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The first recorded presence of the University of New Mexico
in Taos under the auspices of the Harwood Foundation is found
in The Harwood Foundation records, dated 1923.
1923
The Harwood Foundation begins offering art classes in Taos
under the auspices of The University of New Mexico.
1948,
August 6
The University of New Mexico' presence in Taos is noted in
El Crepusculo, The New Day newspaper on Friday, August
6, 1948, in Volume 13. El Crepusculo was the official
Spanish-American newspaper of Taos County. (Reference Title:
University Summer Term Closes Saturday, 7th; Verdict: Huge
Success.)
1970
New Mexico Highlands University begins offering academic courses
in Taos.
1974
The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program, offered through Northern
New Mexico Community College (NNMCC), begins a strong partnership
with the Taos Municipal School District.
1975
The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) allows for NNMCC
programs to be expanded from ABE program.
1976
The Taos Municipal School Board requests additional course
offerings from Northern New Mexico Community College.
1979
The first study is conducted in 1979-1980 by Northern New
Mexico Community College (NNMCC) in conjunction with New Mexico
Bureau of Business & Economic Research: "Voc-Ed Needs
Assessment" in the Taos area strongly supports vocational
education.
1980
Northern New Mexico Community College is approached by the
Taos Municipal School Board (March 1979-January 1987 member/Gabriel
Chavez served on Board) to provide vocational programs in
Taos.
1981
A second survey "A Needs Assessment: Higher Education
in the Taos Municipal School District" which documents
the importance of higher education in Taos is completed in
December 1981
1982,
July 1
The UNM-Taos Education Center receives its charter from the
State of New Mexico through the Legislature under the Provision(s)
of the Off-Campus Instruction Act (21-14A) approved
(created in House Bill (HB) 2, Ch.4, contingent on passage
of Senate Bill (SB) 82, Ch. 42 - by the 35th Legislature,
State of New Mexico- Second Session, 1982.
1982,
October
The third study addressing academic and vocational training
is conducted and used to establish the Taos Education Center.
Study is submitted to the New Mexico Board of Educational
Finance (BEF) to request authorization and an appropriation
for both academic and vocational offerings in Taos under the
auspices of the Off-Campus Act by Taos Municipal School Board.
1982
Northern New Mexico Community College offers both vocational
and academic programs in Taos.
Taos Municipal School Board invites Northern
New Mexico Community college to participate in a joint venture
with New Mexico Highlands University to expand the programs.
1982-1986
The Taos Education Center is funded under New Mexico Highlands
University (NMHU). Formal agreement is made between Northern
New Mexico Community College and New Mexico Highlands University
to rotate fiscal agent role(s) every two years. New Mexico
Highlands University begins as fiscal agent(s) from 1983-1985
to offer courses for the Taos Municipal School District (per
School Board approval).
1987
New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) withdraws from partnership
with Northern New Mexico Community College to share fiscal
agent role(s). Northern New Mexico takes control of the Taos
Educational Center in February 1987. (Northern and New Mexico
Highlands had run the center jointly for several years before
that.) Student enrollment is 120.
1987-(1993)
The Taos Education Center is funded under Northern New Mexico
Community College (NNMCC). NNMCC assumes the role alone in
1988.
1988
Representative Frederick Peralta works diligently to bring
a two year college to Taos. House Bill 215 is sponsored by
Representative Peralta, D-Taos, and Senator Carlos Cisneros,
D-Taos, Mora, and Santa Fe. House Bill 215 is a two-part bill
to increase the tax levy and allocate $1.2 million for land
and classroom facilities. • (Connie Valdez, Dean of Planning
and Development, Northern New Mexico Community College)
1988, December 1
Northern New Mexico Community College completes a fourth Survey
study, "An Expanded Role in Taos for Northern New Mexico
Community Colleges", conducted by The University of
New Mexico's Bureau of Business and Economic Research to determine
the educational aspirations of Taos area students.
1989, February 23
The Senate Finance Committee gives House Bill 215 sponsored
by Representative Frederick Peralta, D-Taos, a DO-Pass
recommendation while the House Appropriations and Finance
and Education Committees approves Bill 76 by
a vote of 7-3.
1989, November
The "Feasibility Study for the Expansion of the Taos
Off-Campus Education Center" prepared by Northern
New Mexico Community College for The Taos Municipal School
District is presented to the New Mexico Commission on Higher
Education (CHE) in Sante Fé.
1989
Governor Garrey Carruthers vetoes legislation that would have
permitted Northern New Mexico Community College to begin building
a Taos expansion campus of Taos Center.
1990, August 14
Taos voters approve a 2-mil tax levy by a nearly 6 to 1 margin
to pay for establishing a permanent site for a branch campus
of Northern New Mexico Community College. The measure passes
by 605 for, 129 against. Funds expected to generate approximately
$250,000 a year for the operation and maintenance of a permanent
campus in Taos.
• The Taos Municipal School Board is charged
by the state with overseeing the college. Board members are
selected by Northern New Mexico Community College in Española
to develop the programs for the institution.
1991
Taos County voters approve the Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) to
finance the Holy Cross Hospital expansion. The debt is paid
off in 10 years. This is the GRT that voters again go to the
polls and approve for County education Gross Receipts Tax
in October 2001.
1993, Spring
UNM-Taos' first facility is the Harwood Museum on Ledoux Street.
1997, May 13
The Open House Dedication of the new UNM-Taos campus, W.J.
Klauer Campus, takes place on May 13, 1997. The second graduation
ceremony takes place on May 13, 1997 at the Sagebrush Inn.
Mayor Frederick Peralta declares Tuesday, May 13, 1997 UNM-Taos
Day.
1999
The UNM-Taos Education Center operates with a budget of $1.3
million in state funds).
1999,
May
The 1999 graduation ceremony takes place on May 11, 1999.
( Enrollment: 1,400 students).
2000,
June 30
Dr. Augustine Martinez, Executive Campus Director, retires
from UNM-Taos.
2000, December 7
Bond Issue B is approved by Taos County voters. UNM-Taos to
receive approximately $1 million in Capital Outlay money earmarked
for the construction of Phase II of the UNM-Taos campus to
provide much needed classroom space.
2000,
May
UNM-Taos Graduation: 112 B.A. degrees, 4 Masters degrees,
37 Certificates and Associate degrees, and 44 ABE-GED diplomas
are awarded. The largest-ever graduating class steps into
its future on May 8, 2000.
2001
UNM-Taos submits the Second Petition for Branch Status.
UNM-Taos's petition for branch campus status
is based on the premise that the needs of the present students,
community, and state would be better served by a fully supported
branch campus consistent with New Mexico higher education
policy.
2001, July
A 5-year Hispanic Serving Institute (HSI) Grant is approved
by the United States Department of Education in the amount
of $402,177 for first year, and approximately $400,000 per
year thereafter for the remaining 4 years.
2001, July
An Executive Summary Report that petitions for the
establishment of Branch Community College status is submitted
to the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) and the New Mexico
State Legislators. Comparison charts show enrollment growth
in branch campuses and instructional centers.
2001,
September 5
The UNM-Taos Advisory Board consisting Fred Waltz, Michael
Torrez, Dennis Garcia, Gary Embler, and Beau Schoen are updated
on the substantial increase in total enrollment, number of
credit hours taught, and full-time students over Fall 2000,
petition the CHE and the legislature for branch status again.
2001, August 23-24
Dr. Wynn Goering, Interim Executive Campus Director, and Dennis
Cruz, Business Manager, appear before the Commission on Higher
Education (CHE) at their meeting in Alamogordo, NM to submit
a new plan and petition for UNM-Taos to be designated a Branch
Community College. The presentation is made to the CHE Educational
Programs Committee as well as to the full board.
2001, October 11-12
The CHE Board reviews the proposal at the Santa Fe Commission
Meeting—as an Action Item and requests that a detailed plan
be prepared for the next CHE meeting in November.
2001, October
Taos County voters pass (by an overwhelming 5 to 1 vote) the
County Education Gross Receipts (GRT) tax which a continuance
of the GRT approved in 1991 for funding of Holy Cross Hospital.
UNM-Taos' share after bonds are sold: $4.3 million, 1/4 of
the total $17.2 million.
2001,
October 19
The preliminary detailed plan is presented to UNM-Taos Cabinet
members.
2001. November 1
Detailed proposal plan for branch status submitted by UNM-Taos
for review-CHE and staff members requested additional information.
The community of Taos demonstrates significant support for
the college and the proposal.
2001, November 5
The UNM-Taos budget summary detailing the institution's financial
needs and how the needs will be met over a five-year period
is provided to the CHE.. Plans include a general plan for
proposed construction for the next ten years.
2001, December 19
The UNM Board and the Taos Municipal School Board approve
the funding phase-in as requested. Each local school board
within the proposed taxing district indicates its support
or objection to local taxation.
2002, January 17
The New Mexico Commission on Higher Education (CHE) Finance
Committee Meeting is held in the Peterson Student Center at
St. John's College. Dr. Wynn Goering, Interim Campus Director,
Wendy Stagg, CHE Commissioner, and Representative Roberto
"Bobby J. Gonzales articulate UNM-Taos' recommendations
for funding Branch Status for UNM-Taos. Representative Gonzales
is ready with Legislation to introduce to the Legislature
via the House of Representatives.
2002, January 18
UNM-Taos Detailed Plan for Branch Campus Status Submitted.
As required by regulation 5 NMAC 2.2, the UNM-Taos Education
Center submits a preliminary plan and a detailed plan justifying
the community's request to become a Branch Campus. The fiscal
impact is anticipated to be approximately $750,000.
2002, January 21
House Bill (HB) 171, introduced to the House of Representatives,
goes to the House Education Committee and House Appropriations
and Finance Committees. The Bill seeks to establish UNM-Taos
as a Branch Community College of the University of New Mexico
effective July 1, 2003. Bill is introduced by Representative
Roberto "Bobby" Gonzales. Taos County State Senator,
Carlos Cisneros, D-6, introduces a twin bill to the Senate.
2002, January
The New mexico State Legislature requests an appropriation
of $300,000 from the General Fund in 2003 for the start-up
costs of a branch community college.
• The Bill provides that any unused money would
go back to the General Fund.
• The Bill takes care of a technicality by
terminating UNM-Taos' instructional center status and transferring
all of its property and funds to the UNM-Taos Branch Community
College of The University of New Mexico.
2002, February 4
The House Committee is informed by Bruce Hamlett, CHE President,
of an agreement with the UNM Board of Regents to phase-in
the transition into the funding formula over a 5-year period.
The legislation passes and makes no mention of the proposed
agreement. The House and Senate approve Branch Status for
UNM-Taos in their 30-day session, at noon, on February 14,
2002.
• CHE Commissioners vote unanimously on a Do-Pass
motion for the Bill to be approved.
• The Senate Education committee votes to pass.
• The House and Senate vote to approve Branch
Status.
2002,
March 5
Governor Gary Johnson signs House Bill 171 into law. UNM-Taos
is to become an official Branch Campus of The University of
New Mexico on July 1, 2003.
$300,000 in additional funding is secured from
the state's General Fund in 2003 for in-plant training for
Molycorp employees.
2003, July 1
UNM-Taos officially becomes a Branch Community College of
The University of New Mexico entitled to receive approximately
$752,937 in additional funding from UNM. Enrollment in Fall
1993, 360 students. Enrollment in Fall 2003, 1231 students.
UNM-Taos Executive Directors
1993 - June, 2000 • Augustine Martinez,
Ph.D.
October, 2002 - present • Dr. Alicia F. Chavez
Interim Executive Directors
July 2000 - October 2000 • Dr. Carlos Ramirez
November 2000 - October 2002 • Dr. Wynn Goering
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY ERLINDA
S. GONZALES
IMAGES COURTESY OF
THE KIT CARSON HISTORIC MUSEUM
COPYRIGHT © 1998-2004
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