-- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- HOBBS, N.M. — University of the Southwest is proud to announce that its on-campus residence halls have reached 100% occupancy for the Fall 2026 semester, marking the highest residential housing utilization since before the COVID-19 pandemic and signaling continued momentum in the University's enrollment growth and vibrant campus community. With more than 300 students expected to be on campus this fall, over three-quarters of those students will call University of the Southwest home, creating one of the most active and engaged residential communities in recent history. Demand for campus housing has been so strong that the University has established a waiting list for students seeking on-campus accommodations. "This milestone reflects the incredible momentum we're experiencing at USW," said Dr. Ryan Tipton, President of University of the Southwest. "A full residential campus creates an unmatched collegiate experience where students build meaningful relationships, engage in campus life, and develop both spiritually and academically. We are excited to welcome our largest residential community since before the pandemic." The return to full occupancy underscores the University's commitment to providing an exceptional student experience through quality academic programs, a supportive campus environment, and opportunities for leadership, service, and spiritual growth. A thriving residential campus fosters stronger student engagement, increased collaboration, and a dynamic atmosphere that enhances learning both inside and outside the classroom. "This achievement is about more than filling residence halls," Tipton added. "It reflects the confidence that students and families have in the transformational experience at the University of the Southwest. We look forward to an exciting academic year filled with new opportunities, meaningful connections, and a campus energized by a full community of Mustangs." As the University prepares to welcome students in August, faculty and staff are finalizing plans for an engaging Orientation Week, expanded student activities, and programs designed to help new and returning students thrive throughout the academic year. University leaders continue to evaluate future housing opportunities to accommodate growing student demand while maintaining the high-quality residential experience that has become a hallmark of campus life.

Higher education research platform recognizes top master’s programs across disciplines Hobbs, NM – OnlineMasters.com, an independent higher education research platform specializing in online graduate education, has recognized multiple programs at University of the Southwest in its 2026 rankings. The university earned top distinctions across several online master’s disciplines, reinforcing its leadership in academic quality, affordability, and career-focused education. OnlineMasters.com uses a rigorous, data-driven methodology to evaluate accredited online master’s programs nationwide. Each program is assessed using a proprietary scoring model that measures performance across four core factors: academic quality, graduation outcomes, cost and return on investment, and student support resources. Programs receive an Online Master’s Score ranging from 0 to 100 based on their overall performance. The evaluation process incorporates trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, NCES College Navigator, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, College Board, publicly available institutional disclosures, and aggregated performance indicators from recognized ranking organizations such as U.S. News & World Report. All data undergo multiple rounds of internal review to ensure accuracy, consistency, and objectivity. In today’s rapidly evolving workforce shaped by artificial intelligence and technological innovation, graduate education has become an increasingly important differentiator. Online master’s programs that demonstrate strong academic rigor, competitive tuition structures, measurable career pathways, and robust support for online learners stand out in the rankings. University of the Southwest has been recognized for the following 2026 awards: Best Online Master's in Counseling Programs | Ranked 18 https://www.onlinemasters.com/best-degree-programs/counseling/ Best Online Master's in Online Teaching Degree Programs | Ranked 20 https://www.onlinemasters.com/best-degree-programs/education/online-teaching/ Best Online Master's in School Counseling Degree Programs | Ranked 50 https://www.onlinemasters.com/best-degree-programs/counseling/school-counseling/ This recognition underscores University of the Southwest’s commitment to delivering high-quality online graduate education designed to meet the demands of modern industries and support long-term student success. “Being recognized by OnlineMasters.com affirms our commitment to academic excellence and student outcomes,” said Dr. Ryan Tipton, university President. “We are proud that our online master’s programs continue to provide students with the knowledge, flexibility, and career preparation needed to succeed in a competitive and rapidly changing workforce.” ⸻ ABOUT ONLINEMASTERS.COM OnlineMasters.com is an independent higher education research platform dedicated to evaluating accredited online master’s programs across the United States. Led by a team of data analysts and higher education researchers, the organization operates independently to ensure objectivity and methodological integrity. Using verified federal education data, aggregated third-party rankings including U.S. News & World Report, and labor market research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, OnlineMasters.com produces transparent, research-driven rankings that evaluate academic quality, affordability, return on investment, and student support. The platform’s mission is to provide clear, unbiased insights that empower prospective graduate students to make confident, informed decisions about advanced education. To learn more, visit https://www.onlinemasters.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 29, 2025 Hobbs, NM — The University of the Southwest is proud to announce the establishment of a new endowed scholarship made possible through the generosity of the Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Memorial Foundation. The $25,000 gift will create a permanent scholarship fund to support students pursuing degrees in education and teaching, ensuring that Dr. Trujillo’s enduring commitment to educational excellence continues to inspire future generations. “This gift is not only an investment in our students, but also a profound affirmation of our mission to serve, lead, and transform through education,” said Dr. Ryan Tipton, President of the University of the Southwest. “We are deeply honored by the Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Foundation’s trust in our university and moved by their dedication to the teaching profession.” Dr. Karen M. Trujillo was a lifelong educator, mentor, and advocate for New Mexico’s schools. Her legacy as a teacher, administrator, and statewide leader has left an indelible mark on education in New Mexico. Through this endowed scholarship, her legacy will live on in the aspirations and achievements of students who share her passion for teaching. Scholarships from the Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Endowed Fund will be awarded annually to students enrolled in the university’s College of Education who demonstrate a strong commitment to entering the teaching profession. This support will help reduce financial barriers, enabling more students to answer the call to educate, inspire, and lead in classrooms across New Mexico and beyond. “At a time when our communities urgently need dedicated and compassionate educators, this gift plants a seed of hope,” said Dr. Tipton. “It will grow into countless stories of service, leadership, and transformation, just as Dr. Trujillo did throughout her remarkable life.” The University of the Southwest extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Trujillo family and the Board of the Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Memorial Foundation for their vision, generosity, and partnership in shaping the future of education.

Consumer Privacy & GLBA Welcome to USW's GLBA Resource Center! Understanding the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), also known as the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999, is a significant piece of legislation that plays a crucial role in regulating the financial industry. Enacted to enhance consumer privacy and promote competition among financial institutions, the GLBA imposes requirements on how institutions handle and protect nonpublic personal information (NPI) of their customers. Key Provisions of GLBA: Privacy Rule: The GLBA Privacy Rule mandates financial institutions to disclose their privacy policies to customers, explaining how they collect, share, and safeguard NPI. Access our Privacy Policy here . Customers have the right to opt-out of having their information shared with non-affiliated third parties. Safeguards Rule: The Safeguards Rule requires financial institutions to develop and implement comprehensive information security programs to protect customer information. These programs must include risk assessments, safeguards to control identified risks, and regular monitoring and adjustment of the security program. Pretexting Provisions: GLBA addresses pretexting, which involves obtaining customer information through false pretenses. It prohibits the practice and establishes penalties for those who engage in pretexting. Why GLBA Matters: Consumer Privacy Protection: GLBA prioritizes safeguarding consumers' sensitive financial information, instilling trust in financial institutions. Risk Mitigation: The Safeguards Rule aids in identifying and addressing potential risks to the security and confidentiality of customer information, reducing the likelihood of data breaches. Legal Compliance: Financial institutions are required to comply with GLBA to avoid legal consequences, including fines and reputational damage. How our University Complies with GLBA: Education and Training: We prioritize educating our staff and students about GLBA regulations through training programs and resources. Data Security Measures: Our institution implements robust data security measures to protect sensitive information, following the guidelines set by GLBA. We periodically assess service providers to ensure their commitment to safeguarding data. Regular Audits and Assessments: We conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with GLBA requirements and promptly address any identified issues. We provide annual status reports of our security program to our Board of Trustees. Resources for Further Information: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - GLBA U.S. Department of Education - GLBA At our university, we take GLBA compliance seriously, recognizing the importance of protecting the privacy and security of our community's financial information. If you have any questions or concerns about GLBA and our institution's practices, a USW staff member can direct you to our GLBA compliance team. USW Designated Information Security Officer (ISO): Joshua Ford (iso@usw.edu )

Welcome to USW, where a transformative education awaits you! Inspired by Christian values, our small private institution offers a unique blend of athletics and academics for undergraduates, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Meanwhile, our online graduate programs provide the flexibility and accessibility you need to pursue advanced degrees. Join our vibrant community and embark on a journey of personal growth, academic excellence, and spiritual development at our extraordinary university. Start your FAFSA® Today! APPLY TODAY preparing students for success, the #mustangs way. Welcome to our exceptional rural New Mexico university, where a transformative education awaits you. Inspired by Christian values, our small private institution offers a unique blend of athletics and academics for undergraduates, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Meanwhile, our online graduate programs provide the flexibility and accessibility you need to pursue advanced degrees. Join our vibrant community and embark on a journey of personal growth, academic excellence, and spiritual development at our extraordinary university. READ MORE 01. Future STUDENTS 02. CURRENT STUDENTS 03. Faculty & Staff Student Faculty Ratio 19:1 Undergraduate Programs 32 Graduate Programs 40 Online Graduate Program 100% More Calendars Read USW NEWS! Subscribe to our newsletter, don’t miss out! Email Join Thanks for subscribing!

Technology Services Technical Support Hours of Operation Standard Hours Mon - Fri, 8:00AM - 5:00PM (MT) After Hours Thur, 5:00PM - 8:00PM (MT) Sun, 12:00PM - 8:00PM (MT) Contact Us Mabee Teaching & Learning Center, Suite 116 833-587-9832 Trouble logging in? Forgot your password? You can reset your password by using the “forgot my password” link on the sign-in page for any Microsoft application included with your USW account (Self-Service, Microsoft 365, Outlook, OneDrive, etc.). The link should appear after a failed login attempt. Want to change your password? If you know your password, but just want to change it, click this link to access your Microsoft account settings. Here, you can click "Change" next to "Password" on the Security info page. Useful Websites Self-Service : Student and employee portal Canvas : Academic course delivery system (click here for a Canvas web tutorial video) Microsoft 365 : Access Microsoft applications (ex. Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook) for free as a USW student/employee Microsoft Outlook : Student/employee email Useful Mobile Apps Canvas : Academic course delivery system (click here for a Canvas mobile tutorial video) Microsoft 365 : Access Microsoft applications (ex. Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook) for free as a USW student/employee Microsoft Outlook : Student/employee email Microsoft Authenticator : Needed for 2-step authentication for Microsoft applications. Click here for setup tutorial. Got a new phone and need to set up again? Click here for a tutorial. Verkada Pass : For DORM RESIDENTS to access dorm building Policies & Help Guides On-Campus Staff Systems Administrator Daniel Williams dwilliams@usw.edu (575) 492 - 2112 Office hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday Office location: Mabee Teaching & Learning Center (MTL), Suite 116 What I do: Student support Employee support Self-Service/account support Assistant Director of IT Julio Castillo jcastillo@usw.edu (575) 492 - 2180 Office hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday Office location: Mabee Teaching & Learning Center (MTL), Suite 116 What I do: Student support Employee support Hardware/physical device support Technology Specialist Julian Barreraz jbarreraz@usw.edu (575) 492 - 2182 Office hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday Office location: Mabee Teaching & Learning Center (MTL), Suite 116 What I do: Student support Employee support Technology Specialist Cameron Barreraz cbarreraz@usw.edu (575) 492 - 2184 Office hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday Office location: Mabee Teaching & Learning Center (MTL), Suite 116 What I do: Student support Employee support OFF-Campus Staff Director of IT Contact Technology Services for further communication with the Director of IT.