SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has received recognition for its Calling All Aggies campaign, an initiative aimed at improving student retention and graduation rates. The campaign, described by Nathan Cheesman, Associate Director of Admissions, as "a phone calling campaign," goes beyond typical outreach to help students navigate their academic journey. Cheesman noted, "This is a program that utilizes the personal touch that faculty and staff at the university can have to help students with the business of staying in college."

The Calling All Aggies campaign has been awarded the Innovative Program Award in Retention by the Association for Orientation, Transition and Retention in Higher Education Region III. Assistant Director of Advising Technology, Freddie Romero, praised the effort, highlighting the extensive collaboration across university departments. "The credit has to go to the hardworking staff and faculty who prioritize student support," Romero said.

Since its inception in 2007, the campaign has engaged thousands of students. Romero stated, "Students have to contend with such a wide array of issues that sometimes it is difficult to find a solution that NMSU can directly help with. Regardless, reaching out to students shows that the university cares about them and that we will do everything we can to help them continue on in their programs."

Key university representatives, including Rick Marlatt and Jimi Ickes, have played vital roles in the campaign. Marlatt emphasized the importance of the outreach, stating, "This is a significantly important outreach platform that allows us to maintain strong connectivity across the campus community." Ickes shared, "I find these calling campaigns to be a very positive experience for both me and the students I speak with."

The upcoming campaign for spring 2025 is set to begin on May 15. Training sessions for volunteers will be held on April 21 and 22 at the Corbett Center Student Union. Further participation details are available online.

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