UNM Vice President for Student Affairs Eliseo “Cheo” Torres recently visited various Mexican colleges and universities with an eye toward possible collaboration and student recruitment for short and long term programs.
His visit included the Universidad del Valle de Mexico, a 41-campus system with more than 100,000 students. UVM is the largest private university system in Mexico. “They are interested in sending students to UNM in disciplines not found in their peer campuses. Their interests include intensive English classes,” Torres said. They are also interested in dual degree programs. The UVM system president, Cesar Morales Hernandez, earned his doctorate from New Mexico State University. “His brother graduated from UNM, so their ties to New Mexico are strong,” Torres said. Morales is visiting UNM in the spring semester.
Torres also spent time at Tecnológico del Estado de Mexico. “This university is Tec de Monterrey’s biggest competitor. They have been buying up other universities,” Torres said. He said they are interested in a month long program for two groups of 30 students in February, March or July of next year. “The first program would bring 30 students and a professor from Chemical & Nuclear Engineering. The second program would be for an intensive English language program,” Torres said.
And speaking of Tec de Monterrey, Torres visited with officials at several branches in the Mexico City area. “They’re interested in sending two groups of 20 per group to UNM for a program in Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media,” Torres said. He said that many of their students are bilingual. “They have to pass the TOEFL exam prior to graduation,” he said. Torres said that they are also interested in the spectrum of programs offered in communication and journalism.
Finally, Torres visited the Universidad YMCA. “They offer an international YMCA program. It would be advantageous for us to tap into their programs,” Torres said. Officials from the school are looking to send a group of students and staff to UNM for two weeks. “They would like to collaborate with the local YMCA, as well,” Torres said.
Torres said that these programs and contacts offer opportunities for UNM faculty and students. Faculty interested in participating with any of these initiatives may contact Torres at cheo@unm.edu.
Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales (505) 277‑5920; email: cgonzal@unm.edu
