College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences is the heart and soul of New Mexico State University, serving as the cornerstone of interdisciplinary learning, intellectual exploration, and creative expression. Every student who walks through our doors arrives with a dream and leaves with a purpose.
As we embark on the journey to name our esteemed college, it is essential to consider the lasting impact and legacy that such a name will carry. Within our walls, the College of Arts and Sciences encompasses a diverse array of disciplines—fine arts, humanities and social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. We are a vibrant hub of innovation, critical thinking, and cultural enrichment, fostering an environment where both students and faculty can thrive intellectually and creatively.
Our vision is for the College of Arts and Sciences to be a leader in promoting academic success and social mobility for a diverse student body, supporting the university’s vision of achieving R1 status through exceptional research and creative endeavors while contributing to the social and economic development of communities locally, statewide, nationwide—and around the world.
For more information, contact:
Vernon King
Senior Director of Philanthropy
Mobile: (575) 319-4697 |
Email: Vernon.king@nmsufoundation.org
Chris Neher
Senior Director of Philanthropy
Mobile: (575) 319-4691 |
Email: Chris.neher@nmsufoundation.org
From the Dean
“As the liberal arts engine of NMSU, the College of Arts and Sciences impacts every student through general education, research, performances, exhibitions, and service. Our renowned faculty drives innovation, discovery, and creativity, offering students an education rich in exploration and experiential learning. We foster leaders and groundbreaking initiatives that extend far beyond campus—from the lab to the stage to outer space.”
Enrico Pontelli ’97
Giving Opportunities
Naming of Breland Hall
Breland Hall is the heart of the College of Arts and Sciences, housing key offices like the Research Center, Business Center, and Student Success Center, along with departments such as Criminal Justice, Geography & Environmental Studies, Languages & Linguistics, Anthropology, History, and Philosophy. One of the oldest buildings on campus, Breland Hall symbolizes NMSU’s legacy and the college’s commitment to knowledge, creativity, and student success. As we explore the possibility of naming this iconic building, we invite you to envision its lasting impact on future generations.
For more information on making a transformative gift to rename Breland Hall, please contact:
Vernon King
Vernon.king@nmsufoundation.org
Mobile: (575) 319-4697
or
Chris Neher
Chris.neher@nmsufoundation.org
Mobile: (575) 319-4691
Naming of the Creative Media Institute Facility
The Creative Media Institute (CMI) hosts fast-growing programs like Digital Filmmaking, Animation and Visual Effects, and Creative Writing, serving more than 600 majors. It is the only college unit requiring an admission process due to high demand. NMSU has prioritized the construction of a new facility in Arrowhead Park, providing CMI students with state-of-the-art spaces for filmmaking (soundstage, motion capture, post-production) and animation (AR/VR labs, server rooms).
For more information on making a transformative gift to name the Creative Media Institute Facility, please contact:
Vernon King
Vernon.king@nmsufoundation.org
Mobile: (575) 319-4697
or
Chris Neher
Chris.neher@nmsufoundation.org
Mobile: (575) 319-4691
Naming of the Art Museum
The University Art Museum stands as a beacon of artistic expression, education, and community engagement at NMSU. The Art Museum was renovated in 2019 and is housed in a state-of-the-art facility, which provides space for exhibitions, guest artists, conservation programs, and storage. Naming the Art Museum would provide new opportunities to sustain and expand the creative activities of the museum.
For more information on making a transformative gift to name the Art Museum, please contact:
Vernon King
Vernon.king@nmsufoundation.org
Mobile: (575) 319-4697
or
Chris Neher
Chris.neher@nmsufoundation.org
Mobile: (575) 319-4691
Naming the Discovery Scholars Program
The Discovery Scholars Program (DSP) offers undergraduate students across all disciplines personalized research experiences. Each scholar is paired with a faculty mentor for a year-long project and participates in professional development activities as part of a DSP cohort. Many DSP scholars have produced exceptional work, including peer-reviewed publications, art, and documentaries, and have earned top university honors, such as Outstanding Graduate recognition.
For more information on making a transformative gift to name the Discovery Scholars Program, please contact:
Vernon King
Vernon.king@nmsufoundation.org
Mobile: (575) 319-4697
or
Chris Neher
Chris.neher@nmsufoundation.org
Mobile: (575) 319-4691
I want to make an impact. Giving to New Mexico State—a Hispanic-serving institution with low general expenditures and world-class education—provides a high return on investment.
Ana Cordova ’09
Sustaining Academic Progress
The Sustaining Academic Progress (SAP) program supports undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences who are making strong academic progress but face unexpected financial challenges that threaten their enrollment. Administered by the Dean’s office, SAP provides emergency funds based on reports of potential disenrollment due to unpaid tuition.
Pete’s Pathway Program
The Pete’s Pathway Program pairs senior undergraduate students with incoming first-year students or transfer students for a year-long peer mentoring experience. Peer mentors, who receive a stipend, guide new students in navigating NMSU’s academic, social, and support structures, helping them adapt and succeed. Mentees are encouraged to become mentors in subsequent years, fostering a cycle of support.
Distinguished Visiting Scholars Program
The Distinguished Visiting Scholars Program brings globally renowned experts and thought leaders to campus, providing Arts and Sciences faculty and students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and gain diverse perspectives. These scholars enhance classroom discussions, spark interdisciplinary collaboration, and open doors to valuable networking opportunities.
Arts and Sciences Peer Learning Program
Research highlights the significant benefits of supplemental instruction programs led by peer learning assistants, typically undergraduate students who have excelled in the same course. These assistants are trained in effective pedagogical practices and support students in gateway courses through recitation sessions, one-on-one tutoring, and other methods.
Returning Scholars Program
The College of Arts and Sciences is committed to providing students with flexible academic pathways, offering multiple entry and exit points to support their progress. Programs like the revised Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS) enable students with prior degrees, such as an Associate of Applied Studies, to return and advance to the next academic level.
Aggie Jumpstart Program
The Aggie Jumpstart Program provides a summer pre-college experience designed to transform at-risk students into confident leaders. Targeting incoming students needing remedial work in English or Mathematics, the free program helps them complete their coursework with support from dedicated tutors and mentors. Research highlights the significant benefits of supplemental instruction programs led by peer learning assistants, typically undergraduate students who have excelled in the same course.
Future Academic Leaders Program
The College of Arts and Sciences offers high-quality Ph.D. and MFA programs, with graduates achieving successful careers in academia, the public sector, and industry. Their success is driven by strong academic programs, excellent facilities, and dedicated mentors who are leading researchers and scholars. While many students face challenges in accessing doctoral programs, we are committed to providing the resources and encouragement they need to overcome these barriers and pursue advanced studies with confidence and determination. The Future Academic Leaders Program engages talented undergraduate students, particularly from underrepresented groups, in faculty-mentored graduate school preparation. You can help provide a scholarship for their transition year into a doctoral program and a five-year fellowship to support their doctoral studies, including funding for research.
For more information on making a transformative gift to fund the Future Academic Leaders Program, please contact:
Vernon King
Vernon.king@nmsufoundation.org
Mobile: (575) 319-4697
or
Chris Neher
Chris.neher@nmsufoundation.org
Mobile: (575) 319-4691
Emma Alvarez de la Rosa ’24
NMSU has provided me with opportunities I didn’t know existed and prepared me for a future I did not think was possible.
The Impact of Support
Connecting an Aggie Legend to Future Leaders
The Legacy of Thomas A. Donnelly
New Mexico judge Thomas A. Donnelly ’52 was known throughout the state for his integrity, compassion and fairness.