It is an exciting time to be part of the New Mexico State University family as we embark on a journey to give our mission real meaning for today's world. To achieve our vision today, it is imperative that we engage NMSU in the lives of the citizenry.

This university has always been involved in the communities it serves through a superb Cooperative Extension Service, but engagement goes beyond Extension and conventional outreach. At NMSU we want to play an even larger role, which is why we are expanding the spirit of traditional Extension to all areas of the university's expertise. We need to use our knowledge to work on the significant problems our communities face today. We need to truly become community partners.

Of course we will continue to promote greater access to higher education. It is essential that we focus on teaching people how to learn. New technologies and teaching strategies enhance our opportunities to teach NMSU students not only specific subject materials, but also a systematic way to continue lifelong learning. Weaving service learning and community programs into the educational system for students is a key component of engagement. Community partners play a critical role in providing practical, off-campus opportunities that will enrich students' preparation to make positive changes in the world.

We want to be responsive to our constituents, respectful of our partners' needs and accessible – in other words, fully engaged in our communities – and alumni are essential to that cause.

As part of the great Aggie Nation, alumni need to be out on the front lines making sure NMSU is fully engaged in their communities. Showing pride for your university and sharing its role with others is vital. Alumni are part of the network of people who help the university gather information. We want you to share with us ways that your alma mater can make a difference. Together we can cultivate a culture of engagement for NMSU.

Michael V. Martin
President