Voters in New Mexico have overwhelmingly supported General Obligation (GO) bonds in recent years, making possible crucial capital improvements to the state's universities, colleges and specialty schools. On the WNMU campus, successful projects have ranged from the remodeling of existing structures to construction of new facilities that expand the university's educational reach.

One project funded by previous GO bonds is the WNMU John Arthur and Janette Smith Educational Center, an 8,697 square foot building that houses the university's Deming health sciences offerings, including its nursing, phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, and Certified Nursing Assistant programs. Completed in 2023, the new center cost $10,765,000, partly paid for by GO bonds in 2018 and 2022.

The new facility in Deming expands educational opportunities for people throughout Luna and Hidalgo Counties, who have traditionally been underserved. The new John Arthur and Janette Smith Educational Center, said WNMU President Dr. Joseph Shepard, "delivers access to higher education and career and technical education for [the southwest] part of our state, which I think is critical in terms of creating pathways for individuals within that region to grow and prosper and change their lives for the better through education."

Another recently completed GO bond-funded project is the Harlan Hall/Fleming Hall Commons on the university's Silver City campus. This outdoor project, funded by a 2020 GO bond, included construction of an outdoor teaching and demonstration amphitheater and installation of landscaping designed to enhance the outdoor learning experience. Overhead utilities were moved underground, and lighting, crosswalks and walkways were added, improving safety for students and the community.

A 2018 GO Bond helped WNMU to complete renovations to Harlan Hall, the university's science building. This project involved upgrading and modernizing classrooms and laboratories and installing a new fire-suppression system. The public re-investment into existing facilities allowed WNMU to maintain a building already paid for by New Mexico taxpayers while also providing state-of-the-art resources for current and future students.

The university also has a GO bond-funded project in the planning stages, the renovation of Graham Gymnasium. Graham Gym is used primarily as a gathering space for university functions like the Honors Breakfast and homecoming activities, and with renovation, the university's plan is to also use the building as an educational space as well.

The building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was designed by renowned architect John Gaw Meem, who is known for his role in the development and popularization of Pueblo Revival style. In addition to Graham Gym, Meem designed a number of well-known buildings, such as UNM's Zimmerman Library, Los Poblanos in Albuquerque, and the expansion and remodel of La Fonda Hotel on the Santa Fe plaza.

The planned renovations to Graham Gym include a new roof and modern electrical and HVAC systems. Funding was provided through a successful 2022 GO Bond.

This year's GO Bond will provide funding for the first phase of construction of a new Child Development Center as part of the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education. At more than 11,000 square feet, this new facility will house the university's infant-toddler program and will include indoor and outdoor learning and play spaces.

Designated by the state Legislature as home to the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education, WNMU is working to address the critical shortage of educators throughout the state. Nationally accredited, the WNMU early childhood care and education program provides the expertise and insight for early care and education for children from birth to eight years of age.

Like the previous GO bonds approved by New Mexico voters, this year's bond would provide critical funding for higher education without raising the property tax rate.

This story is part of a series about General Obligation Bond 3.

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