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NMSU Carlsbad, southeastern New Mexico STEM programs to benefit from Chevron support

  • Tiffany Acosta
  • 11 January 2021

NMSU Carlsbad, southeastern New Mexico STEM programs to benefit from Chevron support

  • By Tiffany Acosta
  • 575-646-3929
  • tfrank@nmsu.edu
  • Jan 11, 2021
NMSU-Carlsbad.jpg
A gift from Chevron is providing support for academic programs and scholarships at New Mexico State University Carlsbad and STEM programs in southeastern New Mexico. NMSU’s Chemical and Materials Engineering Department Head David Rockstraw and department faculty will connect with NMSU Carlsbad students via the Watkins Extended Learning Classroom. (NMSU photo by Vladimir Avina)

New Mexico State University academic programs, scholarships and STEM programs in southeastern New Mexico have received support from a generous donation from Chevron’s Mid Continent Business Unit.

At NMSU Carlsbad, the $50,000 gift will provide critical funding for the newly developed remotely delivered associate degree in chemical engineering, and will continue support of the Chevron Workforce Development Scholarship. The gift also will help support NM Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology Robotics programs at middle schools and high schools in Eddy and Lea Counties. 

“Chevron supporting the implementation and recruitment efforts of an associate degree in chemical engineering at the NMSU Carlsbad campus is a testament to their commitment to building the workforce in southeastern New Mexico,” said Ken Van Winkle, NMSU branch executive director. “New Mexico State University is proud to partner with them in this endeavor.”

“New Mexico State University has become an important partner for Chevron because its mission to create opportunity through education, especially science, technology, engineering and math, aligns so well with Chevron’s goals for our community investment,” said Nathan Carroll, Chevron’s New Mexico Operations Superintendent. “We’re particularly happy about providing necessary funding for the addition of a chemical engineering program at NMSU Carlsbad, as well as the continuation of an after-school robotics program in Eddy and Lea Counties.”

BEST Robotics is an interdisciplinary after-school program for students in grades 6 through 12. Through the program, students are provided a holistic experience where they use their skills to build robots, learn the basics of coding and utilize simulation software to test their strategies prior to the competition.

“The Department of Chemical and Material Engineering is proud to partner with Chevron to bring an associate degree in chemical engineering to the Permian Basin by delivering content from CHME faculty on the Las Cruces campus to NMSU Carlsbad students via the Watkins Extended Learning Classroom,” said David Rockstraw, Robert Davis Distinguished Professor and NMSU Distinguished Achievement Professor. “As the department head of this fine program, I look forward to the opportunity to work with Carlsbad area school systems to educate local high school students about chemical engineering career opportunities and how to prepare for and navigate this unique program. The ASCHE program at NMSU Carlsbad represents the first two years of the bachelor’s degree; therefore, students who wish to complete the four-year BSCHE will only need to relocate to the Las Cruces campus for two years, and a plan is being developed to reduce this requirement as well.”

NMSU’s Chemical and Materials Engineering program offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. Faculty have research programs in areas such as advanced materials, computer modeling and simulation, energy, environmental engineering and water. Graduates pursue careers in industries such as advanced materials, aerospace, energy production, environmental restoration and pollution prevention, mining, petrochemicals and refining.

“We appreciate Chevron for their ongoing support, mentorship and investment in opportunities throughout the NMSU system that engage both students and industry in meaningful and innovative ways to help build a stronger workforce within our state and region,” said Derek Dictson, NMSU Foundation president.