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WNMU Eyes Sixth Street for New Education Campus
University plans to acquire and renovate former elementary school to house early childhood center and School of Education
Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:15pm
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Western New Mexico University is exploring plans to acquire the Sixth Street Elementary School building from the Silver Consolidated Schools district and convert it into a new education campus. The university had previously planned to build a new $21 million facility for an early childhood development center, but the Sixth Street option would provide more square footage at a lower cost. The university is also in the process of selecting a new president, with five finalists set to visit the campus and community in late February and early March.
Why it matters
This move represents a shift in WNMU's strategy for its education programs, opting to repurpose an existing school building rather than construct a new facility. It also comes as the university seeks to rebuild its credibility in the state legislature following past controversies, with lawmakers expressing strong support for the institution's future direction.
The details
WNMU had originally planned to build a 30,000-square-foot early childhood development center as part of a larger education compound on 8 acres of land the university owns. However, acquiring and renovating the Sixth Street Elementary building would provide three times the square footage at half the cost. Interim President Chris Maples sees benefits in connecting the university more closely with the local community and avoiding leaving an empty building in a historic neighborhood.
- The WNMU Board of Regents met on January 31, 2026 to discuss the university's plans.
- Five finalists for the WNMU presidency will visit the campus and community in late February and early March 2026.
- The regents aim to select their top two candidates and make a final decision on the new president by March 10, 2026.
The players
Dean Reed
Secretary/treasurer for the WNMU Board of Regents and chair of the presidential search committee.
John Wertheim
Vice president of the WNMU Board of Regents and co-chair of the presidential search committee.
Chris Maples
Interim president of Western New Mexico University.
Jay Block
District 12 state senator who expressed strong legislative support for WNMU.
Howie Morales
Lieutenant governor of New Mexico and WNMU alumnus.
What they’re saying
“Hold your head up at Western. I guarantee you, you have the respect of every legislator here in the Senate and in the House, and we are all pulling for you. There's no way we're going to let this great university go down.”
— Jay Block, State Senator
“Just know that I appreciate every single one of you very much, and look forward to good results when we come out of this legislative session.”
— Howie Morales, Lieutenant Governor
What’s next
The WNMU Board of Regents plans to select their top two presidential candidates and make a final decision on the new president by March 10, 2026.
The takeaway
WNMU's shift to acquire and renovate an existing school building rather than construct a new facility demonstrates the university's focus on cost-effectiveness and community integration as it seeks to rebuild trust and support from state lawmakers. The presidential transition also represents an opportunity for the university to chart a new strategic direction.
