Legislative chambers in the capital building in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Photo credit: Scott Bufkin)

By Katie E. Ismael 

New Mexico Tech will take center stage at the 2026 New Mexico Legislative Session on Thursday, January 29, as it seeks to advance its top, STEM-focused priorities. The institution is advocating for critical funding to enhance student success, drive applied research and fuel New Mexico’s technology-driven economic development. 

Nationally recognized for excellence in STEM education and research, New Mexico Tech is focusing its requests on initiatives that align directly with the state’s vision for a high-tech future.

New Mexico Tech will showcase the impact of its students, faculty, staff and programs and the role it plays in advancing science, engineering and innovation for New Mexico during New Mexico Tech Day at the Legislature on Thursday in the State Capitol Building. Following this, Earth Science Day on January 30 will emphasize New Mexico Tech’s impact on studying New Mexico’s water, mineral and energy resources. 

“As we participate in this year’s legislative session, we are eager to tell our story so that the impact we have on New Mexico higher education is highlighted and celebrated,” said New Mexico Tech Interim President Dr. Michael Jackson. “Our initiatives, and the priorities they represent, are designed to have a direct, tangible impact on our state. By focusing on high-quality STEM degrees, we will strengthen the New Mexico STEM workforce. Through our research and the innovations that result, we aim to improve the lives of all New Mexicans, fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous future.”

Through collaborative programs that provide hands-on experience for future innovators and leaders in STEM fields, New Mexico Tech is making a tangible impact that extends beyond the classroom and into the state’s communities, including rural communities in Hidalgo and Eddy counties. Through a robust ecosystem of more than 10 nationally recognized research centers and institutes that serve the nation and state, New Mexico Tech is leading discovery and innovation that aligns with New Mexico’s vision of building a strong, technology-driven future.

The institution’s Capital Priorities (pg. 2) for FY27 represent a strategic investment in student success, workforce development, and long-term campus infrastructure. These priorities include: 1) continued development of the Student & Community Wellness Center; 2) modernization of academic and research facilities, specifically the Mineral Science and Engineering Complex (MSEC) and the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources (NMBGMR); 3) expansion of high-quality childcare services; and 4) targeted upgrades to public safety systems and equipment. Together, these projects enhance educational outcomes, support employee and student retention, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable campus environment that serves New Mexico Tech and the broader Socorro community. 

The institution’s Special Appropriation Requests (pg. 8) focus on strengthening statewide research capacity, workforce development, and critical infrastructure. The top priorities include: 1) upgrades to enterprise IT systems; 2) strategic campus and research facility planning; 3) student success and leadership development initiatives; and 4) investments in critical minerals and advanced wireless technologies. Together, these requests support New Mexico’s economic growth, public safety, and innovation ecosystem by modernizing infrastructure, advancing research, and preparing a skilled workforce aligned with state and national priorities.

The institution’s Research and Public Service Projects (RPSP) (pg. 21) requests support the expansion and continuation of critical research, education, and workforce programs across the state. These investments strengthen STEM education, advance high-impact research, and support economic development while sustaining programs that serve industry, government and New Mexico communities.

For more information about specific projects, including the minor capital outlays, visit the full report here: https://bit.ly/FY27LP