And the Survey Says…

In late October Southeast New Mexico College asked community members for their input on its future.  The time frame was specifically from 2025 through 2030, which is the span of the college’s forthcoming strategic plan.  Multiple meetings were held on campus on November 7, with participation from faculty, staff, students, and community members.  In addition, an invitation to complete a five-question survey was shared publicly.  Thirty-six informed and invested individuals responded.  You can review the entirety of the results at https://www.senmc.edu/news/2024/12/strategic-planning-community-survey-results.html

What may be of greatest interest to you is the ranking of fifteen projects and initiatives that I shared in last month’s article.  Now it is no longer just a list.  It is a prioritized one.  The first item below received the most support and the last the least.

Not only will this list help us decide what capital projects come next, it will be essential as we finish work on our new Campus Master Plan, which is under development simultaneously with our strategic plan.  All of these will be considered for approval by the Board of Trustees in the spring of 2025.  The emphasis on adding new supports and services for our students, whether it be childcare, preschool, dining, or a residence hall, provides a clear direction for the college.  The responses validate our new direction in adding career-focused programming, both for academic credit and for individuals needing targeted training for in-demand positions in Eddy County. 

It is notable that the list does not include the Trades x Technologies Building or renovations to the Main Building.  These two projects are already through the planning phase and the design phase will close soon.  This means construction will, barring any unforeseen events, begin on those projects in 2025 before the new strategic plan is underway.

Finally, a big thank you to voters for approving Higher Education Bond 3.  It was a statewide issue, passing with 66% in favor.  In Eddy County, 57% of voters voted in favor, which was the second-highest change in county support statewide when compared to the 2022 election.  This means that $5 million in state funding will be coming to Carlsbad once construction on the Trades x Technologies Building is underway next year.

Whether through voting, our strategic planning meetings, or the survey, your voice has been heard.  In addition, you are always welcome to attend the SENMC Board of Trustees meetings and share public comment. The Board meets every second Monday at 6:00 in Room 153 on campus.  If you can’t attend in person, you can join the meeting online at https://senmc.edu/board-of-trustees/index.html.  Look for the Zoom link on the right side of the webpage on your computer or by scrolling down below the posted agendas and minutes on your phone.

Thank you for your help and support as we chart the course at SENMC for 2025 and beyond—and accept our best wishes for a wonderful holiday season for you and yours! 

Kevin Beardmore, Ed.D., is the President of Southeast New Mexico College.  He may be reached at kbeardmore@senmc.edu or 575.234.9211