Location & Land Acknowledgmenet

New Mexico State University (NMSU), founded in 1888 as the state’s land-grant university, is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) located in Las Cruces, southern New Mexico, less than an hour from the Mexican border city of Ciudad Juárez. Reflecting its mission and location, the student population is approximately 58% Latine (U.S. born) and 5% non-resident students, most of whom are immigrants from Mexico. Additionally, 81% of NMSU students receive financial aid, with 44% benefit from Pell Grants. The university currently does not track the percentage of linguistically diverse students, particularly Spanish speakers. As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for having an undergraduate enrollment that is at least 25% Hispanic, NMSU can access additional funding to support the academic success of Hispanic and Latine students.

As a land-grant institution, NMSU’s history is intertwined with the violence and genocide inflicted upon Indigenous tribes. The land on which NMSU stands was taken from its original inhabitants, the Pueblo Tribes. We acknowledge the past, present, and future of the Pueblo Tribes and all Indigenous peoples who have been and continue to be affected by these historical injustices. We honor their enduring connection to this land and recognize their ongoing contributions to our community. Let this acknowledgment serve as a reminder of our commitment to truth, reconciliation, and the advancement of educational equity for all.