineering Fair programs, which hold their state finals at NMT every spring. For example, the Science Olympiad is a middle- and high-school program where hundreds of New Mexico’s budding scientists and engineers gather to solve problems and learn by inventing and challenging themselves.
The tour continued to Speare Hall, where the Secretary visited a newly remodeled classroom space dedicated to hands-on learning. This space is also temporarily supporting an after-school program that provides essential childcare to members of the NMT and Socorro community.
At Skeen Library, the Secretary received a demonstration from undergraduate, graduate and high school students of NMT’s cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems program, exploring the university’s recent grant submissions and plans for a new dedicated building to house the drone program, accomplished with one-time funding from the New Mexico legislature. A conversation in the Tripp Room focused on critical strategies for student recruitment, retention, and the legislative support needed to sustain NMT’s student success initiatives.
The visit culminated in a working lunch with a group of NMT undergraduate and graduate students. The informal setting allowed the Secretary to hear firsthand perspectives on key student support programs, and ideas for improving state assistance.
Zora Tolino-Minefee, a junior in the Environmental Science program, noted that during her first year at NMT she lived in Driscoll Hall, an all-female residence hall. There, she participated in the tradition of having her handprint placed on the wall. “Mine was simple and I put my whole name there, some students were more elaborate, but being a part of that made me feel connected to them.”
Chris Beall, a sophomore engineering student, was asked by the Secretary about his experience and what could make Tech better. He said, “Some people think there is not a lot to do here, but it is because they are not looking. If you want to stay busy you can, there are so many ways to get involved.”
“New Mexico has made a historic commitment to higher education, and visiting campuses like New Mexico Tech shows us how that investment comes to life through innovative research and programs in addition to remarkable students,” Secretary Rodriguez said. “Meeting with students is essential to understanding their experiences and concerns, and it ensures that we can continue building a brighter future for New Mexico with the Opportunity and Lottery scholarships — the state’s tuition-free college programs. At this university, that future is especially true with STEM learning opportunities that are preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers and leaders for our state’s national and defense laboratories, private industry, military bases, and government agencies.”
Members from the NMT Board of Regents, David Lepre, Sr. (chair), Yolanda Jones King and Jerry Armijo said, “We are grateful to Secretary Rodriguez for taking the time to visit New Mexico Tech and engage directly with our students, faculty, and leadership. Her commitment to supporting higher education, STEM and career pathways strengthens our shared mission to prepare the next generation of innovators for New Mexico and beyond.”
“NMT is dedicated to offering outstanding academic programs to prepare the next generation of STEM professionals for New Mexico’s workforce. As New Mexico’s only STEM-focused research institution, our partnership with the state and focus on student success, is critical to that mission,” Acting President Michael Jackson said. “We are grateful for Secretary Rodriguez’s visit and her commitment to supporting our efforts to create an environment where current and future Techies can thrive.”
Secretary Rodriguez and the NMT staff learned about bird drones from Dr. Mostafa Hassanalian and his students. Courtesy photo