In a move set to reshape educational and career trajectories in New Mexico, Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT) have formalized a partnership that promises to broaden academic horizons for students across the state. The articulation agreement, signed recently at SENMC’s campus, establishes a clear pathway for SENMC graduates to pursue bachelor’s degrees at NMT, one of the state’s premier institutions for science and engineering.
The signing ceremony was more than a formal event; it was a celebration of collaboration and opportunity. “Today, we’re not just signing an agreement, we’re signing a promise,” said Saul Navarrete, Title III Transfer Pathway & Outreach Coordinator at SENMC. “A promise that students from Carlsbad and beyond will have new doors opened to them, new pathways to innovation, and new opportunities to dream big.” This sentiment was echoed by Frosso Seitaridou, Vice President of Academic Affairs at SENMC, who emphasized the partnership’s role in opening doors and creating opportunities. “At our college, we believe in opening doors and creating opportunities, and this partnership does exactly that. It gives our students new ways to continue their education, build their skills, and dream even bigger about their futures.”
The agreement is designed to streamline the transfer process, ensuring that qualified SENMC graduates can seamlessly transition into NMT’s undergraduate programs. Students transferring under this agreement will receive full credit for courses completed with a grade of C- or higher, provided they align with NMT’s degree requirements. This provision minimizes duplication of coursework and promotes efficient degree completion. Additionally, the partnership allows for reverse transfer, enabling SENMC students who transfer to NMT before completing their associate degree to apply their NMT credits back to SENMC to earn their associate credential.
NMT’s Interim President Michael Jackson highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the agreement. “We are excited to collaborate with SENMC to assist with preparing individuals for the STEM workforce by providing defined pathways to both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.” This collaboration extends beyond academic credit transfer. NMT will offer enrollment counseling, academic advising, and opportunities for SENMC transfer students to engage in internships, research, and work-study programs.
The partnership is particularly significant for students interested in critical areas such as Materials Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Mineral Engineering—fields that are pivotal to advancing New Mexico’s energy portfolio and meeting the state’s demand for a talented and qualified STEM workforce. “This partnership with New Mexico Tech provides a pathway for our students to attend a top-ranked STEM university. I believe our students will feel right at home there and find a world of opportunity,” said SENMC President Kevin Beardmore.
The implications of this partnership extend beyond individual student success. It represents a shared vision to strengthen the state’s educational ecosystem and foster a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to drive innovation and growth in key industries. “It’s about shaping the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders who will keep New Mexico strong and shining bright,” Navarrete remarked.
As the mining and energy sectors continue to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals in STEM fields is expected to grow. This partnership between SENMC and NMT is a proactive step towards meeting that demand, ensuring that New Mexico’s workforce is well-prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future. By providing a clear and supported pathway for students to advance their education, the agreement not only benefits individual students but also contributes to the broader economic development of the region.
The signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone in New Mexico’s educational landscape. It underscores the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and highlights the potential for such partnerships to drive progress and innovation. As students begin to navigate this new pathway, the ripple effects of this agreement are likely to be felt across the state, shaping the future of education and industry in New Mexico.