NMSU's Freshmen Leadership Program Starts in August

1888 Leadership Initiative at New Mexico State University

In August 2025, New Mexico State University launches the 1888 Leadership Initiative , a three-day, free program for first-time freshmen. The move-in period, August 15-17, will serve as the kickoff, with registration due by August 8. The aim is to help incoming students develop leadership qualities from day one.

The program is organized by the President’s Office with campus partners, student organizations, and the Las Cruces community. It targets all first-time freshmen, including those living on campus and off campus, and aims to make leadership part of the freshman year as a core part of the experience. The effort is free and reflects an institutional commitment to investing in students’ leadership development without adding financial stress.

What makes the program stand out

The scope and intent behind it set this initiative apart. It references NMSU’s founding year, 1888, to connect to the university’s long history of building capable leaders. It isn’t a one-off workshop; it is designed to be embedded in the freshman experience and to grow over time. The leadership qualities emphasized, grit, resilience, integrity, service, and hard work , reflect what employers and communities say they want in graduates. As the history says, preparation for life beyond college isn’t about grades; it’s about how you show up, work together, and contribute .

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The structure and activities

The structure is straightforward and purposeful. Over three days, participants engage in team-building exercises that foster collaboration and problem-solving. They participate in community and social events to broaden networks beyond a single classroom, and they attend leadership initiative meetings that cover ethics, service, and practical leadership principles. The week culminates in a freshman convocation that publicly welcomes participants and signals their formal entry into the university’s leadership culture.

The delivery is primarily in-person, with accommodations for off-campus students to join virtually or through hybrid formats, so no one is left out.

Enrollment and impact

Enrollment numbers show why this matters. The 2024-2025 freshman class at the Las Cruces campus was around 2,500 students, with a diverse mix of backgrounds. If the program reaches its goal of benefiting all first-time freshmen, you’re looking at important involvement across the campus, with possible impacts on retention and campus involvement. The university is hopeful that, by integrating leadership development into the freshman year, it can support better student retention and post-graduation readiness. The program’s success will be measured by participation rates, feedback, and the progression of leadership roles students take on after the initiative concludes.

Targets and community connections

The 1888 Leadership Initiative targets incoming students and aims to develop leadership practices in clubs, internships, and community projects. Leadership New Mexico has trained hundreds of leaders since 1995 , and this program connects campus life with the wider community.

Tony Marin, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, says the program shows the university’s commitment to student development in tangible ways.

What should students and families expect next?

Register early . The online portal opens soon, with a deadline of August 8 at 5 p.m. Our initiative will build leadership skills that are key to being a successful Aggie, according to the President’s Office. The plan is for the program to become a permanent feature of the freshman experience, with long-term goals that include expanding offerings to transfer and potentially graduate students in the future. While the early focus is freshmen, the campus culture aims to keep the momentum going year after year, so new students will find continuity in leadership opportunities.

Practical implications for students

Practical implications are clear: engage fully in the team-building activities and leadership workshops, because participation isn’t a checkbox; it’s a chance to practice skills that matter, collaboration and communication .

For university staff

For university staff, the path is to monitor participation, collect feedback, and align leadership development with curricular goals to make the program durable and meaningful. In summary, the 1888 Leadership Initiative is not a superficial add-on. It’s a deliberate, university-backed effort to shape freshmen who arrive ready to contribute, to themselves, to their peers, and to the broader community.

Who this is for

If you’re a new student, a parent, or someone who cares about how we teach leadership in college, this program provides a concrete, accessible way to start building those critical skills from the moment you step onto campus. I feel confident this approach will help students stay engaged, build sstrong networks, and enter their post-college lives with clearer purpose and more resilience . It’s a practical step toward turning possible into action, and I’m curious to see how it unfolds in the months to come.