Enrollment at a Lea County institutions of higher learning showed a dip in total enrollment numbers at the start of this school year compared to last year. One administrator says part of that reason is the local economy is showing a uptick. At NMJC, Larry Sanderson vice president of development, institutional effectiveness & accreditation, said, “Our enrollment report for fall 2017 is a …

Over 60 students explored a Native Air Medivac after landing in the parking lot at St. Helena’s School Thursday afternoon.

After several years of discussion, the Hobbs school board and school officials are close to establishing a school-based health clinic on the high school campus. HMS Superintendent TJ Parks spoke to the board about the planned health facility at its regular meeting on Aug. 15. He said the district is working with a company that provides school-based health care. When …

Six days into the school year, St. Helena’s Catholic School principal Stephen Bridgforth’s focus is on the students. A Lovington native and lifelong Catholic, Bridgforth took over the reins at St. Helena following the departure of principal Silbia Molina earlier this summer. He educated for 28 years with Lovington schools before accepting the principal position, starting work Aug. 7. His …

Students take turns viewing the solar eclipse Monday at the New Mexico Junior College. Physics and math professor Joel Keranen set up two telescopes and sun flare lens so that both the community and NMJC students could view the solar eclipse.

Edison Elementary started first day of classes on Wednesday, along with other Hobbs Municipal Schools.

Jal students are getting another week of summer break. The first day of school for Jal Public Schools was originally set for Aug. 14, but with recent developments involving the approximately $20 million Jal Elementary School project, it’s been pushed back to Aug. 21 for third-grade students to high school seniors. Kindergarten through second-grade students will start back on Aug. …

It’s “all about” the students for new Lovington High School principal Ivan DeAnda. The first day of school for students, Aug. 16, is right around the corner, while DeAnda is gearing up for his own first day. A longtime educator for Lovington Municipal Schools, he brings 34 years of education experience to the table. LMS Superintendent LeAnne Gandy selected him …

The University of the Southwest will soon offer its first doctoral degree through its School of Business — a doctorate in business administration degree, which is the first to be offered in New Mexico. The School of Business at USW will offer the DBA degree through an online program. Ryan Tipton, USW School of Business dean, said getting a DBA …

Hobbsan Terry O’Brain’s motivation is “the kids.” Hobbs Municipal School board members unanimously voted O’Brain to the vacant District 3 seat Tuesday evening after interviewing three applicants for the position, including Esther Bratcher and K.T. Manis. With the decision, O’Brain will finish the unexpired term of Lance Wiseman, who was first elected in 2005. Wiseman announced his resignation from the …