New Mexico State University

File:Hiram hadley.jpg

Hiram Hadley, an Earlham College-educated teacher from Indiana, founded Las Cruces College.{{cite web |url=http://www.nmsu.edu/ourheritage.html |title=NMSU: A Brief History |publisher=Nmsu.edu |date=September 1, 2005 |access-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-date=September 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909130639/http://www.nmsu.edu/ourheritage.html |url-status=live }} Upon its opening on September 17, 1888, it included an elementary school, a university preparatory school, and a business school; it "was not a college in the contemporary meaning of the word."{{Cite journal|author=Kropp, Simon F.|title=Hiram Hadley and the Founding of New Mexico State University|journal=Arizona and the West|publisher=Southwest Center, University of Arizona|date=Spring 1967|volume=9|issue=1|pages=21–40|jstor=40167379}}

A year later, the Territorial Assembly of New Mexico provided for the establishment of an agricultural college and agricultural experiment station with the Rodey Act of 1889. It stated: "Said institution is hereby located at or near the town of Las Cruces in the County of Doña Ana, upon a tract of land of not less than one hundred (100) acres." Designated as the land-grant college for New Mexico under the Morrill Act, it was named the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts.

Las Cruces College merged with the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts and opened on January 21, 1890. It began with 35 students and six faculty members. The college was supposed to graduate its first student in 1893, but the only senior, Sam Steel, was murdered before he was able to receive his diploma.{{cite web|last1=Armstrong|first1=Bill|title=The Sam Steele Way|url=http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/resourcesmag/summer96/sam.html|publisher=New Mexico State University|access-date=8 December 2014|date=Summer 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207075106/http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/resourcesmag/summer96/sam.html|archive-date=2015-02-07|url-status=dead}} Classes met in the two-room adobe building of Las Cruces College until new buildings were erected on the {{convert|220|acre|km2|adj=on}} campus three miles (5 km) south of Las Cruces. In February 1891, McFie Hall, popularly known as Old Main, opened its doors.

In 1960, to better represent its expanded programs and operations, New Mexico A&M was renamed New Mexico State University.

Regulated by the New Mexico Constitution,NM Const. Art XII, Sec. 13; Art. XV, Sec. 1. the Regents of New Mexico State University are a corporate body that implements legislation over the control and management of NMSU.{{Cite web | url=https://rpm.nmsu.edu/appendix-1-02-a/ | title=Appendix – RPM 1.02-A – Bylaws of the Regents of New Mexico State University, including Regents Committee Charters | Regents Policy Manual (RPM) | New Mexico State University | access-date=2018-07-27 | archive-date=2018-07-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727084747/https://rpm.nmsu.edu/appendix-1-02-a/ | url-status=live }} The board is made of up five persons appointed by the governor of New Mexico with the consent of the senate.

Full-time faculty members number 840, with a staff of 3,113.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}{{Cite web |title=Faculty Factbook |url=https://oia.nmsu.edu/nmsudata/factbooks1/faculty.html}}

Image:London Plane Whole.jpg]]

The main campus of New Mexico State University occupies a core of {{convert|900|acres}} in the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico. It is located adjacent to Interstate 25, surrounded by desert landscape and greenhouses.{{cite web |url=http://prospective.nmsu.edu/visit/directions.html |title=Visit Us | Undergraduate Admissions | New Mexico State University |publisher=Prospective.nmsu.edu |access-date=2015-07-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205175443/http://prospective.nmsu.edu/visit/directions.html |archive-date=2013-12-05 }} The main campus is also bordered by Interstate 10, which is the main east–west interstate highway across the southern part of the United States. To the east of Interstate 25, the campus facilities consist of the President's residence, NMSU Golf Course, the "A" Mountain west slope, and the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. South of University Avenue are Pan American Plaza, 48 acres of horse farm, and the Fabian Garcia Science center, which houses the Chile Pepper Institute's research, teaching and demonstration garden, algal biofuels research equipment, grape vineyards and gazebos, and fields and greenhouses for plant research projects. About six miles south of campus, on 203 acres of land, is the Leyendecker Plant Science Research Center.{{Cite web|url=https://webcomm.nmsu.edu/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010042256/http://researchmag.nmsu.edu/2013/outreach.html|url-status=dead|title=Web Communications | New Mexico State University|archive-date=October 10, 2013|website=webcomm.nmsu.edu}}

The Las Cruces campus is home to a nesting population of Swainson's hawks, a raptor species currently protected by federal law. Pedestrians are advised to be careful when walking on Stewart Street, as the birds can be aggressive during nesting season.{{cite web|url=http://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/2016/04/14/hawk-problem-continues-plague-nmsu/83051640/|title=Hawk problem continues to plague NMSU|access-date=2016-08-22|archive-date=2020-09-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926130904/https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/2016/04/14/hawk-problem-continues-plague-nmsu/83051640/|url-status=live}}

The first master plan of the university was to create a "horseshoe", a U-shaped drive, in an open large lawn. At the center was Old Main, the original campus building, originally known as McFie Hall, which was destroyed by fire in 1910 (the remains are now a college landmark). The cornerstone and remains of Mcfie Hall stand near the flagpole in the middle of the horseshoe.{{Cite web|url=https://architect.nmsu.edu/masterplan/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023055541/http://masterplan.nmsu.edu/documents/master1990/hist.html|url-status=dead|title=Master Plan | University Architect | New Mexico State University|archive-date=October 23, 2013|website=architect.nmsu.edu}} Today, the horseshoe is the center of campus and is the location of the main administration building, Hadley Hall, which sits at the top of the horseshoe, and other classroom buildings.{{cite web |url=http://www.nmsu.edu/General/Maps/sites/horseshoe.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060115145958/http://www.nmsu.edu/General/Maps/sites/horseshoe.html|archive-date=January 15, 2006 |title=The Horseshoe |website=nmsu.edu}}

NMSU is a land-grant institution with a presence in all 33 counties of New Mexico, a satellite learning center in Albuquerque, 13 research and science centers, distance education opportunities, and five campuses in Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Grants, Doña Ana County, and Las Cruces.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.forbes.com/colleges/new-mexico-state-university-main-campus/ |title=New Mexico State University, Las Cruces |magazine=Forbes |access-date=2015-07-12 |archive-date=2015-07-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710064740/http://www.forbes.com/colleges/new-mexico-state-university-main-campus/ |url-status=live }}

{{wide image|NMSU_Campus.jpg|1000px|New Mexico State University's main campus, with Aggie Memorial Stadium on the left, and the primary "colleges" on the right, along University Avenue}}

File:Burrell College on NMSU's campus.jpg

The Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State University (BCOM), a private medical school, is located on NMSU's main campus. Medical students can utilize the facilities and amenities of NMSU's campus, including on-campus student housing.{{Cite web|url=http://bcomnm.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/BCOM-Overview_-Brochure.pdf|title=BCOM brochure|access-date=2017-07-03|archive-date=2016-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126042644/http://bcomnm.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/BCOM-Overview_-Brochure.pdf|url-status=live}} BCOM began instruction in August 2016 and graduated its first class in May 2020. BCOM and NMSU created a pipeline program whereby qualified NMSU students are guaranteed a seat at the medical school following graduating from NMSU.{{Cite web|url=http://newscenter.nmsu.edu/Articles/view/12153/nmsu-program-paves-way-for-medical-students-to-attend-burrell-college|title=NMSU program paves way for medical students to attend Burrell College|website=NMSU News Center|access-date=2019-11-30|archive-date=2016-10-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002131727/http://newscenter.nmsu.edu/Articles/view/12153/nmsu-program-paves-way-for-medical-students-to-attend-burrell-college|url-status=live}} BCOM is the first osteopathic medical school in New Mexico and just one of two medical schools in the state, the other being in Albuquerque at the University of New Mexico.

File:NMSU Zuhl 2008.JPG

NMSU has two major libraries on the main campus, Branson Hall Library and Zuhl Library.{{cite web |url=http://lib.nmsu.edu/ |title=Welcome to the NMSU Library |publisher=Lib.nmsu.edu |access-date=2015-07-12 |archive-date=2015-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713050808/http://lib.nmsu.edu/ |url-status=live }} Both libraries have a total collection of more than 1 million volumes.{{cite web |url=http://resources.nmsu.edu/index.php?tagname=books |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821203409/http://resources.nmsu.edu/index.php?tagname=books|archive-date=August 21, 2010 |title=Resources |website=nmsu.edu}}

Branson Hall Library was built in 1951 and houses texts and resources related to engineering, business, agriculture, science, special collections, maps, government publications, and archives.{{cite web |url=http://www.nmsu.edu/General/Maps/buildings/branson.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530074037/http://www.nmsu.edu/General/Maps/buildings/branson.html|archive-date=May 30, 2012 |title=Branson Hall Library |website=nmsu.edu}}

The New Mexico State University Library, part of the Branson Hall Library, is an official depository for documents produced by United States and State of New Mexico government agencies. The federal government established a system of depositories in 1813 in order to provide government information to the public free of charge. The New Mexico State University Library joined the depository program in 1907.{{Cite web |title=LibGuide-Government Information |url=https://nmsu.libguides.com/governmentdocuments#:~:text=The%20New%20Mexico%20State%20University,the%20public%20free%20of%20charge. |access-date=July 16, 2024 |website=NMSU}}

Zuhl Library was built in 1992.{{Cite web |last=Graham |first=Selema |date=2021-02-22 |title=Remembering Herbert Zuhl |url=https://nmsuroundup.com/17306/features/remembering-herbert-zuhl/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=NMSU Round Up |archive-date=2021-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102140251/https://nmsuroundup.com/17306/features/remembering-herbert-zuhl/ |url-status=live }} The library houses texts and resources related to the arts, humanities, and sciences.{{cite web |url=http://www.nmsu.edu/General/Maps/buildings/new_lib.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127111350/http://www.nmsu.edu/General/Maps/buildings/new_lib.html|archive-date=January 27, 2011 |title=Zuhl Library |website=nmsu.edu}}

NMSU is home to several museums, collections, and galleries. The NMSU Arthropod Museum, which houses more than 150,000 research and 5,000 teaching specimens, is housed in Skeen Hall. Specimens are used globally for taxonomic research and within the state for community outreach. The University Museum (established in 1959) serves the community as a repository and exhibitor of local and regional culture and history.{{cite web |url=http://www.nmsu.edu/museum/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112015648/http://www.nmsu.edu/museum/|archive-date=January 12, 2011 |title=University Museum |website=nmsu.edu}} The Klipsch Museum containts materials representing more than 80 years of audio engineering. The Zuhl Collection combines the functions of an art gallery and natural history museum and showcases thousands of specimens of petrified wood, fossils, and minerals.

The NMSU faculty senate consists of 70 elected faculty and has shared governance over academic policies across the NMSU system.{{Cite web |title=Senate Roster {{!}} New Mexico State University - BE BOLD. Shape the Future. |url=https://facultysenate.nmsu.edu/senators/senate-roster.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240809003133/https://facultysenate.nmsu.edu/senators/senate-roster.html |archive-date=2024-08-09 |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=facultysenate.nmsu.edu |language=en}}

NMSU offers a wide variety of programs across multiple disciplines, including agriculture, education, engineering, and the sciences. There are 58 master's degree programs, 96 baccalaureate degree programs, and 28 doctoral programs.{{Cite web|url=https://oia.nmsu.edu/files/2017/02/22784_QuickFactsBooklet_web2.pdf|title=NMSU factbook 2016|access-date=2017-08-12|archive-date=2017-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812095422/https://oia.nmsu.edu/files/2017/02/22784_QuickFactsBooklet_web2.pdf|url-status=live}} Over 4,400 courses are available across 54 academic departments.{{Cite web |title=New Mexico State University {{!}} BE BOLD. Shape the Future. |url=https://nmsu.edu/academics/index.html |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=nmsu.edu}}

File:DACC East Mesa campus .jpg

In addition to the main campus in Las Cruces, NMSU has community colleges in Alamogordo, Doña Ana County, and Grants, through which it offers academic, vocational/technical, and continuing education programs.{{Cite web |url=https://oia.nmsu.edu/_assets/doc/QuickFacts_2022-23.pdf |title=New Mexico State University - Quick Facts - 2022-2023 |access-date=2023-01-14 |archive-date=2023-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423104220/https://oia.nmsu.edu/_assets/doc/QuickFacts_2022-23.pdf |url-status=dead }} In accord with its land-grant mission, the university provides informal, off-campus educational programs through the Cooperative Extension Service. Through a statewide network of nine research facilities, the Agricultural Experiment Station conducts basic and applied research supporting agriculture, natural resources management, environmental quality, and improved quality of life.{{cite web|url=http://oia.nmsu.edu/files/2013/06/2009factbookmar10.pdf|title=New Mexico State University Fall 2009 Factbook – Las Cruces Campus|access-date=December 30, 2014|archive-date=December 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231011153/http://oia.nmsu.edu/files/2013/06/2009factbookmar10.pdf|url-status=live}}

File:NMSU ZuhlLibrary.jpg

NMSU is divided into six colleges and a graduate school:

• College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences{{cite web|url=http://www.cahe.nmsu.edu/|title=College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences|work=nmsu.edu|access-date=2008-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219015824/http://cahe.nmsu.edu/|archive-date=2008-02-19|url-status=dead}}
• College of Arts and Sciences{{cite web|url=http://www.nmsu.edu/~artsci/|title=College of Arts and Sciences|website=nmsu.edu|access-date=2008-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224005556/http://www.nmsu.edu/~artsci/|archive-date=2008-02-24|url-status=dead}}
• College of Business{{cite web|url=http://business.nmsu.edu/|title=NMSU College of Business – New Mexico State University|work=nmsu.edu|access-date=2008-03-04|archive-date=2011-09-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925013011/http://business.nmsu.edu/|url-status=live}}
• College of Engineering{{Cite web|url=https://engr.nmsu.edu/|title=College of Engineering | New Mexico State University|access-date=2019-11-30|archive-date=2019-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210053528/https://engr.nmsu.edu/|url-status=live}}
• College of Health, Education and Social Transformation{{Cite web |title=College of Health, Education and Social Transformation |url=https://hest.nmsu.edu/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=hest.nmsu.edu}}
• Honors College{{cite web|url=http://honors.nmsu.edu/|title=Honors College – New Mexico State University|work=nmsu.edu|access-date=2008-03-04|archive-date=2008-03-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080317162236/http://honors.nmsu.edu/|url-status=live}}
• Graduate School{{cite web |title=NMSU Graduate School |url=http://gradschool.nmsu.edu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720013619/http://gradschool.nmsu.edu/ |archive-date=2011-07-20 |access-date=2011-01-14 |work=nmsu.edu}}

{{Infobox US university ranking

| Forbes = 418

| THE_WSJ = 401-500

| USNWR_NU = 244

| USNWR_W = 973

| Wamo_NU = NR

| THES_W = 801-1000

|

|

}}

In the 2022 college rankings by U.S. News & World Report, NMSU was tied for 263 among National Universities and tied for 132 among public universities in the US.{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/new-mexico-state-university-2657/overall-rankings|title=New Mexico State University Rankings|magazine=U.S. News & World Report|access-date=October 23, 2020|archive-date=September 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924090013/https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/new-mexico-state-university-2657/overall-rankings|url-status=live}} USN&WR ranked several programs among the top 200 in the nation, including the college of engineering's graduate program at 149, the nursing school's master's program tied at 139 and doctoral program at 109, and the college of education's graduate program tied at 125.{{cite web |title=NMSU's Graduate School Rankings |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/new-mexico-state-university-main-campus-188030/overall-rankings |magazine=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=October 23, 2020 |archive-date=June 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620113012/https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/new-mexico-state-university-main-campus-188030/overall-rankings |url-status=live }} Forbes listed NMSU as one of "America's Top Colleges in 2021", based on indicators such as alumni salary, debt, return on investment, and graduation rate.{{Cite web |last=Kreznar |first=Christian |title=How We Rank America's Top Colleges |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/christiankreznar/2021/09/08/how-we-rank-americas-top-colleges/ |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=Forbes |language=en}} In 2022, NMSU was among the top 35 percent of schools in the Social Mobility Index rankings.{{Cite web |last1=CollegeNET |last2=CollegeNET |title=Social Mobility Index College Rankings by CollegeNET |url=http://www.socialmobilityindex.org/ |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=www.socialmobilityindex.org |language=en}}

In 2021, NMSU was recognized as one of the top 100 colleges and universities for Hispanics by Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine.{{Cite web |date=October 2021 |title=Top 100 Colleges And Universities For Hispanics |url=https://www.hispanicoutlook.com/articles/top-100-colleges-and-universities-hispanics |access-date=2022-12-18 |website=www.hispanicoutlook.com}} A 2017 report by the National Science Foundation's National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics ranked NMSU first for federal funding for science and engineering activities among minority-serving institutions.{{Cite web |title=Federal Science and Engineering Obligations to Universities and Colleges Declined 2% in FY 2015|website = NCSES|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510180330/https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2017/nsf17318/?WT.mc_id=USNSF_178|archive-date=May 10, 2024| url=https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2017/nsf17318/?WT.mc_id=USNSF_178 |access-date=2022-12-18}} In 2016, NMSU was among the top ten universities in awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanics, including for communications technologies/technicians and support services (seventh); agriculture, agriculture operations and related sciences (eighth); hospitality administration/management (ninth); engineering technologies and engineering-related fields (tenth); and education (tenth). The school also ranked among the top ten universities in conferring bachelor's degrees to Native Americans and ninth for awarding bachelor's degrees to minorities overall for agriculture, agriculture operations, and related sciences.{{Cite web |title=NMSU ranks as a leading degree producer for minorities |website= New Mexico State University |url=https://news.nmsu.edu/articles/2016/12/NMSU-ranks-as-a-leading-degree-producer-for-minorities.html |access-date=2022-12-18}} In 2024, New Mexico State University was ranked 16 in the nation by Washington Monthly for its support of women in STEM fields, particularly in Chemical Engineering.{{cite web | url=https://washingtonmonthly.com/2024/08/25/best-and-worst-colleges-for-women-in-stem/ | title=America's Best and Worst Colleges for Women in STEM | date=25 August 2024 }}

File:Foster Hall New Mexico State University Las Cruces.jpg

The university is the lead institution for New Mexico's Space Grant Program.{{cite web | title = New Mexico Space Grant | publisher = New Mexico State University | access-date = February 14, 2025 | url = https://nmspacegrant.nmsu.edu/overview/index.html }}

In 2010, the NMSU Physical Sciences Laboratory secured a study contract with Reaction Engines Limited, a British aerospace company that is developing technology for an airbreathing single stage to orbit, precooled air turboramjet based spaceplane.{{cite web|url=http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/news_feb10.html|title=News Update – February 2010 |publisher=Reaction Engines Limited company news|date=February 2010|access-date=October 12, 2010 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831120058/http://www.reactionengines.co.uk/news_feb10.html|archive-date=August 31, 2010}}

The NMSU Department of Astronomy operates the Sunspot Solar Observatory and Apache Point Observatory, in Sunspot, New Mexico, including the site of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.{{Cite web|url=http://www.apo.nmsu.edu/|title=Welcome to Apache Point Observatory|access-date=August 24, 2017|archive-date=June 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624204023/http://www.apo.nmsu.edu/|url-status=live}}

NMSU is a research active university, with $150 million per year in externally funded research programs. Its estimated annual economic impact in New Mexico is $1 billion. Anchoring the southern end of New Mexico's Rio Grande Research Corridor, NMSU is the only university to reach the platinum, or highest, level of service to NASA's Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program. SATOP makes the expertise of corporate and university researchers available to small businesses.{{cite web |url=http://www.lascrucesmagazine.com/html/resources/edu_nmsu.html |title=Las Cruces New Mexico – Education – New Mexico State University (NMSU) |publisher=Las Cruces Magazine |access-date=January 25, 2011 |archive-date=February 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228094107/http://www.lascrucesmagazine.com/html/resources/edu_nmsu.html |url-status=live }}

• Agricultural Experiment Station – conducts basic and applied research supporting agriculture, natural resources management, environmental quality, and improved quality of life.
• Arrowhead Center – provides business assistance, technology incubation, intellectual property commercialization, economic policy analysis to local businesses as well as students, staff and faculty at the university.{{cite web|url=http://www.new-mexico-borderplex.com/our-spaces/arrowhead-research-park/|title=Arrowhead Business & Research Park|publisher=The Right Space – NM Borderplex |access-date=February 28, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217053849/http://www.new-mexico-borderplex.com/our-spaces/arrowhead-research-park/|archive-date=February 17, 2013}}
• Institute for Energy and Environment (IEE) – a multidisciplinary, energy sector and water resource institute.{{cite web|url=http://www.ieenmsu.com/|title=The Institute for Energy & the Environment – New Mexico State University|work=ieenmsu.com|access-date=2011-06-27|archive-date=2011-08-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110802123745/http://www.ieenmsu.com/|url-status=live}} IEE's goal is to provide global leadership, expertise, and technology for public policy, technical and human resource development to meet growing energy and water needs. The International Environmental Design Contest is co-hosted by the IEE.{{cite web |url=http://www.uiargonaut.com/sections/news/stories/2011/april/41511/news_briefs.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721105835/http://www.uiargonaut.com/sections/news/stories/2011/april/41511/news_briefs.html|archive-date=July 21, 2011 |title=News Briefs |website=UI Argonaut}}
• Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Center (M-TEC) – supports economic development in New Mexico by providing manufacturing education, technical assistance, and other extension services to industries in New Mexico.

New Mexico State University enrolls more than 21,000 students from the United States and 71 foreign countries.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}

NMSU student organizations include a Greek system and several religious organizations. The Associated Students of New Mexico State University (ASNMSU) is the student government and is considered a departmental organization.{{cite web |url=http://www.asnmsu.com |title=The Associated Students of New Mexico State University |publisher=ASNMSU |access-date=October 12, 2010 |archive-date=July 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100712102642/http://www.asnmsu.com/ |url-status=live }} It consists of an elected student body president, vice president, 30 senators, and an appointed student supreme court. Senators are elected to two-semester terms, with two elections each school year, in each, 15 senators are elected. There are 12 different departments within ASNMSU, that manage various events such as the homecoming parade, free student concerts, a free cab program for students, and many others. Each department is overseen by a director, who is appointed by the president and confirmed by the senate. ASNMSU manages a budget of over $1 million.[http://asnmsu.nmsu.edu/about-us/index.html About Us]{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. asnmsu.nmsu.edu

There are numerous fraternities and sororities at New Mexico State University.{{cite web |url=http://greeklife.nmsu.edu/ |title=NMSU Greeklife |publisher=Greeklife.nmsu.edu |access-date=January 25, 2011 |archive-date=September 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100916044613/http://greeklife.nmsu.edu/ |url-status=live }} Kappa Sigma was suspended after a student was shot during hazing in 2020.{{Cite news |date=January 23, 2020 |title=New Mexico State bans Kappa Sigma frat after student was shot during hazing |work=USA Today |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2020/01/23/nmsu-fraternity-banned-after-student-shot-alleged-hazing-incident/4559639002/}}

Founded in 1907, The Round Up is the oldest student-run news publication at New Mexico State University. In fall 2017, it reduced its printing frequency and now provides current online news coverage as well as special print editions.{{cite web |url=http://nmsuroundup.com/ |title=The Round Up: NMSU Round Up: The Student Voice Since 1907 |publisher=NMSU Round Up |date=2015-04-24 |access-date=2015-07-12 |archive-date=2014-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011150450/http://nmsuroundup.com/ |url-status=live }}

KRWG-TV is a full-service television station in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and is operated and owned by New Mexico State University. It is a member station of PBS (Public Broadcasting Service).{{cite web |url=http://krwg.org/tv/krwg |title=TV Schedule |publisher=KRWG |access-date=2015-07-12 |archive-date=2015-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730093958/http://krwg.org/tv/krwg |url-status=live }}

Puerto del Sol is a literary magazine run by graduate students in the English Department.{{cite web |url=https://english.nmsu.edu/organizations/puerto-del-sol/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118050814/https://english.nmsu.edu/organizations/puerto-del-sol/|archive-date=2017-01-18 |website=NMSU |title=Puerto del Sol}} It has been in print for over fifty years and currently publishes biannually. The magazine also curates a Black Voices series on its website.{{cite web |url=http://www.puertodelsol.org/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222215421/http://www.puertodelsol.org/|archive-date=2016-12-22 |website=Puerto del Sol |title=Puerto del Sol}}

News22 is a student-run television newscast that airs live on KRWG-TV three days per week during the nine-month academic year. The broadcast is produced by New Mexico State University journalism students. In 2011, News22 added Noticias22 en Español, a Spanish language broadcast that airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Las Cruces, Silver City and El Paso, Texas.{{cite web|url=https://krwg.org/programs/news-22/ |title=News22|publisher=Department of Journalism and Mass Communications|access-date=2018-02-05}}

Kokopelli is an online news publication produced by New Mexico State University journalism students. It provides breaking news, features and weekly sports coverage during the nine-month academic year. Kokopelli is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.{{cite web |url=http://kokopelli-nmsu.com/ |title=Kokopelli |publisher=Department of Journalism and Mass Communications |access-date=2018-02-05 |archive-date=2018-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914035313/http://kokopelli-nmsu.com/ |url-status=live }}

NMSU owns and operates two radio stations: KRUX (91.5 FM) and KRWG-FM. KRUX is entirely student–run and non-commercial; it was founded in 1989. KRUX is financed through student fees.{{cite web |url=http://kruxradio.com/about-us/ |title=About Us | KRUX 91.5 FM |publisher=Kruxradio.com |date=2015-01-27 |access-date=2015-07-12 |archive-date=2015-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713050109/http://kruxradio.com/about-us/ |url-status=live }} KRWG-FM (90.7 FM) is a public, non-commercial, full-service FM radio station. It serves the area within southwestern New Mexico and Far West Texas. It is an affiliated station of National Public Radio and features NPR programming.{{cite web |url=http://krwg.org/station-information |title=Station Information |publisher=KRWG |access-date=2015-07-12 |archive-date=2015-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730102417/http://krwg.org/station-information |url-status=live }}

The nickname was derived from its roots and beginnings as an agricultural school and the state's only designated land-grant university.

File:New Mexico State University Goddard Hall.jpg

In the 1940s, the Victory Bell, a gift of the Class of 1939, was housed in an open-sided structure on the Horseshoe and rung to announce Aggie victories. In 1972, the bell was rededicated as the NMSU Engineer's Bell and mounted on a platform near Goddard Hall. On game days, various school organizations took turns in toting the ringing bell around Las Cruces before kick-off. The bell was then taken to Aggie Memorial Stadium where it rang after Aggie touchdowns. More recently, the bell has been permanently mounted at field level just behind the south goalpost.

In 1920, students of then New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts scouted for an appropriate place to display their school letter. Tortugas Mountain, located three miles (5 km) east of campus, seemed a natural spot. Brave males gathered enough stones to form a big "A" easily visible from campus and the surrounding area. On the following day, April 1, students trudged up the mountain side with their five-gallon cans of whitewash and splashed it on the stones, turning them into a gleaming white "A". For many years, giving the "A" its annual fresh coat of whitewash was an all-school effort. The seniors mixed lime and water at the foot of the mountain and the freshmen and sophomores toted the mixture up to the juniors who splashed it on the "A." With the growth of the university through the years, the tradition was taken over by the Greek Council.{{failed verification|reason=Story of the "A" on that page is very different from that given here|date=November 2024}}

The marching band of New Mexico State University is known as the Pride of New Mexico. It is composed of approximately 200 musicians, dancers, and auxiliary.{{cite web|url=http://web.nmsu.edu/~pride/|title=The Pride of New Mexico |work=nmsu.edu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205175017/http://web.nmsu.edu/~pride/|archive-date=2013-12-05}}

At kickoff of every NMSU home football game, Aggie fans await the "Wonder Dog" to retrieve the kicking tee from the football field. This tradition started in the mid-1990s. The first "Wonder Dog" was Smoki, a border collie-Australian shepherd mix born in Capitan, New Mexico, and trained by Joel Sims, an NMSU alumnus.{{Cite web |last1=adviser |last2=Nix |first2=Elijah |date=2021-10-11 |title=Meet Wave: NMSU newest edition to the Wonder Dog tradition |url=https://nmsuroundup.com/18408/campus-life/meet-wave-nmsu-newest-edition-to-the-wonder-dog-tradition/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=NMSU Round Up |archive-date=2022-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429094951/https://nmsuroundup.com/18408/campus-life/meet-wave-nmsu-newest-edition-to-the-wonder-dog-tradition/ |url-status=live }} Smoki "The Wonder Dog" entertained the Aggie crowd for six years and retired in 2002. She also debuted in a Hollywood film which co-starred Kevin Costner and Dennis Quaid, entitled "Wyatt Earp", as a town dog.{{cite web|url=http://newscenter.nmsu.edu/8794/|title=Searching for Smoki: NMSU looks for next 'Wonder Dog'|work=NMSU News Center|access-date=2014-01-11|archive-date=2012-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108095824/http://newscenter.nmsu.edu/8794/|url-status=live}} Smoki "The Wonder Dog" died at the age of 15 in 2005. Since then, the tradition ended until 2012, when a tryout for the next "Wonder Dog" took place. A panel of celebrity judges chose a four-year old border collie, Striking as the next "Wonder Dog". Striking first appeared on August 30, 2012, at the NMSU-Sacramento State home game.{{Cite web |url=http://engr.nmsu.edu/news_items/2012_news/news_8_smoki.shtml |title=NMSU |access-date=2014-01-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206044112/http://engr.nmsu.edu//news_items/2012_news/news_8_smoki.shtml |archive-date=2013-12-06 |url-status=dead }}

Every Friday, some students, faculties, staff, and alumni of NMSU wear crimson colors to show support for the university and the school's sports programs.{{cite web|url=http://alum.nmsu.edu/s/422/index.aspx?sid=422&gid=4&pgid=353&cid=957|title=Error Page – New Mexico State University Foundation, Inc.|work=nmsu.edu|access-date=2014-01-08|archive-date=2014-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108051900/http://alum.nmsu.edu/s/422/index.aspx?sid=422&gid=4&pgid=353&cid=957|url-status=live}}

The official ring of New Mexico State University is given to students with junior and senior standing, and alumni of NMSU, to celebrate and commemorate their achievements and NMSU traditions. The official Ring Ceremony is sponsored by the Alumni Association, which is held every spring and fall Semester at the Aggie Memorial Tower.{{cite web|url=http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_23097354/ring-ceremony-applauds-nmsu-grads-traditions|title=Ring ceremony applauds NMSU grads, traditions |work=Las Cruces Sun-News|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531105452/http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_23097354/ring-ceremony-applauds-nmsu-grads-traditions|archive-date=2014-05-31}}

The official ring is manufactured by Balfour, which comes with white gold and yellow gold, with an optional stone; diamond or cubic zirconia at the centerpiece of the ring; and is presented with Hatch Chile Ristra. The top of the ring highlights the NMSU three triangles school seal, encircled with the school name. The three triangles represent NMSU's role as a land-grant university – teaching, research, and service. It also represents the connection of Spanish, American Indian, and Anglo cultures in New Mexico, and the triangulation of NMSU campus with Interstate 10 linking Interstate 25 in the first principal interchange of the Pan American Highway in North America. The one side of the ring shows the Aggie Memorial Tower, in honor of Aggies who died for the country, and the other side of the ring displays the majestic Organ Mountains. Students wear the ring facing the school name. Upon granting of degrees, graduates should turn the ring around facing outward, which symbolizes that they are ready to face the world.{{cite web|url=http://alum.nmsu.edu/s/422/internal.aspx?sid=422&gid=1&pgid=2822|title=Error Page – New Mexico State University Foundation, Inc.|work=nmsu.edu|access-date=2014-05-30|archive-date=2014-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531124005/http://alum.nmsu.edu/s/422/internal.aspx?sid=422&gid=1&pgid=2822|url-status=live}}

A tradition that signals the beginning of the holiday season is the "Noche de Luminarias" or "Night of Lights". A university tradition that started as the President's Holiday Reception in 1984, which starts the holiday season with a night of entertainment and festivities. It is considered one of the largest luminaria displays in the state of New Mexico.{{cite web|url=http://newscenter.nmsu.edu/work/story/120/|title=New Mexico State University|work=NMSU News Center|access-date=2014-01-11|archive-date=2014-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111075732/http://newscenter.nmsu.edu/work/story/120/|url-status=live}} Each candle set is lit inside a paper bag. With more than 6,000 luminarias, it begins at the Educational Services Building, extends towards the International Mall and then encircles the Corbett Center Student Union. The display is set up by the Las Cruces High School band and accompanies visitors as they walk through the lighted path by the Las Cruces High School Brass Choir.{{cite web|url=http://celp.nmsu.edu/noche-de-luminarias/|title=29th Annual Noche de Luminarias on the NMSU Campus|work=Center for English Language Programs|access-date=2014-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205182451/http://celp.nmsu.edu/noche-de-luminarias/|archive-date=2013-12-05|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|New Mexico State Aggies}}

File:Pan American Center .jpg

NMSU's teams are called the Aggies, a nickname derived from the university's agricultural beginnings.

New Mexico State is a member of Conference USA (C-USA), as of July 1, 2023.{{cite web | url=https://nmstatesports.com/news/2021/11/5/baseball-nm-state-to-join-conference-usa-on-july-1-2023.aspx | title=NM State to Join Conference USA on July 1, 2023 | date=7 December 2023 }} Conference USA is the sixth conference NMSU has been affiliated with in its football history. New Mexico State spent the past eighteen seasons as a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Before that, NMSU was a member of the Big West Conference, Sun Belt Conference, Missouri Valley Conference and the Border Conference.{{cite web |url=http://www.nmstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=1900&KEY=&ATCLID=66003 |title=Traditions – New Mexico State Athletics Official Web Site |publisher=NMStateSports.com |access-date=January 25, 2011 |archive-date=July 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720025818/http://www.nmstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=1900&KEY=&ATCLID=66003 |url-status=live }}

In 2023, two basketball players complained of sexual assault during hazing rituals. Deuce Benjamin settled out of court for $4.125 million, Shak Odunewu settled out of court for $3.875 million, and the case was dropped with no verdict.{{Cite news |last=Pells |first=Eddie |date=June 28, 2023 |title=New Mexico State agrees to pay $8M to settle basketball players' sex assault, hazing lawsuit |work=AP News |url=https://apnews.com/article/new-mexico-state-aggies-lawsuit-sexual-hazing-a1e0b79c62c3032ec877bdf9035d7636 |access-date=August 15, 2023}} As a result of the investigation, the head coach Greg Heiar was fired {{Cite news |date=Feb 15, 2023 |title=New Mexico State fires men's basketball coach Greg Heiar following allegations of hazing within the team |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/15/sport/new-mexico-state-basketball-coach-greg-heiar-fired/index.html |access-date=November 22, 2023}} and students were found guilty of a Title VI violation by the university and were removed. A criminal case against those students who were on the 2022-23 basketball team, is still ongoing.{{cite web|title=Former NMSU basketball players charged with rape and other sex crimes|date=9 November 2023 |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/former-nmsu-basketball-players-charged-200100361.html|publisher=Albuquerque Journal}} A second lawsuit was filed against the university, the athletic director and several coaches and students, alleging the presence of guns on campus and hazing, and that the coach was aware but failed to act, all in violation of university policy.{{cite web|title=Lawsuit says guns were often present among NMSU basketball team|date=6 November 2023 |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/38835256/lawsuit-says-guns-were-often-present-new-mexico-state-basketball-team|publisher=ESPN}}

The Women's Equestrian Team was first established in 2004 and cut following the 2016–2017 season due to budget cuts.{{cite web |url=http://www.nmstatesports.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=1900&SPID=603&SPSID=10845 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209005623/http://www.nmstatesports.com/SportSelect.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=1900&SPID=603&SPSID=10845 |archive-date=9 February 2014 |title=Women's Equestrian |website=NMStateSports.com}}{{cite web | title=New Mexico State cuts equestrian program amid budget cuts | website=Las Cruces Sun-News | date=2016-07-13 | url=https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/sports/college/nmsu/2016/07/13/new-mexico-state-cuts-equestrian-program-amid-budget-cuts/87059006/ | access-date=2025-03-27}}File:NMSU AggieMemorialStadium.jpg

NMSU maintains strong athletic rivalries with the University of New Mexico. The UNM-NMSU rivalry is called the Rio Grande Rivalry (aka Battle of I-25), a competitive series based on points awarded to the winners of head-to-head competitions between the two universities in every sport. A rotating trophy is granted to the winning university for a period of one year, until the award presentation the following year. Different traditions take place at each school the night before game day.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

The university also has a strong rivalry with the University of Texas at El Paso known as The Battle of I-10. UTEP and NMSU are located just over 40 miles apart.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

{{Main|List of New Mexico State University people}}

There are approximately 120,000 living NMSU alumni.{{cite web|url=http://alum.nmsu.edu/s/422/internal.aspx?sid=422&gid=1&pgid=2135|title=Error Page – New Mexico State University Foundation, Inc.|work=nmsu.edu|access-date=2013-09-01|archive-date=2013-12-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205215052/http://alum.nmsu.edu/s/422/internal.aspx?sid=422&gid=1&pgid=2135|url-status=live}} The NMSU Alumni Association is one of the university's oldest organizations, dating from May 24, 1898.{{cite web|url=http://alum.nmsu.edu/s/422/internal.aspx?sid=422&gid=1&pgid=275|title=Error Page – New Mexico State University Foundation, Inc.|work=nmsu.edu|access-date=2013-09-01|archive-date=2013-02-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217041438/http://alum.nmsu.edu/s/422/internal.aspx?sid=422&gid=1&pgid=275|url-status=live}}

• Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of Starbucks Corporation;{{cite web|url=https://stories.starbucks.com/leadership/kevin-johnson/|title=Kevin Johnson-Starbucks Stories|publisher=Starbucks Corporation|access-date=March 31, 2022|archive-date=March 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323201339/https://stories.starbucks.com/leadership/kevin-johnson/|url-status=live}}
• Paul Wilbur Klipsch, founder of Klipsch Audio Technologies;{{Cite web |title=Paul W. Klipsch - Founder Biography |url=https://www.klipsch.com/founder |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=Klipsch |language=en |archive-date=2022-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524120805/https://www.klipsch.com/founder |url-status=live }}
• Jerome Shaw, EVP/COO of Volt Information Sciences, Inc;{{Cite web |url=http://engr.nmsu.edu/news_items/2009_news/news_09_01_26_Shaw.shtml |title=NMSU |access-date=2013-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205221350/http://www.engr.nmsu.edu/news_items/2009_news/news_09_01_26_Shaw.shtml |archive-date=2013-12-05 |url-status=dead }}
• Christine Aguilera, president of SkyMall;{{cite web|url=http://www.abqjournal.com/200921/biz/nmsu-creates-business-mentor-program.html|title=NMSU creates business mentor program|work=abqjournal.com|access-date=2013-09-01|archive-date=2014-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314160816/http://www.abqjournal.com/200921/biz/nmsu-creates-business-mentor-program.html|url-status=live}}
• Jorge Gardea-Torresdey, nanoparticle researcher and professor at the University of Texas at El Paso;{{cite journal|last1=Booth|first1=Barbara|title=Gardea-Torresdey receives Distinguished Scientist Award from SACNAS |journal=Environmental Science & Technology|date=December 1, 2009 |volume=43 |issue=23 |page=8711 |doi=10.1021/es9032259 |pmid=19943633|bibcode=2009EnST...43.8711B|doi-access=free }}
• Alvy Ray Smith, co-founder of Pixar;{{Cite web |title=Obituary for Alvy Ray Smith at Muffley Funeral Home Inc. |url=https://www.muffleyfuneralhome.com/obituary/3006924?lud=E1A3BF2C4B6CB74B6AC6FA85FC0B4477 |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=www.muffleyfuneralhome.com |language=en |archive-date=2022-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728231957/https://www.muffleyfuneralhome.com/obituary/3006924?lud=E1A3BF2C4B6CB74B6AC6FA85FC0B4477 |url-status=live }}
• Kathy Lueders, the first woman to head NASA's human spaceflight program as the Associate Administrator of the Human Exploration and Operations (HEO) Mission Directorate.{{Cite web|last=Northon|first=Karen|date=2020-06-12|title=Kathy Lueders Selected to Lead NASA's Human Spaceflight Office|url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/kathy-lueders-selected-to-lead-nasa-s-human-spaceflight-office|access-date=2021-03-17|website=NASA|archive-date=2021-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213045729/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/kathy-lueders-selected-to-lead-nasa-s-human-spaceflight-office/|url-status=live}}
• Jaron Lanier, computer scientist and writer. Known as the founder of virtual reality{{cite web |title=60 Notable Alumni of New Mexico State University |url=https://edurank.org/uni/new-mexico-state-university-main-campus/alumni/ |website=EduRank.org - Discover university rankings by location |access-date=15 February 2025 |language=en |date=11 August 2021}}

Notable faculty include:

• Antonya Nelson, named by The New Yorker as one of the 20 best young fiction writers in America, has published three novels and more than 50 stories{{Cite web |date=2014-07-29 |title=Antonya Nelson: Short and to the Point |url=https://www.newmexicomagazine.org/blog/post/books-87353/ |access-date=2022-07-28 |website=www.newmexicomagazine.org |language=en-us |archive-date=2022-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728231949/https://www.newmexicomagazine.org/blog/post/books-87353/ |url-status=live }}
• Clyde Tombaugh, astronomer best known for his discovery of Pluto{{cite web|url=http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/whos_who_level2/tombaugh.html|title=Clyde Tombaugh|work=nasa.gov|access-date=2013-09-01|archive-date=2013-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001122143/http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/whos_who_level2/tombaugh.html|url-status=live}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|New Mexico State University}}

• {{Official website}}
• [http://nmstatesports.com/ New Mexico State Athletics website]
• {{Cite NIE|wstitle=New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts|short=x}}

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