

Steven Gamble, president of Eastern New Mexico University, Clayton Alred, president of ENMU-Ruidoso, and Danny Breuninger, president of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, visit at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on June 1 at Inn of the Mountain Gods.

MESCALERO, NEW MEXICO--A memorandum of understanding between the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Eastern New Mexico University was formally signed on June 1 at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino in Mescalero, New Mexico.

The collaborative arrangement commits the University to deliver academic programs and services to the Mescalero Apache Tribe and commits tribal officials to continue their support of higher education for its members.

Against a backdrop of Lake Mescalero and Sierra Blanca Mountain, the signing ceremony memorialized the partnership between Mescalero schools, tribal offices and the ENMU system. Classes are currently being offered at the ENMU-Ruidoso campus, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino and online.

Clayton Alred, president of ENMU-Ruidoso, praised the support of President Breuninger and Frizzell Frizzell Jr, Chief Operating Officer of the Inn of the Mountain Gods, for their strong personal and institutional support of this agreement.

In his remarks at the signing, Breuninger pointed out that the Mescalero Apache Tribe has actively supported the pursuit of higher education by tribal members, beginning in the late 1960s by providing members with financial support to attend college. Breuninger was able to attend college because of this support. He heralded the agreement as another stage of this ongoing partnership supporting educational attainment.

Pointing out the long-standing relationship between ENMU and the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Gamble characterized the signing ceremony as “building on a legacy” forged by Mescalero Apache and Lincoln County alumni of ENMU, strengthened with the founding of the ENMU-Ruidoso Instructional Center in 1991.

Singled out for particular thanks were the late John Shendo, ENMU alum and long-time education director for the Mescalero Apache Tribe; alumna Karen Tillman, educational psychologist; alumna Sandy Gladden, founder of Region IX Educational Cooperative; and James Miller, founding director of the ENMU-Ruidoso campus.

Information about academic programs and classes are available by calling 575.257.2120 or (toll-free) 800.934.3668. Questions can also be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.