February 27, 2025
New Mexico Higher Education Day Celebrates 20 Years of Progress and Tuition-Free Education
SANTA FE, N.M. New Mexico administrators, educators, and students gathered at the State Capitol for Higher Education Day, celebrating two decades of progress and the state’s nationally recognized tuition-free college programs. The event, held February 25, 2025, marked the 20th anniversary of the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) and its dedication to making higher education accessible for all.
Diné College joined 23 other educational institutions and partners at the Roundhouse to present its academic and certificate programs and student services, marking its first appearance at the event. Diné College representatives connected with New Mexico state senators and representatives and Higher Education Department Secretary Stephanie Rodriguez.
Diné College has a campus in Shiprock, N.M., a center in Crownpoint, N.M., and a microsite in Newcomb, N.M. Diné College continues to expand its presence and educational offerings in the state.
“This was a great opportunity to meet with other institutions, colleges, and universities and speak with recruiters from other schools. We also had the opportunity to highlight Diné College,” said Sonja Morgan, Student Recruiter at Shiprock Campus. “We had the chance to speak with representatives of the New Mexico Higher Education Department as well as other constituents that share the same initiatives as Diné College. We gained insight of other schools across the state of New Mexico.”
Crystal Littleben, Development Officer with Office of the President, also shared that attending the New Mexico Higher Education Day was a valuable opportunity to showcase Diné College’s academic programs and services while strengthening relationships with state leaders and educational partners. “As a Development Officer, it was vital for me to be there to advocate for the College’s growth, explore funding opportunities, and collaborate on initiatives that support our students. This event also provided a crucial platform for networking—allowing us to connect with key stakeholders, share best practices, and build partnerships that will help advance Diné College’s mission and impact within New Mexico.”
The celebration focused on the benefits of tuition-free college for many New Mexicans.
“There has never been a better time in our state’s history to go to college tuition-free,” said Secretary Rodriguez. “Through the Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, tens of thousands of New Mexicans can now achieve their dreams of higher education,” Rodriguez added that more than 40,000 students currently benefit from the Opportunity Scholarship, and over 200,000 have utilized the Lottery Scholarship since its inception.
Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales, the first in his Silver City family to graduate College, reflected on the personal impact of education. “New Mexico is a national leader in tuition-free programs that serve not just bachelor’s degree seekers but also those pursuing technical careers like plumbing and welding,” Morales said. He applauded the state’s initiatives to fill workforce needs while addressing food insecurity and other basic student needs.
Representative Joy Garratt praised the Opportunity Scholarship for its life-changing impact. “Every high school student and adult deserves a pathway to achieve their dreams,” she said. She urged students to advocate for continued support, noting bipartisan efforts in expanding access to higher education.
Ruben Reyes of the New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation emphasized inclusion, highlighting that tuition-free programs extend to Native American institutions. “This approach ensures education is accessible to all, helping our skilled workforce and supporting communities statewide,” Reyes said.
New Mexico’s commitment to affordable education, paired with a $1 billion higher education trust fund, solidifies the state’s leadership in fostering opportunity and investing in its future.
