Eastern New Mexico University — Local services in Portales

I had initially been quite hopeful about the opportunity to join the faculty at Eastern New Mexico University. At the time, the role seemed promising — a chance to bring my community-focused, student-centered approach to a new academic environment. When no offer came, I was admittedly disappointed. But as the Dalai Lama wisely observed, “Sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” And in hindsight, it absolutely was.

After reading dozens of student reviews following my campus visit, a clearer picture emerged — one I hadn't fully grasped while there. Time and again, students voiced frustrations about a lack of engagement, unresponsive faculty, and an educational culture that felt indifferent at best and disheartening at worst. A striking number of comments described professors as “unavailable,” “dismissive,” or “disconnected,” with many students expressing they often felt like “an inconvenience rather than a learner", or "how inexpensive ENMU is, but you always get what you pay for." That isn't just unfortunate — it's antithetical to the purpose of higher education.

Contrast that with my current university (and several previous ones) where collaboration is celebrated, mentorship is real, and teaching is approached as a sacred responsibility. Now I work alongside colleagues who see students not as burdens but as future leaders worth investing in. The difference in institutional culture has been energizing. And to be honest, had I joined a campus where disengagement is normalized, I fear I might have picked up some bad habits myself.

In the words of Garth Brooks, “Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.” This particular unanswered prayer turned out to be a very clear answer indeed — a reminder that where we end up is often more important than where we thought we...

Honestly if you read some of these "reviews" they are alumni from 1980's-90's... Things have changed in the past 20-30 years! I only had 4 good instructors, (sadly only one from my major... a lab instructor who was a graduate student, another was my anthropology instructor and two exercise ) the rest of the instructors are too busy for their students and don't seem to care too much if one of them is struggling in class. Advising staff doesn't help much, give half-fast answers and get really rude if you ask for more than said answer.. especially on the phone. Not to mention ENMU never has it together, like changing the portal in the middle of the semester or giving someone the wrong paperwork to withdrawal... I don't recommend anyone attending this university, it may have a lower cost but you get what you pay for.. lower price,...

I’m currently a sophomore at ENMU and I have really enjoyed my time here. I’m majoring in Electrical Engineering Technology and Mathematics and all of the professors and staff are great in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, all the professors and instructors are plenty knowledgeable about their material and then some. As far as I know, STEM fields at this university are great. I haven’t personally experienced anything wrong other than the advising center’s advice, short patience and short answers, however I have had some problems with other professors that other reviews have mentioned such as professors’ opinions.

This university is...