Portales 2027 Legislative Requests
838 Agriculture – Animal Education and Research Center, $450,000
This request encompasses the acquisition of essential agricultural equipment to support sustainable agriculture education and research, including a utility tractor and trailer, a liquid sprayer, a rotary tiller, a conservation seeder, and a disk harrow, as well as associated equipment for agronomy and horticulture field trials. These resources will support the development of the new Agriculture Education and Research Center, enhancing students' hands-on learning experiences and faculty research opportunities in sustainable agriculture, crop production, and resource management in eastern New Mexico.
839 Interactive Simulation and Treatment Lab for Speech Language Pathology, $350,000
This lab will serve as a dynamic educational, clinical, and research hub, benefiting both on- and off-campus undergraduate and graduate students by improving workforce training through the provision of technical skills training via Simlabs and student-to-student practice options with diagnostic and therapy equipment. This lab will expand educational resources to support skills development, provide multiple opportunities for student-faculty research, and expand clinical services for the Eastern New Mexico region. Ultimately, this lab will enhance recruitment, retention, completion, and career readiness by providing extensive access to practice procedures with this equipment over multiple semesters
841 Information Technology Systems – Infrastructure Upgrades, $1.2 million
The request is to replace aging core infrastructure and maintain essential technology services across the ENMU System. Key items include replacing a router that is more than 10 years old, expanding and securing wireless services, upgrading switches and DNS/domain controllers, improving data center rack infrastructure, and refreshing employee endpoints, computer labs, and smart classrooms. These investments are necessary to ensure ENMU’s network remains secure, reliable, and aligned with modern academic and operational needs.
844 Department of Public Safety – Police Units, $300,000
This request supports the replacement of aging, high-mileage campus police vehicles that are essential to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment across ENMU campuses. Reliable police units are critical for rapid response to emergencies, routine patrols, student safety escorts, and coordination with local law enforcement. Updated vehicles improve officer safety, reduce maintenance downtime, and ensure consistent public safety coverage for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
845 Expanding STEM Education and Research, $575,000
The funds would support the purchase of a Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) system to strengthen student training, research capacity, and competitiveness for federal funding. The GC-MS enables precise molecular identification and enhances instruction in Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, and Forensic Science, while supporting research in biomedical sciences, algal biofuels, organic solar cells, and environmental toxicology. The request also includes a confocal microscope and cryostat for sample preparation. Confocal microscopy will elevate STEM instruction by moving students from qualitative observation to quantitative analysis. Together, these tools support recruitment and retention through hands-on experience in advanced imaging and data analysis, improve student readiness for graduate study and high-demand careers, and enhance faculty success in securing external funding and partnerships, maximizing institutional impact and cost-effectiveness.
846 Fine Arts Technology – Facilities & Equipment Upgrade, $425,000
ENMU College of Fine Arts seeks investment to become a regional leader in arts technology. We envision enhanced technology (e.g., TV studio cameras, animation programs, virtual reality lab, music technology equipment, theatre lighting, and film production equipment) to support learning and career readiness in broadcasting, visual art, music, theatre, and film. The requested equipment will enhance the career readiness of our students in existing arts careers and will support new academic programs in music technology, 3D animation, and game design.
847 Allied Health Education & Research – Anatomy and Imaging Systems, $300,000
The requests include (1) Anatomage Virtual Cadaver Table, (2) iDXA imaging bed, and (3) Doppler ultrasound. The equipment will support education and research efforts in the allied health fields. Specifically, the equipment will facilitate development of an anatomy and imaging center critical to supporting the research and training needs of faculty and students pursuing degrees in pre- professional programs (e.g., medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary, and physical therapy), Biology, Communicative Disorders, Animal Science, Forensic Science, Nursing, and Health and Physical Education.
850 Blackwater Draw National Historical Landmark – Security Upgrades, $490,000
The request is for fencing, security cameras, and associated infrastructure to enhance security for the site, visitors center, interpretive center, and residence. The BWD site is part of the Anthropology and Archaeology program and serves as both a historical landmark and an active research site. The site attracts over 1,500 visitors annually, offering hands-on teaching and research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, and hosting archaeological field schools and visiting research teams from across the U.S.
851 Greyhound Sound – Marching Band Uniforms, $225,000
The Greyhound Sound Marching Band uniforms are nearing the end of their functional and aesthetic lifespan, and replacement is necessary to maintain the quality and public image of the ensemble. The Greyhound Sound serves as one of the university's most visible and active ambassadors, performing at athletic events, community events, and regional festivals. The band's appearance and professionalism reflect the institution's commitment to excellence and school pride. Investing in new uniforms will also contribute to recruitment and retention.
852 College of Fine Arts – Supporting Fine Arts Performance, $360,000
Requests include (1) Digital Interface for the Pipe Organ and (2) Steinway Model D piano. The pipe organ was redesigned during the renovation of the Music Building (2008). The requested funds would enable an upgrade to a digital interface, ensuring the instrument is always in tune and performance-ready. The current Steinway piano is over 20 years old and reaching the end of its optimal performance level. This heavily used instrument has been well-maintained, but needs to be replaced as the primary instrument for supporting live performances in ENMU's Buchanan Hall.
853 KENW – Equipment, $400,000
The request includes three Audio Mixing Board Systems for KENW Studio A, B, and C. The boards allow for the mixing of audio along with video. Each studio needs its own audio mixer, along with video equipment. These boards have been in service since 2006 and have been slowly deteriorating in performance. The audio quality is currently minimal at best for production purposes. The optimal quality of audio is required for a production to be a total success.
1437 Athletics – Turf Baseball Outfield, $1,000,000
To provide a consistent playing surface and reduce annual cost for care of the natural grass outfield, an artificial surface outfield is required. An artificial surface will minimize care expenses and increase the ability to play contests in various weather conditions. It will also permit ENMU to host baseball events such as showcase events, camps, and tournaments. These events will bring potential students, student-athletes, and parents to campus and will likely enhance the enrollment numbers for the University. Additionally, it will provide equity in the baseball and softball facilities.
