Endowed Gifts


Endowed funds have a lasting impact on New Mexico State University. These funds are invested in the NMSU Foundation's pooled investment fund. A portion of the earnings is awarded annually to support the scholarship, professorship, academic chair or university program chosen by the donor.

Endowed Chairs
Endowed chairs enhance the prestige of an institution. A minimum investment of $1 million is needed to endow a chair. With their highly focused areas of study, endowed chairs attract experts to campus as well as graduate students eager to work with these faculty members. A chair is the most prestigious appointment with the university. Currently there are 20 endowed chairs at NMSU.

Endowed Professorships
Endowed professorships require a minimum investment of $250,000. A named professorship can provide the holder with more resources to advocate for his or her special program. It speaks to the academic reputation of the faculty member who holds a named professorship. Currently there are 28 named professorships at NMSU. Opportunities exist in all areas for additional named professorships.

Endowed Scholarships
Endowed Scholarships are a unique way to not only create a legacy of your own at NMSU, but provide perpetual funding for students earning a degree. A minimum investment of $15,000 can begin the process of establishing a named scholarship endowment. This can be a one-time gift of installment payments for up to five years.

For more information about establishing an endowment, please contact Tina Byford at 575.646.1613 or 800.342.6678.


President's Associates Scholarship
The highest award NMSU offers is the President’s Associates Honors Scholarships. The annual scholarship is worth more than $7,730, defraying the costs of tuition, fees, books and living expenses. Currently, there are over 50 PA Scholars and these individuals are among the top 5% of high school graduates in New Mexico. You can contribute to these honors scholarships with endowed or current use funds.

NMSU Scholarship Fund
The NMSU Scholarship Fund is available to Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Services in order to fill gaps in scholarship awarding. For example, an endowed fund may have $955.00 in its earnings account (awarding account). This fund is almost able to make two $500.00 awards. So that this is possible, $45.00 may be pulled from the NMSU Scholarship Fund. This scholarship fund is critical when making ends meet. 

Opportunity Scholarship
The state of New Mexico offers a Lottery Scholarship opportunity to all graduating seniors. Individuals must spend their first semester of college qualifying for the Lottery Scholarship. During this qualifying semester, students need assistance paying for their first semester tuition. The Opportunity Scholarship provides students with money just for that. You can contribute to these scholarships with endowed or current use funds. 

For more information on scholarships, please contact Diane Calhoun at 575.646.7738 or 800.342.6678.