Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | Official Website
Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | Official Website
New Mexico State University (NMSU) has regained its status as a Carnegie R1 institution, reflecting its high level of research activity. The announcement was made by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education on Thursday morning. This classification acknowledges NMSU's "very high spending and doctorate production." Nearly two decades ago, NMSU was previously recognized as an R1 institution.
NMSU President Valerio Ferme stated, "From NMSU’s founding as New Mexico’s first land-grant institution, it’s been our responsibility to pursue research that would advance knowledge for the well-being and benefit of New Mexico and its citizens." He attributed this achievement to strategic efforts focused on research and creative initiatives.
In 2025, NMSU joins approximately 187 other Carnegie R1 institutions, including nearby universities such as Arizona State University, University of New Mexico, and the University of Texas at El Paso. The United States hosts about 2,800 four-year institutions in total.
During the fiscal year 2023, NMSU reported over $126 million in research expenditures and awarded an average of 102 research doctorates annually since 2020. To qualify for an R1 designation, institutions must spend at least $50 million on research and development and award at least 70 research doctorates each year. In 2024 alone, NMSU recorded $141 million in research expenditures.
Luis Cifuentes, vice president of research, creativity and economic development at NMSU remarked that this designation is a "testament to the excellence, energy, resilience and resourcefulness" of their community. He added that it reinforces the critical role played by research universities amid national challenges.
Cifuentes believes that the R1 status will support growth across public, private, and nonprofit sectors through knowledge transfer and talent development. It will also foster industry innovation while informing public policies to address global issues with local relevance.
Since experiencing a low point in 2018 regarding research expenditures at NMSU have seen growth. According to Cifuentes increased post-doctoral fellows and expanded doctoral programs have contributed to strengthening their enterprise in recent years.
Looking ahead strategically aims include maintaining current STEM-related expenditure levels focusing on state priorities expanding non-STEM areas increasing post-doctoral fellowships securing external funding particularly within humanities social sciences fields
A celebration marking this new designation is scheduled for later this semester
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