Accelerate New Mexico

UNM-Valencia 

Building the Future for Students, Faculty, and Communities 

UNM-Valencia (UNM-V) is the only two-year college in Valencia County and Socorro County. UNM-V is an open-admissions community college, Hispanic-Serving Institution, and Minority-Serving Institution. Through our excellence in teaching, learning, and community service, we provide quality education to prepare our students for a lifetime of success. 

The Accelerate New Mexico campaign will help UNM-V continue to support our students so they can become successful, engaged community members. 

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University of New Mexico campus supported by Accelerate New Mexico donors

Overview:

We provide all UNM-V students with holistic support services, including mental health resources, provision of food and personal care items, access to in-person and online tutoring, career readiness support, and academic support. We are proud to accept any student with a high school diploma or GED, regardless of their prior academic performance, without imposing selective admissions requirements.  

Typically, our classes are smaller, so our students receive more individual attention. In addition to our degree programs and certificates, we provide Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses to develop highly skilled tradespeople, which benefits economic development and allows graduates to stay near their roots, if they choose. Additionally, UNM-V is committed to moving forward and aligning with the growth of the county and surrounding region by expanding workforce-oriented programming, technology and AI opportunities, and healthcare program offerings in line with the soon-to-be Los Lunas hospital. 

However, UNM-V is a rural campus located in a food desert. Many of our students struggle with financial burdens that threaten their ability to finish their studies and training. 

List of Priorities:

  • At UNM-V, we have a firm priority of providing students with scholarships to help further their education. We support students with scholarships in four main areas:

    Greatest need scholarships: Students have ever-changing needs. Funds raised in this area allow us to provide more assistance with food initiatives, mental health, and emergencies.  

    General scholarships: These scholarships can be awarded in any amount to students during the current academic year. Donors have the freedom to establish criteria for scholarships within UNM-V regulations. 

    Endowed scholarships: Creating a named scholarship at UNM-V with a gift of $5,000 or more is a thoughtful way to create a legacy while giving back to Valencia County in perpetuity. Donors may match their gift with federal funds, which essentially doubles their gift. These funds are invested in our endowment, carefully managed by UNM Foundation. Each year, 50% of the endowment’s earnings are spent to fund the named scholarships on campus. Historically, a $5,000 gift results in a scholarship of $500 annually, but the exact amount depends on the market. 

    Undocumented student scholarships: Undocumented students often require additional support to be successful in college. Raising funds to support this population of students is a priority for UNM-V. 

    $595,000 of philanthropic funding will fund a variety of student scholarships.

  • Many of our students need emergency funding to take care of issues such as rent or car repairs, for which they have no resources in reserve. In addition, more funding for our Campus Food Pantry will also serve to combat the food insecurity that exists for many students. With basic needs taken care of, our students can focus on excelling and innovating in their programs of study. That is why professional development funding for both faculty and students is important, as we want to see students grow in their understanding of their field, with faculty gaining new insights into pedagogy and curriculum.

    $350,000 of philanthropic support will help us realize these essential initiatives.

  • Our unique Undergraduate Research Program consists of mostly hands-on lab courses designed to provide students insight into the nature of STEM-related research. It aims to pique students’ interest in pursuing education in STEM fields and give them opportunities to experience research with the guidance and support of faculty. Programs in progress include General Sciences, Mathematics, and Medical Biotechnology. 

    $300,000 of philanthropic funding will provide students and faculty with the necessary equipment and resources to carry out research in their respective STEM disciplines, and to allow for additional research opportunities in other subjects.

A woman with short light brown hair, glasses, and pearl earrings wearing a blue dress with a pearl button. She is smiling against a plain black background.

Laura Musselwhite, PhD 

Interim Chancellor / Dean of Instruction / UNM-Valencia 

“Every community college has a mission of getting a student started on a pathway. Most of our students are in need, so we find ourselves searching for every way possible to provide resources. Philanthropy becomes an avenue through which we meet students where they are. At UNM-Valencia, our donors provide the scholarship funding that makes college possible for all students. Seeing that impact on our local community is what ignites the passion in our donors to provide that financial lifeline that will make the dream of a college education come true.”

UNM-V is a place where any student can feel welcomed and find programs, studies, courses, and training that engages their minds, increases confidence, and helps them develop successful careers – or continue their studies at a four-year institution. With your support through Accelerate New Mexico, we can continue our supportive and innovative approach to education in Valencia County. 

Together, with your help, we can turn these dreams into reality.

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