New Mexico Sun

News from September 2024


UNM colleges rank among top-100 in latest U.S News & World Report

Two colleges at The University of New Mexico, including the College of Nursing and the School of Engineering, have been ranked among the top 100 in the latest 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings released today.


NMSU researchers among top scientists globally according to Stanford University

The number of scientists from New Mexico State University (NMSU) recognized on an elite list continues to grow. This year, 41 NMSU researchers have been named to a list of the top 2 percent of scientists worldwide. The list is regularly updated by Stanford University and Elsevier, a publishing company specializing in scientific, technical, and medical content. Last year, 40 NMSU researchers were named to the list, and 25 researchers were named in 2022.


Audit rule training scheduled for October in Albuquerque

On October 17, 2024, a training session on audit rule updates will be held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at 3400 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107.


Podcast episode explores UNM's Lobo Launch rocket engineering program

The podcast "It’s (Probably Not) Rocket Science" explores the topic of rocket engineering, focusing on a program called Lobo Launch at the University of New Mexico. The episode, titled “It Actually is Rocket Science,” delves into this initiative developed by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UNM.


UNM professor develops tool aiding families through contentious divorces

When University of New Mexico Adjunct Professor Lawrence Jones isn’t teaching or mediating contentious cases, he's trying to help parents and professionals create a less stressful experience for children during separation or divorce.


UNM College of Nursing ranks among top BSN programs nationwide

The University of New Mexico College of Nursing has been recognized as one of the top Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Colleges list. The College climbed 13 spots from last year and is now ranked 54th out of 686 nursing schools nationwide, placing it in the top 8%.


Maria Nuñez recognized for contributions at NMSU Agricultural Science Center

Maria Nuñez serves as the administrative assistant for the NMSU Agricultural Science Center at Clovis. Her contributions have been recognized as valuable to both the center's staff and the community.


New Mexico approves first community solar project on state lands

During National Clean Energy Week, New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard executed a long-term lease for the first-ever community solar project to be constructed on state lands. Affordable Solar won the rights to the lease by submitting the highest and best bid at a public auction held at the State Land Office building in Santa Fe on Wednesday, September 11. The array developed by Affordable Solar on nearly 80 acres of state land in Valencia County is expected to generate about 5 megawatts of solar energy, enough to power approximately 1,000 homes....


City invites artists for 'Art Stop' bus stop exhibit

The City Art Board and the Quality of Life Department are inviting artists to participate in the ‘Art Stop’ Bus Stop exhibit. This public art pilot program aims to display artwork on bus route shelters throughout the city.


Native American author Deborah Jackson Taffa to speak at NMSU reading series

New Mexico State University (NMSU) will host a public reading event featuring author Deborah Jackson Taffa and MFA candidate Rodrigo Hernandez. This event is part of the Nelson-Boswell Reading Series, which brings visiting writers to NMSU to share their work with the community.


NMSU Board of Regents may form a quorum during upcoming events

A potential quorum of the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Board of Regents may occur as regents are expected to attend several events on Saturday, Sept. 28.


Globalquerque! returns for three-day celebration of world music at Civic Plaza

¡Globalquerque! is returning to Albuquerque's Civic Plaza from September 26-28, offering three days of diverse music, dance, and cultural activities. The event is organized in partnership with the City’s Department of Arts & Culture.


Pumpkin Palooza returns; multiple events planned by City of Las Cruces

Pumpkin Palooza is returning to the Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center. The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024.


Albuquerque implements new ordinance regulating electric bike usage

The City of Albuquerque's new e-bike Ordinance (O-24-14) has officially become law. This legislation permits the operation of all classes of e-bikes on paved multi-use trails and open space trails, except where an underlying landowner has not approved e-bike use or where the Parks & Recreation Department (PRD) has closed trails to e-bikes. The law also sets a maximum speed limit of 20 mph on all City trails unless a lower speed limit is posted.


NMSU hosts Family and Friends Weekend during Homecoming

New Mexico State University’s Family Engagement will host Family and Friends Weekend from Friday, Nov. 8 through Sunday, Nov. 10. The event coincides with NMSU’s Homecoming and includes activities to strengthen bonds between families, friends, and students.


Las Cruces hosts annual Pumpkin Palooza on October 5

The Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Pumpkin Palooza fall event on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center.


Voters to decide on funding for UNM College Of Pharmacy renovations

New Mexico voters will soon decide on a significant investment in higher education, including renovations for The University of New Mexico (UNM) College of Pharmacy. This year's general election ballot includes a series of General Obligation (GO) Bonds, with Higher Education GO Bond-3 proposing to release $230 million to institutions across the state.


University invites registration for annual New Mexico Data Users Conference

Registration is now open for the 26th annual New Mexico Data Users Conference, organized by the Data Bank at the University of New Mexico's Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER). The event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 20, and aims to provide a platform for learning, sharing, and networking around data. The conference will cover both U.S. Census Bureau data and local New Mexico data sources.


Meerscheidt Recreation Center closed Oct. 5 due to softball tournament

Meerscheidt Recreation Center, located at 1600 E. Hadley Ave., will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 5, due to the 2024 Whole Enchilada Softball Tournament being held at Hadley Sports Complex.


APD investigates weekend incidents resulting in arrests including drag racing crash

The Albuquerque Police Department’s Traffic Division investigated three incidents over the weekend, leading to arrests. One of these incidents involved a crash believed to have been caused by drag racing.