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Board approves New Mexico State University PhD in wildlife and fisheries ecology
Summary
The State Board of Finance approved New Mexico State University's proposal to add a PhD in wildlife and fisheries ecology, citing workforce demand and existing grant support; the board recorded that the program requires no additional state fiscal support at this time.
The State Board of Finance voted to approve a proposed PhD program in wildlife and fisheries ecology from New Mexico State University on Jan. 14.
Martha Desmond, department head of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology at NMSU, and Dr. Casey Prigler described a 66-credit doctoral curriculum, transfer allowances for students with master's degrees, and a plan to enroll an estimated two new doctoral students per year initially. Desmond said the department has a waiting list of four to five prospective students and that existing external grants and contracts (more than $31 million in active grants, she said) will support student assistantships averaging about $28,000 per year.
Member Paul Cassidy praised the package and asked whether grant funding directly supported student stipends; Desmond confirmed grants typically pay stipends, tuition and related research expenses. Staff and presenters told the board the program would not require additional state appropriations because resources and faculty capacity are currently in place.
Member Lujan moved approval; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote.
The board congratulated NMSU and asked staff to track any fiscal impacts should program needs change.
