Celebrating 90 Years of Student Success
Founded in
1934
as Eastern New Mexico Junior College
Became Eastern New Mexico University in
1955
Grown to
5 Academic Colleges
Enrolling More Than 5300 Students
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.
Bright Future
ENMU has grown into a world-class University with highly respected programs in education, business, communications, fine arts, sciences, and the health professions.
We invest in preparing students to take advantage of current and emerging job opportunities, meet society's most pressing needs, and serve the communities where they will live and work. Excellent teaching and active learning define campus relationships. Scholarship, both primary and applied, cultural enrichment, and professional service are also significant contributions of the University community.
Landmarks and Traditions
Administration Building
This was the first building to be used by our institution when we opened our doors in 1934 as Eastern New Mexico Junior College. Students used to attend classes in the administration building and a small farmhouse.
ENMU Fight Song
O Hail ENMU to You
May we ever be loyal and true.
Loudly our praises we sing
Through the ages, may they ring.
And all through our lives we will recall
the school that we love best of all.
Hail E-N-M-U to you
The Green and Silver, Green and Silver
reign forever.
Green Friday
ENMU has a standing tradition of wearing green on Fridays. Students, faculty, and staff all show their Greyhound Pride throughout the week, especially on Friday.
Greyhound Mascot
Early in the school's history, students rallied around the need for a mascot. There are a few stories that float around the halls as to why the Greyhound was chosen.
Homecoming
Alumni return to campus to celebrate their beloved alma mater alongside current students. Festivities include the bonfire, parade, luncheon, Songfest, tailgate, and football game.
Hound Hands
Made by touching your thumb, middle, and ring fingers together with your pinky and index fingers extended. This symbol shows your Greyhound spirit.
Ralph the Greyhound
Ralph joined the Greyhound tradition in the 1950s. He can be spotted at events across campus posing for pictures, signing autographs, and sharing hugs.
School Colors
ENMU's official school colors are green and silver.
Related Links
Memories of ENMU
