Keynote

Enrollment Trends & Strategic Readiness

The keynote address, delivered by Dan Garcia, focused on the evolving landscape of higher education enrollment and how institutions like UNM-Valencia can proactively respond to changing demographics, student expectations, and regional needs. Attendees rated the session an average of 3.67 out of 5, reflecting interest in the data presented, but also a desire for deeper connection to the unique challenges of a small, rural-serving campus.

Summary

  • Rated 3.67 overall.
  • Most participants appreciated the data on enrollment trends and demographics.
  • Some noted the opportunity to more directly connect the data to the unique strengths and challenges of a small, rural-serving campus.
  • Calls for greater focus on NM-specific recruiting and actionable next steps.

Key Themes Highlighted

  • Enrollment Decline Trends: Garcia discussed national and state-level projections showing a gradual but steady decrease in the number of high school graduates over the coming years, particularly in New Mexico. He emphasized that institutions must prepare for this demographic shift through smarter recruitment and stronger student retention strategies.
  • Retention Over Recruitment: A strong theme was the importance of keeping students once they enroll. Many attendees resonated with the idea that enhancing student support, mentorship, and sense of belonging can have a more immediate impact than outreach alone.
  • Relevant Programs & Vocational Pathways: Garcia briefly referenced the need for campuses to diversify offerings with career-ready, vocational, and certificate programs. This aligns with many of the breakout and panel discussions, where faculty and staff expressed concern over gaps in adult education and workforce alignment.
  • Impact of COVID-19: The keynote included reflections on how the pandemic has reshaped student behaviors and expectations, with hybrid models, mental health needs, and economic pressures altering the typical educational journey.

Attendee Reflections

  • Many praised the data-driven approach and found value in the statistics on enrollment and graduation.
  • Others felt the talk lacked specificity to UNM-Valencia’s context and would have benefited from actionable recommendations tailored to rural or Hispanic-serving institutions.
  • One recurring suggestion was a desire to address recruitment of New Mexico residents more directly, since the majority of UNM-Valencia’s student body comes from the local area.
  • Memorable moments included an analogy involving fishing, used to emphasize patience and strategy when attracting and supporting students.

Takeaways for Campus Strategy

  • There is strong potential to act on Garcia’s insights by refining enrollment management plans, revisiting student success metrics, and aligning academic programs with local economic demand.
  • Many respondents also linked his talk to the need for better digital infrastructure and user-friendly web content, noting his indirect reference to outdated online resources.