Phyllis Eileen Banks

Phyllis Eileen Banks is both writer and artist.Her articles have appeared in Southern New Mexico Magazine, FYI, Vision Magazine, Roswell Daily Record, New Mexico Magazine, Ranger Rick, Concern, Anchorage Daily News, and other periodicals. In addition, with Cynthia Smith she authored The Anchorage Fun Book.

Much of her experience has been as an editor.Her editorial experience includes The Alaska Presbyterian, The Alaska Heart, newsletter of the Alaska Heart Association, the book COCAHINIA (Consultation on Church and Human Need in Alaska), and Roaming Southern New Mexico.

"I have invisible antennae that 'vibrate' when something doesn't seem right.Of course editing someone else's work is easier than editing one's own," she says.

People stories, historical pieces, and travel writing are her favorites.She and her husband, Hal, moved to New Mexico from Alaska.

"New Mexico has some of the same mystic of Alaska – wide open spaces, different cultures.The transition was easy," says Eileen."It is truly The Land of Enchantment and no matter where you reside you carry it with you."

Phone:727-544-3713

Published on 01/8/2003

ENMU-Roswell is a comprehensive community college serving students in Roswell and beyond. Our students say Yes to success! The modern, compact campus is the perfect setting for student success. Buildings are within easy walking distance and furnish students with both educational resources and quiet study areas. All buildings provide barrier-free access to individuals with disabilities.

ENMU - Roswell

The modern, compact campus is the perfect setting for student success. Buildings are within easy walking distance and furnish students with both educational resources and quiet study areas. All buildings provide barrier-free access to individuals with disabilities. Photo by Donna Gutierrez.

Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell is very young compared to many educational institutions. In its 35th year as a two-year community college, its beginning was through the efforts of education-minded citizens of Roswell.

Following World War II there was a national junior college movement, and in 1957 legislation was passed that allowed community colleges to be established as branches of existing colleges or universities. The Eastern New Mexico University-Portales Board of Regents acted favorably on a petition by the Roswell School Board to establish a Roswell Community College. There were 157 students meeting at Roswell High School that first semester in 1958.

Now the student population is approaching 3,000 each semester, but classes remain small with a low student-faculty ratio. An added attraction is the cross-generational ages of the students. The average age is 27, but because there are classes morning, afternoon and evening, many students can pursue a one-year certificate or a two-year associate's degree while employed.

A wide range of career/technical programs and a full range of general transfer academic programs are offered. The nursing, aviation, and occupational therapy courses enjoy a 100% placement rate, and all score 98-99% on the professional examination for certification.

Ten years following the 1957 legislation, another bill was passed that would have tremendous impact on ENMU-Roswell. Walker Air Force Base was closed in 1967, and that legislation facilitated establishing the college at the former Base. Land, 234.5 acres of it, 27 major brick buildings, 21 frame structures, many small support buildings and several recreational buildings were ceded to the college.

Over the years voters have passed bond issues for building programs, matched by state funds, until today most of the physical plant has been constructed or renovated. Lower division courses have increased from 89 in 1967 to more than 600 each semester. Upper division courses offered through the Portales campus have also grown from just 11 in 1967 to more than 60 per semester.

"The college is in sound financial condition," says Donna Gutierrez, Director of Development, "and we are fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools."

The student population approaches 3,000 each semester, but classes remain small with a low student-faculty ratio. The average student age is 27. Photo by Donna Gutierrez

The campus features modern classrooms and labs. It has a Performing Arts Center, Learning Resource Center, Instructional Technology Center, Physical Education Center, Child Development Center and a hangar for the Aviation program.

The Residence Halls provide apartment-style living with fully furnished two-bedroom suites. Features include telephone connections, free basic cable television, and laundry facilities. A full-service cafeteria provides meals through an all-you-can-eat buffet, a salad bar and a grill.

Tuition is very reasonable and a variety of financial aid options are available. A full range of counseling and advising services are offered, in addition to a program for students with disabilities.

Located six miles south of downtown Roswell, a city of 48,000, many amenities are available. It has five Museums, a zoo, a Symphony Orchestra, a Community Little Theater, varied shops, eight theaters, a mall about four miles north of downtown, grocery stores, drug stores and many restaurants as well as fast food eateries. The medical facilities include Eastern New Mexico Medical Center Hospital and many doctors, dentists and other health care specialists.

For more information, call 505-624-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-24-ENMUR, or write P. O. Box 6000, Roswell, NM 88202-6000. Visit Eastern's web site or e-mail Donna Gutierrez.