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.

It is with great joy and anticipation that we celebrate the relaunch of the Southwest Journal of Arts & Sciences (SJAS)  on the University of the Southwest website. On behalf of the editorial team, I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Lopez for their consistent support in making this transition successful and to Shaye Smith for the exceptional work on the professional web design. I also want to take this opportunity to thank our authors, editors, and anonymous reviewers for their invaluable contributions to the success of the journal. One new feature I want to highlight is that we became a Crossref member in March 2024. Crossref is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving scholarly communications. Membership enables us to connect our content to a global network of online scholarly research, which includes over 19,000 members across approximately 150 countries. Crossref manages the world’s largest registry of Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) and metadata for scholarly research, facilitating an average of 1.1 billion DOI resolutions annually. This makes research objects easier to find, cite, link, assess, and reuse. According to Crossref’s monthly resolution reports, all of our DOIs were resolved (accessed) up to 299 times by December 2024. In December alone, our three unique DOIs for dissertations had 97 total resolutions, while our nine unique DOIs for SJAS  articles had 80 total resolutions. For doctoral candidates and research chairs: if you would like a dissertation to be assigned a DOI, please send me the student’s name, dissertation title, URL link, and year of publication. I will ensure that a DOI is added to the dissertation. Additionally, I encourage all scholars to register for ORCID, which stands for Open Researcher and Contributor ID. ORCID provides a free, unique, and persistent identifier (PID) for individuals engaging in research, scholarship, and innovation. Registration is free of charge and allows researchers to be uniquely identified and connected to their contributions across disciplines, borders, and time. By using ORCID, researchers can spend more time conducting their work and less time managing it. A link to ORCID registration can be found on the journal website. SJAS  serves as a platform for the exchange of information on topics in natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and more. We accept various formats, including full-length and letter-length research papers, reflective articles, review articles, work-in-progress reports on promising developments, case studies, and best practice articles written by scholars such as faculty, staff, and students. SJAS  is published annually, but we are open to publishing additional issues as needed. To ensure the rapid dissemination of information, we aim to complete the review process for each paper within 1–3 months of initial submission. We are currently preparing to publish the 2024 issue, which is expected to be available by April. Please check the flyer and Call for Papers on the journal website. We encourage more contributions to ensure the continued success of the journal and welcome any comments or suggestions that could help us improve its quality. We look forward to reading your submissions soon. You can access SJAS  at: https://www.usw.edu/academics/sjas Best regards, Yusheng Wu Editor-in-Chief

Student Life What's Life like as a Mustang? Welcome to USW's Student Life Hub! Discover a wealth of resources and experiences here, including student services, housing and dining, student organizations, wellness, and campus safety. Beyond academics, USW has a vibrant community where you'll create lasting memories and find the support you need to thrive. Click a link below to learn more! Student Services Groups & Clubs Housing & Dining Campus Ministry Health & Safety Contact Us Student Services Office of the Registrar The Office of the Registrar is your primary resource for academic records and services. This includes academic status, transcript requests, graduation information, grades, and more! Learn More Business Office The Business Office is responsible for a range of financial services, including managing student accounts, processing tuition payments, and assisting with financial aid inquiries. Learn More Scholarships & Financial Aid Scholarships & Financial Aid helps with financial assistance options available for your education. This includes scholarships, grants, loans, student employment, or guidance on financial planning, Learn More Academic Advising Academic advising at USW provides personalized guidance, helping you select courses, navigate degree requirements, and make informed decisions towards a successful academic path! Learn More Technology Services Explore our technology services designed to enhance your university experience. From Wi-Fi access across campus to innovative digital tools for remote learning and software assistance, we've got you covered! Learn More Career Services Discover a wealth of career resources tailored to your success. Our team is here to guide you through internships, job placements, and professional development, ensuring your well-prepared future. Learn More Counseling Services Our counseling services provide a supportive and safe environment for students to address personal challenges, manage stress, and thrive throughout their university journey. Learn More Office of Special Services Experience inclusivity at its best. Our university offers a range of special services such as accessibility accommodations aimed to foster an inclusive environment where every student can excel. Learn More Mail Services Simplify your campus life with our efficient mail services. Whether you're receiving packages, letters, or important documents, our convenient mail center ensures secure and timely delivery. Learn More Veteran Services Our veteran services program is committed to providing tailored support to our military-affiliated students, helping them seamlessly transition into academic life and achieve their educational goals. Learn More Housing & Dining Welcome home! At University of the Southwest, in-person students have access to both housing and dining services. Pricing for housing and dining options can be found here . DINING SERVICES: Dining services are provided at Bill Daniels Campus Center and managed by Great Western Dining Service . While a meal plan is optional for apartment residents and off-campus students, all dorm residents are required to maintain a 19-Meal Dining Plan (19 meal credits per week). Meals are "all-you-can-eat" and cannot be carried over to the next week if unused. Individual/additional meal tickets can be purchased at the dining hall and students must present their student ID to use a meal credit or meal ticket. Food service hours are as follows: Monday - Friday Breakfast: 7:00AM - 8:30AM Continental Breakfast: 8:30AM - 9:00AM Lunch: 11:00AM - 1:00PM Dinner: 5:00PM - 7:00PM Saturday - Sunday Brunch: 11:00AM - 1:00PM Dinner: 5:00PM - 6:00PM ON-CAMPUS HOUSING: Wondering where to live on campus? Explore our 5 on-campus residence halls (both dorms and apartments) below to help decide which is best suited to you and your preferences. Each hall is unique, including live-in staff (dorms) to provide social and academic support. All residence halls are suite-style with various combinations of both single and double-occupancy rooms. Residence Hall South Residence Hall East Residence Hall West Jane Adams Hall Bob & Adele Daniels Hall Common living area with couch and built-in shelving One (1) bathroom with shower, two (2) sinks, and private toilet Bed, desk, chair, dresser, and nightstand for each occupant Spacious closet for each occupant Coin-operated laundry facilities Common-use area Common-use kitchen Wireless internet Interior entrance to units Unit Capacity: 3 (1 Single, 1 Double) Gender: All Gender (Separate wings) Building Type: Dormitory UNIT FEATURES: BUILDING FEATURES: Residence Hall South Common living area with couch and built-in shelving Two (2) bathrooms with shower, two (2) sinks, and private toilet Bed, desk, chair, dresser, and nightstand for each occupant Spacious closet for each occupant Coin-operated laundry facilities Common-use area Common-use kitchen Wireless internet Interior entrance to units Unit Capacity: 6 (2 Singles, 2 Doubles) Gender: All Gender (Separate floors) Building Type: Dormitory UNIT FEATURES: BUILDING FEATURES: Residence Hall East Living area with couch and table Kitchen with fridge, sink, and cooktop Two (2) bathrooms with shower, sink, and toilet Bed, desk, chair, dresser, and nightstand for each occupant Spacious closet for each occupant Coin-operated laundry facilities Wireless internet Exterior entrance to units Unit Capacity: 4 (2 Singles, 1 Double) Gender: Upperclassmen, Female Only Building Type: Apartment UNIT FEATURES: BUILDING FEATURES: Jane Adams Hall Common living area with couch and built-in shelving Two (2) bathrooms with shower, two (2) sinks, and private toilet Bed, desk, chair, dresser, and nightstand for each occupant Spacious closet for each occupant Coin-operated laundry facilities Common-use area Common-use kitchen Wireless internet Interior entrance to units Unit Capacity: 6 (2 Singles, 2 Doubles) Gender: Male Only Building Type: Dormitory UNIT FEATURES: BUILDING FEATURES: Residence Hall West Living area with couch and table Kitchen with fridge, sink, and cooktop Two (2) bathrooms with shower, sink, and toilet Bed, desk, chair, dresser, and nightstand for each occupant Spacious closet for each occupant Coin-operated laundry facilities Wireless internet Exterior entrance to units Unit Capacity: 4 (2 Singles, 1 Double) Gender: Upperclassmen, Male Only Building Type: Apartment UNIT FEATURES: BUILDING FEATURES: Bob & Adele Daniels Hall APPLY FOR HOUSING Files & Policies Campus Health & Safety At USW, we are deeply committed to fostering a campus environment that prioritizes the health and safety of our entire community. Our unwavering dedication to providing a secure and supportive setting enables students, faculty, staff, and visitors to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. We believe that a healthy and safe campus is the foundation for excellence, and we continuously strive to uphold the highest standards of health and safety, guided by the principles of inclusivity, preparedness, and collaboration. CAMPUS SECURITY The Campus Security Office is located in the Scarborough Memorial Activity Center. Campus security officers are contracted by the university to ensure that dangerous situations are prevented or corrected. Officers represent the university and have the authority to carry out their duties reasonably, including facility inspections, preventing disorderly conduct, traffic control, and any situation requiring the services of security. Students and employees are expected to cooperate with campus security. CALL SECURITY (575) 942-5902 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Click here to visit USW's Campus Safety page, where our complete Emergency Action Plan is detailed. STUDENT HEALTH & WELLNESS At USW, where a strong athletic tradition runs deep, we recognize the importance of campus wellness for our active student body. We're delighted to introduce our latest addition, the Mabee Recreation Center, a facility designed to cater to the specific needs of our student-athletes and wellness enthusiasts alike. Beyond our athletic programs, we understand that a well-rounded education includes the promotion of physical fitness, mental health, and overall well-being. Our campus wellness initiatives, enhanced by the new rec center, offer a diverse range of opportunities, from student life programming activities to mental health programs and relaxation spaces. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just beginning your wellness journey, USW is here to provide the support and resources you need to maintain a healthy balance in your life, ensuring your academic and athletic success. Groups, Clubs, & Organizations Our vibrant campus offers a diverse array of student-led clubs and organizations that cater to a wide range of interests. Joining a student group is a fantastic way to connect with like-minded peers, make lifelong friends, and make the most of your university experience. Dive into a world of opportunities and discover your community within our thriving campus organizations. If you are interested in starting or learning more about a student organization, contact Amanda Guzman-Appel (aguzman@usw.edu ) for more information. Alumni Association University of the Southwest (USW) graduates are inducted into the alumni association during their graduation ceremony. Annual homecoming weekend activities include on-campus athletic events and awards for the Distinguished Young Alumni and Alumni of the Year. There is no membership fee. Career Intelligence Association The Career Intelligence Association (CIA) is a student organization for students interested in promoting and supporting career development. CIA provides students an opportunity to learn about and prepare for various career paths by assisting USW Career Services with planning and leading outreach activities, career development workshops, guest speaker events, featuring a wide variety of professionals, tours of employer sites, and offering assistance with seeking and applying for career opportunities. Kappa Delta Pi Kappa Delta Pi is an organization dedicated to shaping the future of education. We are here to inspire and equip aspiring and newly minted teachers to thrive in their professional journeys. Our mission is to empower individuals who have a passion for teaching, ensuring that they are well-prepared and equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to make a lasting impact. At Kappa Delta Pi, we firmly believe that excellent teachers play a crucial role in building thriving communities and creating lifelong opportunities for all. By advocating for quality and equitable education, we strive to create a brighter and more inclusive future for students from all walks of life. Join us in our pursuit of excellence and let's make a difference together! STEM Research Group For students who are interested in research, the purpose of this group is to foster the independence of conducting an undergraduate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) research project, to gain essential hands-on experience working in the lab, to publish a paper in a peer-review academic journal, and to lay solid foundation for the further study at graduate school or for the skills in workplace. Sigma Tau Delta, Alpha Nu Chapter Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society. Its purposes are: to confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature; to promote interest in literature and the communication on campus and in the surrounding community; and to foster the discipline of English in all its aspects, including creative and critical writing. Alpha Nu chapter sponsors a variety of activities, including writing competitions, awards ceremonies for the competitions, and book drives. Student Government The purpose of Student Government is to encourage communication and understanding between students and the university administration. Student Government is responsible for many campus projects and activities. Every student at University of the Southwest (USW) is encouraged and eligible to serve as a member of Student Government. Officers and representatives are elected by the students. Student Success Services Student Success Services, under the umbrella of Academic Affairs, exists primarily for the purpose of assisting students in the achievement of their academic and career goals. Services are on an individual and small group basis, offering academic success strategies. Cooperative special needs programs are also individualized but are initiated through the Office of Special Services. Weekly study halls and tutoring are available. Additionally, Student Success Services conducts student status checks for every course at various intervals depending on the duration of the class for each semester. University of the Southwest (USW) faculty are asked to identify those students who are in academic jeopardy, excessively absent, and/or not participating. These strategies include but are not limited to: tutoring, mentoring, counseling, study hall attendance, and more. If there is a signed FERPA agreement, more extensive measures can and will be taken in order to maximize the greatest resource support for the struggling student. TriBeta National Biological Honor Society TriBeta National Biological Honor Society is an organization for undergraduate and graduate students dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research. The society's objectives are: to promote biological science understanding and appreciation, to facilitate activities and experiences in biological related fields, and to expose students to numerous avenues in the field of life science, exercise science and biology. Since its founding in 1922, more than 200,000 persons have been accepted into lifetime membership, and more than 626 chapters have been established throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. In addition to publishing the BIOS journal, which focuses on student research, the society sponsors annual regional and national scientific meetings. A benefit to TriBeta student members is eligibility to apply for research grants from the national office. Undergraduate students are eligible to apply for research grants once a year from the national office. Grant applications are due in September each year. Campus Ministry Our faith-based community is the heart and soul of our campus life. As a Christian university, we are committed to nurturing the spiritual growth and well-being of our students. Explore the opportunities below to learn more about our campus ministry initiatives and how we can support your faith journey during your time at USW. Join us as we seek to deepen our faith, build meaningful relationships, and make a positive impact on our campus and the world. Weekly Worship ("Chapel") Weekly worship ("chapel") is held in the Scarborough Memorial Activity Center (SMAC) from 11:00AM - 11:30AM each Wednesday when school is in session. Students, faculty, staff, and guests from the community are all welcome. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) University of the Southwest's chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is a vibrant, dynamic group of student-athletes and non-athletes who meet weekly for spiritual growth through Bible study and discussion and fun fellowship. Our local chapter is affiliated with the National FCA Organization.

Biography Back Previous Next Joshua Ford Vice President of Information Technology, Information Security Officer Joshua Ford has worked in the IT space since 1999, beginning with work as a repair tech in the Houston area for home and office systems, and continued working in the Lea County area after moving there in 2001 as a freelance technician serving both businesses and individuals in the area until being hired in 2007 by the then College of the Southwest as a network technician. Within a year, Joshua had taken over administration for everything on campus, from Servers and network infrastructure to user devices. As staffing in the IT department changed over time, he eventually transitioned to a dedicated infrastructure admin, server admin, database admin, Exchange/ADDS admin, and systems integration, while others took on roles handling user-facing devices. Eventually, he transitioned to the Director role in the late 2010s and took on the additional role as ISO in 2023-24 to build and maintain the university’s information security program. Since that time, Joshua has taken on the role of VP of IT and ISO in late 2025 and continues to work with the IT staff to further the University’s technology programs to meet increasing regulatory requirements and better serve students, staff, and faculty.

Biography Back Previous Next Steve Appel Vice President of Campus Facilities & Athletics, Head Baseball Coach New Mexico native Steve Appel has served as Vice President of Campus Facilities & Athletics at the University of the Southwest since 2022, providing strategic leadership over athletic operations and campus facility development. Since joining USW in 2014 as Head Baseball Coach, Appel has played a central role in transforming the university’s athletic department into a competitive and growth-oriented program within the Red River Athletic Conference. Appel’s leadership has driven significant progress in both performance and infrastructure. As head baseball coach, he built the Mustang program into a consistent contender, recording over 200 wins in his first seven seasons and leading the team to back-to-back RRAC Tournament appearances, including a 33-win season in 2022—one of the best in program history. That success laid the foundation for broader departmental growth and helped elevate the university’s athletic profile. At the administrative level, Appel has been instrumental in advancing major facility projects across campus. He helped secure the largest donation in university history, which funded a state-of-the-art indoor baseball facility and comprehensive renovations to Jake Williams Field. Under his leadership, enhancements have included a new playing surface, upgraded fencing, grandstand improvements, a rebuilt backstop with modern netting and padding, new bullpen areas, and a fully enclosed complex. Additional projects under his direction include the construction of a new on-campus softball field and the development of upgraded baseball facilities featuring a locker room, weight room, and restroom complex—significantly improving the student-athlete experience and recruiting capabilities. Appel’s leadership extends beyond facilities and competition. He has emphasized a culture of academic success and community engagement across the department, with teams consistently achieving strong academic performance and actively contributing to community outreach initiatives. In 2019, Appel was named Director of Athletics, expanding his oversight to all athletic programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led a decisive relocation of USW athletic teams to Sky Ranch in Texas, allowing programs to continue training and competition during a challenging period when many institutions were unable to operate. A native of Socorro, New Mexico, Appel began his collegiate playing career at Fort Scott Community College before transferring to the University of Bridgeport, where he served as team captain, graduated Magna Cum Laude, and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He began his coaching career at Bridgeport, rising to top assistant and pitching coach while developing one of the nation’s top pitching staffs. Through a combination of strategic vision, operational leadership, and a commitment to student-athlete development, Appel continues to shape the athletic and physical landscape of the University of the Southwest.