Local Information

Eastern New Mexico University welcomes students from more than 20 countries. The University is located in Portales, a friendly community of 11,000 people. Portales was ranked 15th in quality of life among 577 micropolitan areas in the United States in a 2006 survey by Bizjournals.com.

The region’s cultural makeup includes local families, University students and Cannon Air Force Base personnel from around the world. The small town setting provides a safe environment for students and families.

Portales lies in the heart of a major agricultural region on the high plains of Eastern New Mexico. With an elevation of 1,219 meters (4,000 feet), the area has a mild daytime climate and low humidity. The average daily temperature is 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees F).

Health Care

Roosevelt General Hospital is located just one mile (1.6 km) from campus, The hospital, built in 2001, is equipped with modern equipment and fully staffed by doctors, nurses and medical technicians. Urgent care is available through Portales Medical Center and La Casa Health Clinic. A number of local doctors maintain private medical practices.

International students are required to carry health insurance. ENMU offers a policy for about $400 per year.

Attractions

The region’s storied history dates back 11,000 years to the days when prehistoric Clovis man hunted mammoth with stone-tipped spears at Blackwater Draw, north of Portales. Eastern operates five museums that showcase all aspects of local history:

Blackwater Draw Museum and archaelogical site
Natural History Museum
Miles Anthropological Museum
Miles Mineral Museum
Roosevelt County Historical Museum

Recreation

Recreational offerings in the city include a golf course, parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, softball, baseball, youth recreation center, an archery range, racquetball courts, fitness centers, and a movie theater.

Fact Box

Population: 11,141
Average Daily Temperature: 22 degrees C (72 degrees F)
Elevation: 1,219 meters (4,000 feet)

Travel Chart

Destination Distances
• Amarillo, TX: 193 km (120 miles)
• Lubbock, TX: 169 km (105 miles)
• Albuquerque: 362 km (225 miles)
• Santa Fe: 370 km (230 miles)