Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University (abbreviated ENMU), frequently called Eastern is a state university in Portales, Roosevelt County, New Mexico, United States. It is the most recently founded state university in New Mexico (legislated in 1927, opened in 1934).

ENMU's main campus is located in Portales and there are also two degree-granting branches, at Ruidoso and Roswell.

History

The New Mexico legislature approved the construction and staffing of a normal school in eastern New Mexico in 1927, and approved appropriation for construction in 1929, but the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression hindered the school's opening, which was delayed until 1934 (construction had begun in 1931).

From 1934 to 1940, the institution, first named Eastern New Mexico Junior College (ENMJC) operated as a community college. In 1940, the third and fourth years of college were first offered, leading to a bachelor's degree, and the institution was renamed Eastern New Mexico College (ENMC). ENMC was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools as a four-year liberal arts college in 1946-47. Graduate work leading to the master's degree in some departments was added in 1949, and April 5, 1949, the Board of Regents approved the change of the institution's name to Eastern New Mexico University.