The newest building in Rio Rancho’s City Center, is the now under-construction Central New Mexico Community College campus.
Mayor Tom Swisstack said, “I am truly happy because we are starting to successfully build the public education infrastructure,” Swisstack said. “Students will be able to go from pre-K through graduate school here in Rio Rancho.”
The campus is being built on 40 acres near the Rio Rancho City Center.
The plans call for an urban look that meshes with Rio Rancho’s vision.. The building will include an interior courtyard where students can study outside. In addition, all of the classrooms will include plenty of natural light.
The design of the building will be similar to the West Side campus, located in Northwest Albuquerque.
District 3 Councilor Delma Petrullo, who passed away in June, was glad to see the school strive for the LEED certification.
“I love the fact they are going for LEED. LEED certification is difficult,” Petrullo said. “Sustainability is what’s of most importance. It is not so important for my generation but for the children and the grandchildren. We have got to leave them as clean of an environment as we possibly can.”
When the campus opens its doors, CNM will offer classes in nursing, computer and information technology, business administration and liberal arts. The campus will include a nursing simulation lab and biology and computer labs.
Students will be able to earn associate’s degrees and certificates.
CNM and UNM have an agreement so students can complete their first two years at CNM and the last two at UNM.
“The city of Rio Rancho is a place that backs education all the way,” said CNM President Dr. Kathie Winograd at the groundbreaking. “We need more college graduates. CNM is here in the City of Vision to further the cause of education and contribute to the economic development of the region.”
CNM anticipates approximately 300,000 square feet of building space, within six two-story buildings and an enrollment of 5,000 students. CNM anticipates opening in the fall of 2010.
