Proud Past

Although Eastern is the youngest state university in New Mexico, we pride ourselves on our accomplishments since the dream of a university in eastern New Mexico arose decades ago. The Legislature of 1927 located the University in Portales, and the Legislature of 1929 approved the first appropriation for buildings. Although the first building was constructed in 1930, Eastern's doors were not opened to students until 1934.

A Junior College Opens

On June 2, 1934, Eastern New Mexico Normal School held registration and signed up 165 students for their 6-week summer session. On June 4, 1934, Eastern New Mexico Normal School officially hosted its first classes. The fall 1934-spring 1935 school year saw 299 students enroll at the school. The school hired 18 faculty members, four of whom held Ph.D.s. Thirty-six courses were offered in the Administration Building.

The Junior College Becomes a College.

On July 25, 1939, Eastern New Mexico Junior College added a third year and officially changed its name to Eastern New Mexico College. The College added a fourth year in September of 1940. ENMU was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools as a four-year liberal arts college in 1947. Graduate work leading to the master's degree was added in 1949.

The College Becomes a University

The University continued to grow from its humble beginnings in 1934, where it offered 136 courses and hosted 165 students; ENMU had grown so much by 1955 that the institution was officially designated Eastern New Mexico University in 1955 by the state legislature.

90th Anniversary Celebration

Join Eastern New Mexico University as we celebrate 90 years of Student Success on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 3–7 p.m. outside of the Communications Building on S. Ave N. ENMU will be hosting live music and fun games for students, friends, and family members and will have a large variety of eating options with local food trucks in attendance.

View the full celebration schedule