Degree program on regents' agenda

A new master’s degree program to be added to Eastern New Mexico University’s (ENMU) degree options is on the agenda for Friday’s meeting of the school’s Board of Regents.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Jamie Laurenz is on the board’s agenda regarding the proposed Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

“There is a need for expanded counseling and social work services across the state,” Laurenz said in an email statement to The News Tuesday. “The shortage of qualified personnel and infrastructure to deliver these services is particularly evident on the state’s eastern side.”

Laurenz said establishing an MSW at ENMU will provide a “regional healthcare pipeline” to address the needs by preparing highly qualified social workers who appreciate and are committed to serving the region.

“The proposed MSW will also complement our current strong BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) program and provide an additional advanced career path for our students,” Laurenz said.

Lance Pyle, former Regent’s president and continuing board member as well as being Curry County Manager, supports the establishment of the MSW at ENMU.

“A successful workforce development plan is crucial to any aspirations to build a regional behavioral health facility, particularly in rural communities with a limited pool of social work professionals,” Pyle wrote in an email response to The News.

Pyle believes with the MSW at ENMU along with federal grant dollars to bolster the workforce pipeline of social workers is a plus for the area.

Pyle sees the establishment of the MSW program at ENMU as the university partnering with the three cities and five counties in support of efforts to build a regional behavioral health facility in Clovis.

Pyle pointed out the proposed regional behavioral health facility, when fully developed, will require a staff of 24 social workers.

“Mental health services tend to be concentrated in urban areas, creating greater need in rural parts of the state,” Pyle wrote. “Aside from Bernalillo and Los Alamos counties, all counties in New Mexico are classified as mental health professional shortage areas by the federal Health Resources and Services Agency.”

The MSW program is not the only item on Friday’s agenda.

Regents will be considering an amendment to the employee dress code, an operating agreement between ENMU and the Ruidoso and Roswell Branch Community College Board, an out-of-state tuition matter and course fees.

The Regents will also be having an executive session regarding a personnel matter.

The ENMU Board of Regents will meet Friday at 8:30 a.m. in the Regents Room in the university Administration Building.