Transforming the Future Together Since 1893
Demographics
- More than 3,500 students attend our campuses and are enrolled online.
- 50% of our undergrads are Hispanic, and we are designated as an Hispanic Serving Institution.
- Classes have 18 students each, on average.
- 500 degrees are awarded each year.
- 18 countries are represented in our student body.
- Our mascot is Rawhide. Our colors are Royal Purple and Golden Yellow.
History
- Established on February 11, 1893
- We’ve had four names: Normal School, New Mexico State Teacher’s College, New Mexico Western College and Western New Mexico University (1963).
- Five buildings on campus are registered as cultural properties: Fleming Hall, Graham Gymnasium, Hunter Hall, Light Hall and Ritch Hall.
- Longest tradition: the Great Race, established in 1967
- We’ve had 15 presidents. Dr. Joseph Shepard was inaugurated in 2011.
Distinguishing Factors
- WNMU offers more than 70 fields of study, from accounting to zoology.
- WNMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, New Mexico State Board of Education, Association of Collegiate Business Schools and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
- We offer fully online master’s and bachelor’s degrees.
- Our University Museum houses the world’s largest permanent collection of Mimbres pottery.
- WNMU is a member of the American Association of University Women, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and the American Library Association.
Life on Campus
- Our main campus is spread across 83 acres on a hill.
- Silver City has mountains, sunny skies and awesome views.
- WNMU carries on historic traditions like the Great Race annually.
- Mustangs compete in the Lone Star Conference, and WNMU has softball, volleyball, football, and men’s and women’s basketball, golf, cross country and tennis teams.
Life in Silver City
- Silver City is home to dozens of artists and galleries. Art is everywhere.
- Foodies are in for a treat. Local restaurants serve up everything from traditional New Mexican to dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Coffee corners are a staple here. Order up a custom latte or a brew made with imported beans.
- Metropolitan hubs like Tucson, Albuquerque and El Paso are only a drive away.
- WNMU Cultural Affairs brings first-rate musicians and performers to campus frequently. Plus, this town boasts a myriad of free events like the Silver City Blues Festival and Tour of the Gila.
Gila National Forest
- 3.3 million acres of National Forest surround Silver City.
- The Gila, our nation’s first designated wilderness area, sits just outside of town.
- Hiking, hunting, biking, backpacking and fishing are year-round activities due to this area’s four gentle seasons.
- A thousand years of history come to life at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, which is only 45 miles from campus.
