UNM-Valencia Named Business of the Month by VCHCC

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Pictured from left: Arie Gallegos, president of VCHCC; Shireen McDonald, HR administrator at UNMVC; Dr. Miriam Chavez, science division chair; and Ann-Mary MacLeod, manager of development relations.

LOS LUNAS, NM (09/23/2011)(readMedia)-- The University of New Mexico Valencia Campus was named the September Business of the Month by the Valencia County Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Campus representatives attended the Chamber's luncheon September 14 where the campus was honored by the VCHCC.

UNM-Valencia was selected for several reasons. The campus is a perennial supporter of the VCHCC's annual matanza. With that spirit of cooperation, an endowed scholarship fund has been established by the Hispano Chamber with the university, which will result in UNMVC students receiving scholarships in perpetuity. Funds for the scholarship come from money raised at the VCHCC's annual matanza.

But the campus was also lauded for development of various degree and certificate programs that can result in good-paying careers. The newest degree program, the associate degree in nursing, provides students with the opportunity to become registered nurses upon completion of the program and passage of the state nursing exam.

Another promising program is the digital media arts degree with various opportunities ranging from the film industry, to engineering, to architecture, to health sciences.

The newest certificate program is the sustainable building certificate that provides a general foundation for students who are pursuing a career in the new clean energy economy and for those already working in the building industry who wish to add to their skills and enhance their careers.

UNM-Valencia is celebrating its 30th anniversary this fall as a branch of the University of New Mexico. The dream of a college campus in Valencia County started in the 1981 academic year with a few makeshift classrooms at the Rio Communities Shopping Center.

Faculty referred to the facilities as the "fish bowl campus" because students could walk by the large plate glass windows and watch classroom activities from the parking lot. There were 300 students.

Raw headcount at the campus this fall is now close to 2,500, with 1,500 full-time equivalent students.

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