Other NM universities announcements

New Mexico State University's Student Involvement & Leadership Programs, in partnership with the Graduate Wellness Initiative, has launched a new graduate-level professional development series designed to support leadership growth among graduate students. 

The Leadership Empowerment & Academic Development workshop series kicked off Jan. 30 and will continue throughout the spring 2026 semester with six additional sessions focused on leadership development, communication, collaboration and professional growth. LEAD is designed to support graduate students as confident, effective and well-rounded leaders in both academic and professional settings. 

KRUX 91.5 FM, New Mexico State University's student-run radio station, earned national recognition at the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Conference in New York City Feb. 20-21, with multiple finalists and a national award winner representing the station on a competitive national stage.

The annual IBS Conference brings together college radio and media programs from across the country to celebrate excellence in student broadcasting. KRUX was recognized as finalists in four national categories.

Naomi Tercero, KRUX's online content director, was named a finalist for Best Website – Radio, Best Social Media Accounts and Best Social Media Director – Radio. Tercero went on to win Best Social Media Director – Radio, earning national recognition for her leadership and innovation in digital media strategy.

The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, housed at New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center, announces the selection of the 2026 cohort of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Economy Venture Fellows, a competitive fellowship program that prepares university students for careers in venture capital, startups, and innovation-driven organizations.

The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship plays a central role in strengthening the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting diverse entrepreneurial talent, expanding access to early-stage capital, and creating experiential learning opportunities that connect students to real-world innovation and investment activity. 

Dedication ceremony for a Cummins engine donated by Cummins Inc.

New Mexico State University College of Engineering.

10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24. - Maggard Courtyard, NMSU main campus.

VISUALS: The event celebrates the donation of a Cummins engine by Cummins Inc. to support student learning and hands-on educational experiences. Representatives from Cummins leadership will be in attendance, including Robert Rivas, executive director of supplier quality; Alonso Navarrete, operations manager; and Aravind Mannarswamy, artificial intelligence leader. Faculty, staff and students from the NMSU College of Engineering will also be in attendance.

Guinivere Mayse and Hannah Augustyniak received awards for their articles about women's history from the Doña Ana County Historical Society (DACHS) at its recent annual banquet.

The DACHS actively promotes and recognizes historical research, preservation and education regarding Doña Ana County and Southern New Mexico. The society facilitates these efforts through financial grants, awards and the publication of research. 

The two New Mexico State University students' work was published in the 2026 Southern New Mexico Historical Review. Their articles take women's history beyond the books, bringing their stories out of the shadows and illuminating the full extent of their impact on feminism and society in Las Cruces.

New Mexico State University has selected Karen Kopera-Frye as associate dean of the Graduate School. She will begin her new role Feb. 23. 

"I am delighted Dr. Kopera-Frye will be joining the Graduate School," said Ranjit T. Koodali, dean of the Graduate School and associate provost for interdisciplinary studies. "Dr. Kopera-Frye brings extensive administrative experience, including 18 years in advanced leadership roles such as associate dean of academics and research, as well as institutional knowledge and Faculty Senate leadership that will help raise the visibility of graduate education at NMSU." 

The 11th annual Las Cruces International Film Festival kicks off five days of films, workshops, celebrities and VIP events with "She Dances," the opening night film on April 8 that goes to the heart of the father-daughter experience, starting Steve Zahn and his daughter Audrey.

"This film speaks to the universal themes of hope and resilience, making it the perfect choice to launch our celebration of independent cinema," said festival executive director and professor in New Mexico State University's Creative Media Institute. "We believe that 'She Dances' will resonate strongly with audiences."

New Mexico State University PGA Golf Management Assistant Director, Henry Stetina, has been named the 2026 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award recipient, a national honor recognizing exceptional commitment to growing the game of golf and creating positive experiences for young players.

The award celebrates PGA professionals who demonstrate leadership in youth engagement, player development and community impact. Stetina will receive the award in November at the PGA of America Annual Meeting.

"Receiving the 2026 PGA National Youth Player Development Award has been a humbling and surreal experience," Stetina said. "It reflects years of perseverance and hard work and validates my pursuit of introducing kids to golf. Our mission is to build community and develop leaders through golf, and I am grateful to have shared this journey with our NMSU PGA Golf Management students."