New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU or Highlands) is a public research university in Las Vegas, New Mexico, United States. Founded in 1893, it has satellite campuses in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Farmington and Roswell. NMHU has an average annual enrollment of approximately 3,000 students and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across six schools and colleges.
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History
NMHU was first established as "New Mexico Normal School" in 1893, with prominent archaeologist Edgar Lee Hewett serving as its first president. The institution became "New Mexico Normal University" in 1902, and primarily offered teacher education; it adopted its current name of New Mexico Highlands University in 1941, as it expanded its programs beyond teaching. NMHU now offers graduate and undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, and social work.
Located in Las Vegas, a city with a population of over 13,000, Highlands' main campus is close to recreational and wilderness areas and is within an hour's drive of Santa Fe and two hours from Albuquerque.
The majority of NMHU's approximately 3,765 students are from New Mexico and Latino; the university is recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, which denotes a total undergraduate enrollment that is one-quarter or more Hispanic. Highlands' programs explicitly focus on its multiethnic student body, especially the Latino and American Indian cultures distinctive of New Mexico.
In November 2025, the American Council on Education designated New Mexico Highlands University a research university for the first time, shortly after the school announced the launch of its inaugural doctoral program in nursing beginning in spring 2026. NMHU is also planning to offer doctorate degrees in education and social work "in the near future".
Accreditation
NMHU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and also has specialty accreditations for many programs. The School of Education received full accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) in 2012. The School of Business is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The School of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences is accredited by the Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). The Department of Forestry is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF).
Academics
NMHU has several bachelor's and master's degree programs spanning six schools and colleges; these include business administration, counseling, nursing, social work, and the natural sciences. The school is launching a doctorate in nursing in spring 2026 and has announced plans for doctoral programs in education and social work.
According to U.S. News & World Report (USNWR), NMHU is one of the top 100 schools for economically disadvantaged students and ranks among the top 45-59 public schools nationwide. Out of 118 "Regional Universities West" in the 2026 USNWR rankings, Highlands ranked No. 97 overall, No. 52 among public schools, and No. 75 on social mobility.
NMHU is among the top 12 percent of schools in the 2022 Social Mobility Index, which measures the extent to which institutions provide opportunities for students with family incomes below the national median, based on metrics such as tuition cost, indebtedness among graduates, and post-graduate employment.
Athletics
NMHU's athletic teams are nicknamed the Cowboys / Cowgirls and compete in the NCAA's Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Ten varsity athletics programs are offered, including women's soccer, men's and women's cross-country, women's track and field, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball and football.
Statewide centers
In the 1997–98 academic year, New Mexico Highlands University established an extended learning center in Rio Rancho and began offering upper-division undergraduate and graduate courses in business, accounting, education, and social work. The center has since added studies in criminal justice, public affairs administration, computer science and general and school counseling. NMHU also has centers in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Farmington.
Notable alumni
S. Omar Barker, legislator, soldier, writer
Mary Camille Skora Bohannon, radio news anchor/reporter
Mark Cotney, professional football player
Charlie Cowan, professional football player
Bill Dinwiddie, professional basketball player
Carl Garrett, professional football player
Len Garrett, professional football player
Reggie Garrett, professional football player
María Dolores Gonzáles, leader of bilingual education in New Mexico
Anthony Edwards, professional football player
Eddie Guerrero (1967–2005), professional wrestler
Keith Jardine, football player; retired mixed martial artist, formerly for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Strikeforce, and King of the Cage
Leroy Lamis, sculptor
Ben Ray Lujan, U.S. Senator from New Mexico (2021–present), former U.S. Representative from New Mexico (2009-2021)
Ray Leger, educator and member of the New Mexico Senate
Laura Montoya, New Mexico State Treasurer
Chris Newsome, professional basketball player