Co-Written by Hannah Gray
Deming, NM- Ambassadors for several of the academic schools available at Western were present at the Masters Fair last Wednesday, held at the Deming Campus. It was a friendly and helpful atmosphere, where WNMU students looking to learn about the Masters programs offered were welcomed and accommodated. Mr. Cruz Rodriguez, a chemistry teacher at the Deming High School, was one of the individuals who came to capitalize on the opportunity to learn more about WMNU programs. “I’d like to become an Education administrator in Southern New Mexico, with the training I receive from Western and the prestigious education leadership they have there” Rodriguez said.
Mr. Rodriguez has much to look forward to from Western’s School of Education, whose Masters programs include degrees not only in Elementary, Secondary and Special Education, but also in Education Leadership, Instructional Technology, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Reading. Barbara Kline Taylor Ed.D praised her department’s array of graduate programs.
“This year we had more students in our graduate program than our undergrad,” she disclosed.
The Education Department is open to all comers, stating that they were hoping to recruit people not already involved in education. “We’ll be back in the spring to talk to undergraduates,” Ms. Taylor promised. That would be a great time for Western students, or even up and coming high-school students, to learn more about the programs offered on the Deming campus. Mr. Rodriguez seemed glad he did, stating that he was “very happy to take advantage of my opportunity to study under the tutelage of the fine faculty of Western.”
Education is not the only department which boasts a stellar program. The Nursing program was also represented at the fair, and the representatives were more than happy to talk about their department’s amenities. “There’s a Mannequin that can have a baby,” Abby Carpenter from the school of nursing enthused, describing the incredibly lifelike teaching tools available at the Deming campus, whose facilities she called “state of the art.” The mannequins are not the only reason to look into the Deming Nursing program; the marketability of the field is another boon for the prospective student. Sasha Poole, another representative of the program, called WNMU Nursing graduates the “single most employable.” “Provided they pass the test,” Ms. Carpenter added, “which the program is set up to guide you through.” With its great facilities and employability it is no wonder that Nursing is the largest department at WNMU, consisting of over five hundred students. This proves a great chance for Deming locals, who can complete either the Bachelors or Associates program at the Deming Campus.
Accessibility is another way the Deming Campus is attractive to its students. Hector Rodriguez, a prospective transfer student who came to the fair with questions about Western’s business degrees, cited availability as the main reason he was looking at becoming a Mustang. He explained how hard commuting to another school be for a Deming native. “Waking up at four, leaving at six, to go to class at eight… and then going to work the next day,” he said, describing his current day. “It’s a pain.”
Hector will hopefully find what he needs in the Business department. Despite the fact that the Silver City faculty was not able to attend, Information on Western’s MBA (Masters in Business Administration) was available, and Ken Leupold was present to answer questions. Questions Hector felt were answered well, stating that Leupold had some good suggestions. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Hector said. “That’s why I came to the Master’s fair.”
Becky Brandsberg-Herrera, an assistant professor of Social Work, was also available to inquiring students. She explained that a degree in Social Work is applicable anywhere that there are people, naming multiple trades with a use for someone with this degree, including hospitals, government agencies, schools, and legal agencies. Ms. Brandsberg-Herrera explained that while not always the case, she has seen a “vein of justice” in many Social Work students.
“The people who stuck up for the kid being bullied,” she said. “Certain personalities are drawn to… every major, including Social Work.” Western offers Associates, Bachelors, and Masters in the field. Deming students can take classes online, or in a classroom via video conference.
Overall, the Master’s fair was a well of information, offering friendly faces, answers, and even food and drinks. Participants left the event with new knowledge and appreciation of the facility and faculty, many of whom drove to Deming from Silver City for the occasion. The Deming campus can look forward to the spring, when the faculty will again be available to answer questions, and provide advice. With the wide array of programs offered, there’s sure to be something of interest for everyone.
Photo Credited to Michael Paul Temple
