Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) is proud to announce its collaboration with Western New Mexico University (WNMU) to offer a seamless transfer experience for SENMC students looking to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. The purpose of the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) is to encourage student completion of the associate’s degree and support transition to a bachelor’s degree by agreement to coordinate transfer policies, enhance advising, and promote acceptance of the programmatic transfer courses/ credits between SENMC and WNMU.

“We are pleased to announce our new partnership with Western New Mexico University. This collaboration will facilitate a seamless transfer process for our students and support their continued educational advancement. Through this partnership, many students will have access to exceptional programs, including one of the leading education programs in the state.” Said Erick Dominguez, HSI Grant Services STEM Program Manager at SENMC.

Andrew Lunt, Director of Admissions and Recruitment at WNMU said, “We are so excited about this agreement. With the signing of the MOU between SENMC and WNMU, it will provide opportunities for SENMC students and graduates to continue their education and accomplish their goals through a seamless transition. We look forward to building upon this agreement and continually enhancing our relationship with SENMC with the purpose of bettering and changing lives always being at the forefront of what we do.”

Through this partnership, SENMC students:

• Will have access to advising from WNMU Staff before, during and after transferring to WNMU.

• Have guaranteed admission to WNMU upon completion of any associate degree program of study at SENMC.

• May receive access to selected student services and privileges at WNMU while at SENMC, such as the WNMU library, fine arts and cultural events, and admission to sports events if the students declare the intention of transferring to WNMU.

• Will be eligible for transfer student scholarships without further applications Patti West-Okiri, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Professional Studies at WNMU said “We’re excited to welcome SENMC students and alumni into our Mustang Family! Our partnership affords students seamless transfer opportunities for any of our 67 bachelor’s degree options with support from WNMU advisors who can help them plan their pathway, even before they transfer. Statistics show that a four-year degree improves employability and increases earning potential, with median earnings being about 35% higher for bachelor’s degree holders. We have several academic pathways that will help students continue coursework they’ve already started so that they enter WNMU as juniors and complete their bachelor’s in two years if they transfer in with an SENMC associate’s degree.”

Dr. Kevin Beardmore, President at SENMC said, “Any student who discovered the incredible value that a small college campus environment can provide while they were at SENMC may find Western New Mexico University to be a similarly great place to study and grow. I encourage anyone seeking a transfer opportunity in-state to learn more about what this partnership can do for them.”