ENMU's Sets New Enrollment Record with 5,814
“Numbers are nice, but it is the quality of our graduates and their contributions to society that make me the proudest.” – Dr. Steven Gamble
Eastern New Mexico University has set another enrollment record with 5,814 students, an increase of 4.3 percent over last fall’s previous record of 5,574 students.
Student credit hours, which higher education institutions funding is based on, increased by 3.9 percent.
ENMU’s record enrollment includes 4,586 undergraduate and 1,228 graduate students.
These numbers include a record 709 first-time freshmen compared to last year’s previous record of 690, an increase of 2.7 percent. The retention rate for first-time freshmen from the fall of 2011 to the fall of 2012 is 62.5 percent.
The average ACT scores of new freshmen is 20.0, which exceeds the state average of 19.6.
“We are pleased with enrollment, in terms of numbers and quality,” said Steven Gamble, ENMU president.
“We have hard-working, student-centered employees who have contributed greatly to this growth. Thanks to our dedicated professors, Eastern has a reputation for offering high academic quality at a low price, with genuinely personal attention for each student.”
Gamble also says that Eastern has a solid reputation for quality academics at an affordable price. “With a total annual cost of only $4,350 for tuition and fees, I think students and their parents see us as a bargain.”
Gamble added, “We also have a safe, attractive and friendly campus in which students truly get personal attention from the faculty and staff.
“Numbers are nice, but it is the quality of our graduates and their contributions to society that make me the proudest,” Gamble said.
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Student Radio Coming Back From the Past
story and photo by Shantiana White
Communication Services
“Student radio is one of the few media outlets where a listener can hear a jazz show followed by a punk rock or heavy metal show.” – Dr. Roger Gatchet
Dr. Roger Davis Gatchet, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication and the new faculty advisor for ENMU’s student radio station, is helping to breath new life into the once-active station.
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| Dr. Roger Gatchet |
Originally started in the mid-1990s, the station ceased operations a few years ago. In its early days it went by the call letters KZIA until it was learned that a commercial station in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, had already been using the same name, and it was housed on the second floor of the Campus Union Building. In fact, an old “student radio” sign is still visible on the wall outside of the old studios even though the station hasn’t been broadcasting for some time now.
But that’s all old history. Like a phoenix, the station is coming back.
Over the past year Lonzo Lassiter, an instructor of communication who once volunteered as a DJ at the station when he was a student at ENMU, has been working closely with Mickey Morgan, the chief audio engineer at public station KENW, to construct a new professional studio facility in the same Communication Center that houses the Department of Communication.
The studio, which is just on the verge of being completed, boasts a new radio board, microphones, CD players, computers, and several other pieces of custom-built equipment.
Although the station will be run and operated solely by student volunteers of all majors, it is also open to alumni, faculty and staff. The station’s mission is to provide an alternative source of music, talk and community programming that listeners can’t find on commercial radio.
“I volunteered at three different student radio stations over the course of ten years when I was a student,” said Gatchet. “It was an incredible experience, and I’m just thrilled to be a part of student radio again here at ENMU.”
The station is having its first meeting on Thursday, Sept. 20, from 3-5 p.m. in COM 111. Agenda items include discussing the programming lineup for the fall semester, elections for station staff positions, and a tour of the new studio, among other things. Anyone interested in learning more or getting involved is encouraged to attend.
Volunteers will be able to gain professional broadcasting experience and have fun sharing their musical preferences without being subject to the format restrictions that limit programming on commercial stations in the area.
“Student radio is one of the few media outlets where a listener can hear a jazz show followed by a punk rock or heavy metal show,” said Gatchet. “The last student-run station I volunteered at had a weekly Star Wars-themed talk show called ‘These are Not the Droids You’re Looking For’ that was one of our most popular programs. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of diversity in programming our students will bring to the station.”
The station is currently not licensed by the FCC. Initially, the station will have the ability to broadcast on campus, but Gatchet is actively working to get the station streaming over the Internet by the end of the fall semester. He is also investigating the possibility of an FCC license to give the station a presence on the AM or FM dial.
“Everything is in place, and I’m really excited to get this thing going,” said Gatchet.
Student Radio Station Tour on September 20 – Are you interested in participating in ENMU's new student radio station? Come to the station's first meeting on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 3-5 p.m. in COM 111. We'll take a tour of our brand new studio and discuss plans for getting the station off the ground this semester.
For more information, contact the student radio advisor, Dr. Roger Davis Gatchet, at Roger.Gatchet@enmu.edu or 562.2841
Ohio Native Joins Communication Department
by Shantiana White
Communication Services
“I came here with high expectations for students, and they have met them.” – Dr. Chad Painter
Dr. Chad Painter joined Eastern New Mexico University from Columbus, Ohio, as a visiting assistant professor of communications.
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| Dr. Chad Painter |
Born in Zanesville, Ohio, he grew up in Newark, Ohio, with his two older brothers.
He received his bachelor’s in English professional writing in 1999 at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and his M.A. in 2009 and Ph.D. this year from the University of Missouri.
He decided to come to ENMU because the job description was interesting and that there was a grad school.
“During my interview in July, everyone was nice, and I really liked them,” said Dr. Painter.
This first-time professor is teaching four classes, including a graduate communications theory course, an undergraduate magazine writing course, and two sections of interpersonal communication.
It has been very exciting for Dr. Painter because he’s transitioning from being a student to a teacher.
“I came here with high expectations for students, and they have met them,” said Dr. Painter.
The faculty advisor for The Chase said he is where he wants to be, and that teaching is his career goal.
After getting his bachelor’s, the guitarist was a journalist and freelancer for an alternative newsweekly, “The Other Paper,” until 2007.
Dr. Painter worked for J.P. Morgan Chase in corporate communications, which was a learning experience for him.
He actively researches communication theory and has two papers being published in an ethics book by the editor, Lee Wilkins.
“The ethical (respect and depth) concept is, basically, the way you thank someone is to carry on their traditions, and that is what has driven me professionally,” said Dr. Painter.
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Homecoming Schedule
Friday, September 28
The Homecoming Golf Experience — 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m.
The department of Athletics invites you to participate in a great day of golf. Due to popular demand and an overwhelming number of participants, this event will be split into morning and afternoon tee times. Advance registration is required. Please contact the Department of Athletics by calling 562.2153 for more information.
Alumni Registration—Campus Union Lobby, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Stop by the alumni registration table, and let us know you are here! The office of Alumni Affairs will be giving out name tags, traditional homecoming buttons, and other freebies. General admission tickets to the Greyhound Homecoming football game will be available for purchase in the lobby.
50-Year Class Reunion Luncheon—Campus Union Pecos Room, 12 p.m.
The weekend kicks off Friday with alumni registration in the Campus Union Lobby and a luncheon at noon in the Pecos Room. Dr. Gamble, ENMU president, will stop by to visit and give an update on the University. Then hold on tight as we board the carts for a campus tour provided by the President’s Ambassadors.
COPE Reception—COPE Center, 1700 South Avenue I, 3-5 p.m.
The Council of Professors Emeriti will sponsor a special reception for emeritus and former faculty members. Current faculty, alumni, and members of the community are invited to attend this event.
College of Education and Technology School Carnival—Education Building Lawn, South Avenue N, 3:30-7 p.m.
A school carnival with all the traditional merriment of fun, food, games, entertainment, book fair, and petting zoo will be hosted by the College of Education and Technology. Bring your extra change and be ready to have an afternoon of fun!
ENMU Zia Soccer—4 p.m.
The Zias face the Incarnate Word Cardinals. Cheer the Zias on. Wear green and show support!
Greyhound Grill—Casa del Sol, 1401 W. 17th St., 6-8 p.m.
We’re all fired up for a backyard party! Alumni and friends are invited to join us for a casual cookout located at Casa del Sol (across from the University tennis courts). Special guests will include recipients of the Alumni Association and ENMU Foundation Awards and the Education Hall of Honors and members of the 1962 reunion class.
ENMU Zia Volleyball Game—7 p.m.
Come support the Zia Volleyball team as they match up against Angelo State. Wear green and show your ENMU pride! Contact the Department of Athletics for updated location.
Bonfire—Greyhound Arena, 8 p.m.
Student Government, ENMU cheerleaders, athletic teams, and Greyhound Sound invite you to attend a pep rally and the lighting of the bonfire. The 2012 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced!
Saturday, September 29
The ENMU Foundation 37th Annual Breakfast—Campus Union Ballroom, 8 a.m.
Homecoming 2012 marks the 37th ENMU Foundation Breakfast to honor donors. Everyone is invited to attend the breakfast. Invitations are mailed to donors and special guests to this annual event. For all other guests, it is $10 per person. Additional tickets can be requested by calling the ENMU Foundation toll free at 888-291-5524. Serving begins at 7:30 a.m. for early arrivals. During the breakfast program, ENMU Foundation and ENMU Alumni Association awards will be presented. Members of the Class of 1962, Educator Hall of Honor recipients, and the Distinguished Emeritus Faculty Award recipients will be recognized.
The Homecoming Parade—10:30 a.m.
Everyone loves a parade! The ENMU Homecoming parade has traditionally provided fun and entertainment for everyone. Please contact the office of Alumni Affairs at alumni.affairs@enmu.edu or call 575.562.2125 for entry information.
Parade Route
- The parade will start at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29
- The parade will begin at the intersection of 3rd street and Ave C.
- The parade will travel southbound on Ave C.
- The parade will turn westbound onto 18th Street.
- The parade will end at south Ave J.
- The parade will not go down 1st street toward ENMU, as the parade has in the past.
Sodexo Buffet—Crossroads, Campus Union, 11:30a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Immediately following the parade, join us for the traditional buffet in the Crossroads dining facility. This is a feast at its finest, and everyone is invited; no reservations are needed. Tickets will be available at the door for $8.25 per person.
The Homecoming Football Game—Greyhound Stadium, 2 p.m.
The Homecoming game will match the Greyhounds against Angelo State. Halftime activities at the football game will include the presentation of the Homecoming King and Queen and their court. Winners of the 2012 ENMU Homecoming floats will be announced along with local business sponsors for this event. Be a Greyhound fan! Wear green and show your ENMU pride!
ENMU Educator Hall of Honor Gala—Yam Theatre, 6:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited to attend the fifth annual ENMU Educator Hall of Honor Gala. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with dinner served at 7 p.m. Free tickets will be mailed to honorees and special guests of this annual event. For all other guests, the cost is $15 per person. Advance tickets can be requested by calling the College of Education and Technology at 575-562-2443. The new ENMU Educator Hall of Honor Awards will be presented along with musical entertainment.
ENMU Zia Volleyball Game—7 p.m.
The Zias play their second game of the weekend. Come cheer them on against Tarleton State University. Contact the Department of Athletics for updated location.
For a more detailed and updated schedule please visit www.enmu.edu\alumni.
| ENMU Women Break the Fast |
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ENMU Women Start Academic Year with Breakfast –
New and continuing members of the organization ENMU Women gathered Saturday morning for their annual breakfast meeting in the President's backyard. Greyhound mascots Vic, Tory and "Tory Two" joined them to express their support for the coming year. |













