Northern’s President Bailey calls for change in how education is viewed

By Northern New Mexico College

Española, NM – Northern New Mexico College President, Richard J. Bailey, Jr. called for a change in how education is viewed in New Mexico, arguing that it is an investment rather than a commodity.

In an Op-Ed published Wednesday in the Rio Grande Sun, President Bailey addressed the state’s repeated funding cuts to higher education over the past several years, which have caused all public universities and colleges in the state to grapple with budget deficits, saying “this situation is not sustainable.”

The President of the College, which has campuses in Española and El Rito, said his institution primarily serves rural communities in one of the most underserved regions in New Mexico, where 29 percent live below the poverty line.

“Thus, access to quality education in our region is not just a commodity – it is a lifeline.  And education isn’t just helpful – it is transformative,” wrote Bailey.

Bailey also highlighted the benefits of education, arguing it offers opportunities for both personal and community advancement.

“Therefore, it is imperative that we view the education of our communities as a collective investment that we make to ensure our future wellbeing,” Bailey asserted.

President Bailey closed by affirming the College’s commitment to the community it serves despite the financial difficulties, writing “Northern will prevail. We will continue to serve. Our students and our community deserve nothing less.”

The Northern New Mexico College Board of Regents on April 24, 2017 voted to raise tuition and fees by 4.5 percent in response to anticipated state funding cuts and to plug a budget deficit of over $700,000 created by previous state cuts.

The Board made the decision in order to avoid programmatic and staff cuts, while keeping the college financially stable.

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez vetoed the state’s entire higher education budget last month. Martinez has called for a special session to begin on May 24 for lawmakers to determine funding for colleges and universities.

Northern New Mexico College is a minority-serving institution, offering bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs.

The college primarily serves rural communities within a 40-mile radius of its campus in Española, New Mexico, within one of the most underserved regions in the state.