NMSU to eliminate 126 positions, 4 programs to erase $12 million budget shortfall

New Mexico State University President Garrey Carruthers revealed Wednesday the university plans to eliminate 126 positions and four programs to erase a $12.1 million budget shortfall for the 2016-2017 school year.

Carruthers said the school’s equestrian team will be dropped for the 2016-17 season. NMSU is also eliminating the employee health center and the Engineering Surveying Program, a major with 17 students.

The Center for Latin American and Border Studies is being moved to International and Border Programs, which has a different funding source.

“I was out of words, to be honest. What do you say to that? Your dream has been taken away from you,” said Hallie Padilla, a member of the equestrian team.

“We assure all the scholarship athletes that we will continue their scholarships throughout their program year, so if they chose to stay here, they’ll be on scholarship until their usual scholarship runs out,” Carruthers said.

NMSU regents voted on a final budget in May that would include $10.7 million in cuts. The school has since anticipated decreased enrollment so that number has risen to $12.1 million.

The school’s Human Resources Department will work with employees whose positions are being eliminated to help them find new jobs.