NM legislature allots $10.5 million to New Mexico State University to expand online educational services

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- "It's time for us to be able to take back our students!"

New Mexico State University's Global Campus is slated to receive $10.5 million in funding from the state of New Mexico, a move that NMSU Associate Vice Chancellor for Digital Learning Sherry Kollmann says is critical for keeping rural students who may look elsewhere in state for their education.

"Organizations [in New Mexico] need to know that they have the students to be able to keep up in their workforce," says Kollmann.

She says the expansion of NMSU' Global Campus is key to keeping up with and even overtaking competitors, such as ASU's online campus and Grand Canyon University.

Kollmann says these schools have been "stealing" in-state students away from NMSU due to their six-term courses and general flexibility, and she says NMSU now has the capacity to offer a similar product.

"Most students want to have an in-state degree," says Kollmann.

"They understand the Aggie pride, and being able to come to our football and basketball games, and being part of the community," she adds.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, along with state representative Nathan Small and Higher Education Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez, were key in helping the university in getting the funding.

Kollmann says the global campus aims to generate $30 million in revenue for the university over the next "few years."