District employees will receive tuition savings on online undergraduate and graduate programs, along with discounted microcredentials

Karen Cooper, New Mexico State University

LAS CRUCES - New Mexico State University Global Campus is launching a new partnership with Hatch Valley Public Schools, creating expanded opportunities for educators and district employees to advance their education, develop new skills, and achieve their professional goals without leaving their community.

Through the partnership, employees of Hatch Valley Public Schools will receive exclusive access to educational benefits, including tuition savings on NMSU Global Campus's fully accredited online undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as discounted microcredential opportunities designed to support today's evolving workforce.

Serving a rural district of approximately 1,100 students across five schools in Doña Ana County, Hatch Valley Public Schools is committed to providing high-quality educational experiences that prepare students for lifelong success. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in the people who make that mission possible while strengthening educational opportunities throughout rural New Mexico.

"At NMSU Global Campus, we believe geography should never limit access to quality education," said Andrew Sedillo, executive director of strategic initiatives and partnerships. "By partnering with Hatch Valley Public Schools, we're helping educators and staff pursue degrees, build new skills, and advance their careers while continuing to serve the students and families who depend on them. Together, we're investing in the long-term success of rural communities across New Mexico."

For rural school districts, investing in employee development is an important strategy for strengthening workforce retention, building internal leadership pipelines, and ensuring students continue to benefit from highly qualified educators and staff. By making higher education more accessible, the partnership helps create opportunities for individuals to grow professionally while remaining in the communities they call home.

"Hatch Valley Public Schools is committed to supporting the growth and success of every employee," said Carolyn Vigil, director of Human Resources for Hatch Valley Public Schools. "This partnership with NMSU Global Campus gives our teachers, staff, and administrators greater access to affordable, high-quality education that helps them build new skills, advance their careers, and continue making a meaningful impact in our schools. Investing in our employees is an investment in the future of our students and our community.”

As the demand for skilled educators and lifelong learning continues to grow, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger workforce from within. By investing in the professional growth of educators and staff today, NMSU Global Campus and Hatch Valley Public Schools are helping create lasting opportunities for students, schools, and communities across southern New Mexico.

To learn more about the NMSU Global Campus Partnership Program, visit https://global.nmsu.edu/partnership/ For more information about Hatch Valley Public Schools, visit https://www.hatchschools.net/.

Karen Cooper writes for New Mexico State University. She can be reached at 575-646-4040 or cooperka@nmsu.edu.