Carlsbad seeks independent college

CARLSBAD — Carlsbad’s school board is voicing support for a proposal to convert the New Mexico State University branch campus in the southeastern New Mexico city into an independent community college.

The board voted unanimously Tuesday in favor of a resolution supporting the proposed conversion, which local officials contend would benefit students, faculty, staff and the community.

Mayor Dale Janway in 2020 created a city task force that studied several possible approaches. The task force ultimately presented the state Department of Higher Education with a report recommending conversion.

Carlsbad officials said there is a desire for increased curriculum flexibility to meet needs of local employers, including additional vocational courses and certifications.

Creating an independent community college would require action by the New Mexico Legislature.

The Board of Regents on Jan. 6 directed NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu to hire a consulting firm to study the conversion issue and provide a report to the regents.