New Mexico State University’s College of Engineering marked a significant milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Aggie Innovation Space and the construction of the New Mexico Mutual Metal Additive Manufacturing Center.
The new and expanded facility, made possible through a partnership with New Mexico Mutual, will enhance the university’s capabilities in metal advanced manufacturing also known as metal 3D printing.
The Aggie Innovation Space is a student-managed makerspace and machine shop established to give students and faculty access to state-of-the-art resources to help create prototypes and design projects while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
University officials, industry partners, faculty and students gathered at the construction site on the NMSU campus to celebrate the launch of the project. The expansion aims to provide state-of-the-art resources for students, faculty, staff and industry professionals to develop and refine cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
“This is a transformative moment for our college and for NMSU as a whole,” said Gabe Garcia, College of Engineering associate dean of academics. “The Aggie Innovation Space has already proven to be a hub for creativity and hands-on learning, and with the addition of the New Mexico Mutual Metal Additive Manufacturing Center, we are taking a significant step forward in positioning NMSU as a leader in the field.”
The New Mexico Mutual Metal Additive Manufacturing Center will serve as a premier facility for metal 3D printing and prototyping. The center will be equipped with industry-grade additive manufacturing machines, allowing students and faculty to explore new applications in broad fields such as aerospace, biomedical engineering and sustainable manufacturing, to name a few.
New Mexico Mutual, a longtime supporter of NMSU and workforce development in the state, provided funding to make the center possible. Inspiration for the gift came after a 2022 visit by New Mexico Mutual’s CEO Kellie Mixon and Vice President of Marketing Claudia Sanchez.
“The energy and momentum within the College of Engineering during our visit were truly inspiring. We immediately knew we wanted to be part of it,” Mixon said. “We believe in the power of education and innovation to shape the future of New Mexico’s workforce. By investing in NMSU’s students, we are investing in the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers who will drive economic growth in our state.”
Students in the College of Engineering will have expanded opportunities to work on interdisciplinary projects, collaborate with industry partners and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. Faculty members also see the facility as a resource to advance innovation and attract top-tier talent to the university.
“The combination of the Aggie Innovation Space and the New Mexico Mutual Metal Additive Manufacturing Center will enable our students to gain real-world experience and push the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering and design,” said David Jáuregui, interim College of Engineering dean. “This is an investment not just in our students, but in the future of innovation in New Mexico.”
The expansion project is the second construction initiative launched within the College of Engineering this year, reflecting NMSU’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and academic offerings. It is also part of a broader wave of development across the university, which currently has several on-going construction projects.
For information on partnering with NMSU and the College of Engineering for future projects, contact Patrick Knapp, director of development, at pknapp2@nmsu.edu.
