CNM tells lawmakers it will expand workforce training, open film and transport centers, and seeks sustained funding

Olivia Padilla Jackson, vice president for finance and operations at Central New Mexico Community College, opened the Legislative Finance Committee’s on-campus meeting by thanking the committee for continued support and outlining CNM’s top priorities for FY27.

Padilla Jackson said CNM is implementing a modern student information system scheduled for phased launch in fall, with full launch in 2027, that the legislature helped fund. She described several workforce and campus investments: a new film and digital media center and New Mexico Media Arts Collaborative with a Grand Opening on Sept. 1; a transportation technology center at Rio Rancho Tech opening in late August to expand automotive and EV training; and a quantum technician boot camp that CNM will scale with $1 million of a $6 million state appropriation.

Padilla Jackson also announced a Briante Early Learning Center slated to open in November as a lab school to serve CNM students and up to 70 CNM families, and highlighted CNM’s work to expand student supports including food assistance and childcare. She asked the committee to consider stable funding for workforce training and work-based learning, and for help in recruiting and retaining technical instructors.

Committee members thanked CNM and asked follow-up questions about enrollment and program-specific headcounts; CNM said it will provide program enrollment numbers on request and confirmed CNM’s total enrollment across fall and spring terms exceeds 18,000 students.

Padilla Jackson’s remarks framed CNM’s request as part of a broader strategy to connect higher education investments to regionally available jobs in advanced manufacturing, media, and transportation technology.