New Mexico Highlands University marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its new learning center in Raton, New Mexico, on February 1st. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was met with enthusiasm from the community and university alike, signaling a new era of educational opportunities in the region.
New Mexico Highlands University officials and Raton community members at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Raton Learning Center in Raton, New Mexico.
John Davidson, the driving force behind the Raton Learning Center, expressed his delight at the overwhelming turnout and positive reception. He noted the strong presence of Highlands faculty, staff, and students, highlighting the university’s commitment to this expansion. Davidson, who also served as the emcee for the event, has been instrumental in realizing the vision of degree-track programs in Raton over the past 15 years. “Many people said it would take 15 years,” Davidson remarked, emphasizing the timely realization of this long-term goal.
The new Raton site, located at 130 Park Ave., is set to offer a range of master’s and bachelor’s degree programs. Starting this semester, students can enroll in master’s level coursework in education and business administration. Bachelor’s degrees will be offered in high-demand fields such as criminal justice, elementary education, and business. Looking ahead to the fall, New Mexico Highlands University plans to further broaden its offerings in Raton to include master’s and bachelor’s degrees in social work, addressing critical community needs. Course delivery will be flexible, incorporating on-site classes, televised classrooms, and online learning platforms to cater to diverse student needs.
University President Jim Fries underscored the importance of this expansion, stating, “We are Northern New Mexico’s university.” Addressing the approximately 150 attendees, President Fries emphasized the crucial role of higher education in regional economic growth. He pointed out that despite a low unemployment rate in New Mexico, a significant portion of the workforce lacks the advanced education necessary for specialized technical roles. President Fries believes that New Mexico Highlands University’s strong academic programs will be a major draw for the new Raton location, providing accessible pathways to career advancement. He specifically highlighted the university’s renowned social work program, noting its appeal extends beyond the local area, with students commuting from as far as Denver to attend classes at the main campus in Las Vegas. “I think they will find our new site in Raton very convenient,” he added.
Echoing this sentiment, Highlands’ student body president, Mike Sallee, emphasized the transformative potential of the university’s presence in Raton for both traditional and non-traditional students. “Let’s paint the town purple,” Sallee declared, rallying support and enthusiasm for the university’s new venture in Raton. “We are serious about being here.”
The opening ceremony also showcased the vibrant talent within New Mexico Highlands University’s Department of Music. The Highlands’ Marching Band captivated the crowd with a spirited performance of game-day favorites, creating an energetic atmosphere even before the official ceremony began. Their performance continued after President Fries cut the ceremonial ribbon, launching into the university’s spirited fight song. Adding a touch of classical elegance, Highlands music students Devin Barad and Karliz De Marco performed a selection from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” following the formal proceedings.
University spokesman Sean Weaver summarized the event as a true reflection of “what New Mexico Highlands is all about.” He emphasized that the impressive attendance of faculty, staff, and students demonstrated the genuine integration of Raton into the “Highlands family.”
Raton Mayor Joe F. Apache officially welcomed the university to the community, highlighting its significance for Raton’s future. Mayor Apache read a proclamation declaring February 1st as “New Mexico Highlands University Day” in Raton, signifying the city’s embrace of this new educational partnership. “I think this is a great step forward for this community,” Mayor Apache affirmed. He emphasized the vital role New Mexico Highlands University will play in bolstering Raton’s economic development efforts by cultivating a skilled local workforce. Mayor Apache believes that “Highlands’ presence will allow Raton to attract new businesses and be competitive with other communities,” marking a promising new chapter for Raton, New Mexico, and higher education in the region.
