NMSU branding

New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University

News Center


Search News Center Articles





Associated Students of NMSU recognized for supporting student families

Date: 01/24/2007
Writer: Jacqueline Armendariz

The Associated Students of New Mexico State University was honored for its support of nontraditional students, and their families, by Myrna's Children's Village Jan. 18 on the NMSU campus.



Benjamin Hardy, left, Associated Students of New Mexico State University president, and a former president, Jennifer Burn, middle, receive an award on behalf of the group for its support of Myrna's Children's Village from Nancy Baptiste, village director. Evan Hussman, Myrna's Children's Village School for Young Children student, is in the foreground. (NMSU courtesy photo)

Through funding from students fees allotted by ASNMSU the village now serves 150 children, said Nancy Baptiste, Myrna's Children's Village director.

"ASNMSU's financial contribution is an integral part of our budget," Baptiste said. "More than that, it shows commitment from the student government to support the needs of students who have children and need high quality, affordable, and accessible childcare to continue or complete their studies."

The Children's Village, on the corner of Willams Avenue and Sam Steel Way, consists of seven state-of-the-art classrooms for children - the School for Young Children, with half day and full day programs, Head Start and Early Head Start, as well as public school bilingual programs.

Patricia Conn, assistant dean for development in the College of Education, said ASNMSU is an important supporter of the village.

"I think this was a huge step for ASNMSU to support nontraditional students," Conn said.

According to Baptiste, funding from ASNMSU has allowed for accessible and quality childcare for student families so that they can progress successfully through school.

"Many families have told us that they could not have completed their degree program without the village," Baptiste said.

Benjamin Hardy, ASNMSU president, said it is important that students are supported through student fees - traditional and nontraditional alike.

"I am proud to know the village serves students and is there for them," Hardy said. "I'm sure that the facility is making a huge difference for students and children. There are so many different learning opportunities; they're slowly starting to add Spanish, art and music, and it's such a caring environment."