Five New Mexico Colleges Join Forces to Transform and Improve the Higher Education Experience

Colleges unite to form non-profit to better serve students, modernize operations, save money

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Central New Mexico Community College (CNM)

Mar 31, 2021, 13:10 ET

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With today's college students facing a variety of major challenges that require innovative and bold action, five public New Mexico colleges have responded by establishing a 501c3 nonprofit organization to fundamentally transform higher education: the Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services (CHESS). They are the first in the nation to voluntarily join forces in a collective to share decision-making and technology across institutions. CHESS' unique approach will reimagine student services to eliminate barriers and increase educational achievement. Its shared technology system will revolutionize the student journey from recruitment and enrollment to completion and career.

The CHESS Board of Directors includes Clovis Community College President Charles Nwankwo, Ph.D.; Central New Mexico Community College President Tracy Hartzler, J.D.; Northern New Mexico College President Richard J. Bailey, Jr., Ph.D.; San Juan College President Toni Pendergrass, Ph.D.; and Santa Fe Community College President Becky Rowley, Ph.D.

"This landmark effort is going to make so many processes outside of the classroom much simpler for students by reducing the barriers and time that's typically required to enter college, stay in college, and transfer between colleges," said Central New Mexico Community College President Tracy Hartzler. "This will help more students successfully enroll and progress to graduation and jobs. The new shared technology will also allow our colleges to be more efficient, more effective, and more collaborative than ever before. Our colleges will be able to share expertise to a much greater extent since we'll all be using the same systems and processes. It's going to be a game-changer for how colleges collaborate to improve the effectiveness of higher education."

CHESS' unique organizational structure allows the colleges to take advantage of the efficiencies of a true college system while retaining their independence and unique connection to their local communities and local culture. The Board will establish and promote the vision, work to secure sustainable funding, and guide the project's implementation. Through a strategically designed enterprise technology solution, CHESS will employ more consistent and efficient approaches that students will more easily understand. It will restructure overly complicated, outdated administrative functions.

"Collaboration is key to ensuring the success of our students and the future of higher education in our state," New Mexico Cabinet Secretary of Higher Education Stephanie Rodriguez said. "This initiative is aligned with the New Mexico Higher Education Department's vision to streamline and improve the student experience at our public colleges and universities across the state. I commend the five New Mexico colleges working together on this groundbreaking project and look forward to seeing its success."

As a majority-minority state, New Mexico higher education is acutely aware of the obstacles students face. Students of color, first-generation college students, and those who are from disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected by the way colleges have operated, from admission to graduation. They need more flexibility.

"Attaining nonprofit status will help to advance this collaborative effort by allowing us to streamline processes for students so they can achieve their educational goals," says San Juan College President Toni Hopper Pendergrass, Ph.D. "This integrated approach will have numerous benefits including, increasing efficiencies in the application and financial aid processes and providing students with increased flexibility to take courses at multiple colleges. We are excited to be a part of an effort that will have such a positive impact on our students' futures."

CHESS' common system will eliminate the need for multiple admission applications and registration; reduce duplication of student and employee records; simplify student transfer; and provide a clear path to success. Partner colleges will share decision-making, data and processes, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective operations. Users will find the new platform more agile and more intuitive, including on mobile devices.

"The key to success for higher education institutions in the 21st century is collaboration, and we are excited about the doors of opportunity that CHESS will open not only for our colleges, but for students across the state and beyond." said Richard J. Bailey, Jr., Ph.D., Northern New Mexico College president.

SOURCE Central New Mexico Community College (CNM)