Community News

WNMU international nursing student, Ricardo Mancinas, from Chihuahua, Mexico, was recently awarded 2026 Health Care Scholars United scholarshipSILVER CITY, NM — With a scholarship from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and support with the application from External Affairs at WNMU, student Ricardo Mancinas was recently awarded the 2026 Health Care Scholars United. Mancinas is a WNMU international nursing student; the scholarship is crucial for turning his lifelong passion for healing into extraordinary academic achievement. 

For Mancinas, the path to Western New Mexico University was paved by family footsteps and a strong, lifelong desire to care for people. Following his older brother to Silver City—who is currently pursuing a master's degree in business management at the university—Mancinas arrived in the United States just a year ago to begin his undergraduate education. Moving to a new country brought immediate hurdles, notably navigating an unfamiliar academic environment while overcoming an initial language barrier. 

Yet, by leaning into his strengths and with support from the campus community, Mancinas soon adapted. Today, he balances his demanding coursework in the university's competitive nursing program with vital leadership responsibilities as a resident assistant in Centennial Hall on the Silver City campus. 

To qualify for the competitive scholarship, applicants must maintain a high-grade point average as a junior and submit a personal essay detailing their background, academic focus and reasons for pursuing their field. Students interested in similar institutional and external scholarship opportunities can apply by working closely with the WNMU financial aid office, using the campus scholarship portal and consulting academic advisors to track deadlines and criteria.

Some of you may have noticed prominent white signs appearing in the Silver City area along Highway 90 and Highway 180. These signs display some of the brands of the Grant County ranches, a community of ranchers who have cultivated and supplied beef to the United States consumers for several centuries. The outline of Grant County, depicted in the center of the sign, represents a mining and ranching community.

We are very appreciative to Freeport - McMoran, Grant County Cattle Growers, Farm Bureau, Pat Bearup of Big Bear and the local ranches, who made this all possible. A special thanks to Brent and Amanda Welch of Exquisite Kustomz Welding of Silver City.

Back in 1939, some ranch women in Cochise County, Arizona, got together to help boost the beef industry and spread the word about it. They decided to call themselves the "CowBells."

Terry Anderson receives New Mexico Child Care Associationn Legacy Award

The New Mexico Child Care Association, during its annual Convention in Albuquerque, honored life-long Silver City resident Terry Andersonwith its Legacy Award for her many years of exceptional and innovative leadership. A sixteen-minute video presentation introduced Terry's many accomplishments and contributions. "Terry Anderson: a History of Love Leadership and Learning. A legacy that lives on." Also included in the presentation were former students and co-workers who shared personal accounts of how they had been impacted by their mentor, friend, and teacher. Their comments included gratitude for her leadership and example of being accepting, respectful, of seeing each person's abilities, her inclusionary method of teaching and developing programs, as well as her ongoing love and friendship.

SILVER CITY, NM — The Center for Student Success at Western New Mexico University is expanding its academic support model. Located on the second floor of the J. Cloyd Miller Library, the center offers drop-in peer assistance, 24/7 digital tutoring, and targeted skill-building events designed to help students start strong and stay strong.

Student Services Coordinator Kimberly Woodard stresses that the center intends to eliminate the common misconception that tutoring is only for students in academic crisis. "Many students feel that asking for help means they are falling behind or failing," says Woodard. "We want to reframe tutoring as a normal, proactive tool for every student. It's free, it builds extended academic resilience, and doing periodic, regular sessions—even to bounce ideas off someone—sets you up for higher GPAs and professional success down the road."

WNMU nursing students receive their purple coatsSILVER CITY, NM — Nursing students marked the official start of their professional healthcare journeys in a special ceremony on campus recently, receiving their purple coats before family members, faculty and peers.

The celebration of scholastic excellence comes as the institution builds momentum across programs, highlighted by the nursing program's recent recognition in the Research.com 2027 Best Nursing Degree Programs Ranking in New Mexico in August. The ranking follows an evaluation by Research.com assessing performance metrics, including student satisfaction and program standards, reflecting the institution's focus on nursing education.

Silver City seeks responses to its community survey regarding its active transportation environment. 

Silver City Active Transportation Plan | Engage BHINC

Silver City, NM — Western New Mexico University reminds the campus community and new visitors of a few best practices for moving through the unique environment of the Pinos Altos Mountain Range foothills.

The WNMU campus and surrounding areas feature a flourishing ecosystem shared with native wildlife. Deer, skunks, foxes and the occasional bear may frequent the region. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Bears are occasionally drawn to scent sources near trash receptacles during dawn and dusk; remain bear-aware, walk in pairs or groups after dark, and properly dispose of all food waste inside secure campus dumpsters.

Some of you may have noticed prominent white signs appearing in the Silver City area along Highway 90 and Highway 180. These signs display some of the brands of the Grant County ranches, a community of ranchers who have cultivated and supplied beef to the United States consumers for several centuries. The outline of Grant County, depicted in the center of the sign, represents a mining and ranching community.

We are very appreciative to Freeport - McMoran, Grant County Cattle Growers, Farm Bureau, and the local ranches, who made this all possible. A special thanks to Brent and Amanda Welch of Exquisite Kustomz Welding of Silver City.