Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | New Mexico State University
Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University (NMSU) offers students a range of experiential learning opportunities through its Fashion Merchandising and Design program. Lizbeth Nuñez, an undergraduate student, gained practical experience in custom boot-making during her internship at Rocketbuster Handmade Custom Boots. She said, “This internship opportunity at Rocketbuster Handmade Custom Boots allowed me to develop valuable skills such as attention to detail, project management and working with a team of wonderful individuals.”
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences provides various hands-on experiences that allow students to explore creativity and business skills before graduating. Kelley Coffeen, assistant professor in the program, noted that their program is unique in New Mexico and attracts many students from El Paso.
One popular initiative is the Remade Runway Sustainable Met Gala Fashion Show. It involves students creating sustainable fashion using unconventional materials. Coffeen remarked on the industry's efforts towards sustainability: “The fashion industry is making great strides in minimizing the industry’s impact on the environment.”
The new Food Science, Security and Safety Center has opened doors for food science students to engage in research and professional development. Francine Mezzomo Giotto highlighted how the facility helps students understand career opportunities within the meat industry. Graduate student Andrea Solar emphasized the importance of hands-on laboratory courses for understanding food safety regulations.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is also encouraged at NMSU. Atlee Musgrave participated in a research project under professors Coffeen and Merranda Marin, exploring fashion's role in fostering a sense of belonging among students. Marin stated that it was unusual for fashion students to pursue research-related areas but found value in mentoring Musgrave through his project.
Additionally, Marin mentioned efforts to adapt courses for online accessibility through NMSU Global to better serve non-traditional students. “We’ve connected with NMSU Global, and we’re moving our undergraduate program to be a completely online program,” she said.
These initiatives reflect NMSU's commitment to providing diverse learning experiences that prepare students for future careers.
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