Established in 1965, The New Mexico Junior College has stood in Hobbs for a little over 50 years. With over 3,000 students, the school’s Director of Communications, Susan Fine said the college has grown tremendously over the years and they offer more than people realize.
“Whether you want to get a job or get skilled at a job, whether you want to get a bachelors or an associates and continue on,” Fine said. “We have it all here and that’s what we love about this college.”
The school offers everything from business, cosmetology, automotive, to business in gas. Fine said they have been recognized in several departments and that their nursing students are ranked within the top 10 in the country, and that’s against other universities and junior colleges. Nursing student, Lupe Ramos said she came from Community College of Denver.
“The lab practice we get is helpful because once we go to the hospital we can apply the skills we have learned from lab,” said Ramos. “Also the relationships we have with each other is a great support system.”
Fine said the college has a diverse group, and the school has students from at least 19 different countries. They also offer athletic scholarships as well, student Bristol O’Connor traveled from Jamaica to attend the school for her freshman year. She throws for the track team, and said she came with 15 other Jamaican students.
“I’m not ready to go home just yet.” O’Connor said.
