New Mexico Military Institute: A Legacy of Duty, Honor, and Achievement Through Notable Alumni
The New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI), a public military junior college and high school in Roswell, New Mexico, has a rich history of producing prominent individuals across various fields. Founded in 1891, NMMI operates under the auspices of the State of New Mexico, with a dedicated Board of Regents reporting to the Governor. Located in downtown Roswell, NMMI enrolls nearly 1,000 cadets each year at the junior college and high school levels. This article explores the institute's history, its values, and some of its most distinguished alumni.
A Historical Overview of NMMI
Founded by Colonel Robert S. Goss and Captain Joseph C. Lea as the Goss Military Institute in 1891, the institution initially enrolled 38 students. In 1893, the territorial legislature recognized the school and renamed it NMMI. Despite this recognition, the legislature did not provide funding, leading to the school's closure on "Bad Friday," March 29, 1895. However, a funding bill was approved in the winter of 1894-1895, and James J. Hagerman donated a 40-acre (16 ha) tract of land for the current location of the institute.
Today, NMMI holds the distinction of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As an educational institution, NMMI has long been committed to keeping in touch with its 900+ students and their families as well as its faculty and the broader community.
The Core Values: Duty, Honor, and Achievement
NMMI's motto, "Duty, Honor, and Achievement," has stood the test of time. This motto is more than just words; it is a guiding principle that shapes the education and development of every cadet. The Cadet Honor Code, unanimously voted into place by the Corps of Cadets in 1921, reinforces these values: "A Cadet Will Not Lie, Cheat, or Steal, Nor Tolerate Those Who Do." This code is administered by an honor board of cadets, advised by cadre and staff, ensuring that these principles are upheld.
These values are instilled through a structured environment that emphasizes discipline, leadership, and academic excellence. The military boarding school environment is maintained by the cadet leadership, with all academic classes, meals, and military and physical training occurring "on post" (on campus) in a controlled environment.
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Campus and Cadet Life
The original area of land for the campus was donated to the school by local rancher James J. Hagerman, for whom the main barracks complex is named. The institute's buildings are made in a uniform Gothic Revival style out of buff brick. Cadets are organized into a Corps of Cadets, following the organization of a cavalry regiment with a Headquarters Troop that comprises the Marching Band. The regiment comprises three squadrons consisting of four to five troops each. Cadets are structured into classes, 6th Class (9th grade high school equivalent) through 1st Class (college sophomore). Cadets are all treated on the basis of earned merit.
Based on the rank structure of the Virginia Military Institute, cadets start out as New Cadets, also known as RATs (recruits at training). College and high school cadets are RATs for one semester, then the next semester are known as yearlings, and after the one year mark they are called Old Cadets. Cadets also earn Junior or Senior Army ROTC positions outside of the Corps, although starting in the fall of 2022 school year, JROTC ranks and Corps ranks will be integrated. College and High School were separated in the Corps and in two different barracks starting in the fall of 2022 as well, except at the regimental staff level. The rules of the institute for cadets are codified in the "Blue Book". Minor offenses against these rules may result in simple correction of behavior or disciplinary measures like push-ups. Cadets with excessive demerits may be put on disciplinary probation. Cadets who fail to meet standards of academic performance are put on academic probation.
Notable Alumni
NMMI has produced a diverse array of successful individuals who have made significant contributions to society. These alumni include figures from the military, business, arts, and politics. Here are some of the most recognizable names:
Conrad Hilton: Founder of the Hilton Hotels chain, Conrad Hilton's entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen transformed the hospitality industry.
Owen Wilson: A well-known actor and screenwriter, Owen Wilson has starred in numerous successful films.
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Sam Donaldson: As a prominent ABC News anchor, Sam Donaldson has covered major national and international events, earning a reputation as a respected journalist.
Roger Staubach: A Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame quarterback, Roger Staubach led his team to multiple Super Bowl victories and is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Hundreds of graduates served in World War I and World War II, including Medal of Honor recipient John C. Morgan.
Athletics at NMMI
Jose Barron has been the NMMI Athletic Director since July 2014. The junior college sports mascot is the Broncos. From 2021-2023, the head coach was NMMI alumnus Kurt Taufa'asau, a former NFL player. The Broncos won the 2021 NJCAA National football championship game, which was broadcast nationally on CBS. After the season, his first as head coach, Taufa'asau was named Coach of the Year by the American Community College Football Coaches Association, the NJCAA, and the Southwest Junior College Football Conference. Taufa'asau departed NMMI to accept the head coaching position at New Mexico Highlands University in early 2024. All of NMMI's other college sports compete in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference.
Additional Notable Alumni
The list of distinguished NMMI alumni extends beyond these well-known figures. Achievements must transcend mere success in business. Ordinarily, prominence must be recognized on a national scale. A high recognition by a department or agency of the federal governments is a strong consideration.
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- CAPT W. John Stevens Berry, Sr.
- Gary D.
- Mr. Sylvester P.
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- Mr. Michael J.
- Mr. George M.
- Mr. Edmundo A.
- Dr. Victor A. J.
- Mr. F.
- MAJ William C.
- Dr. SIR William T. Wright, Jr.
- Richard N.
- CW4 J. C.
- Mr. Joe M.
- Mr. Marshall A.
- CPT Roger T.
- Mr. Kenneth E.
- Mr. Frederic P.
- Mr. William R.
- Mr. Jack L.
- Mr. Jack L.
- Mr. B. T.
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- Dr. Ross E.
- Mr. Reuben W.
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- SGT Andrew F.
- Mr. Kenneth S.
- Dr. Judge Donald L.
- Mr. Michael C.
- Mr. Marshall A.
- Dr. Nelson L. Haggerson, Jr.
- Judge Robert A.
- Mr. Antonio J.
- Mr. REV DR Todd A. Collier, Ph.D.
- Mr. John S.
- LTC Carlo W.
- Mr. James L. Huffines, Jr.
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- Frank D.
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- Dr. Steven L.
- Mr. Charles S.
- Judge Harry L.
- Mr. Bayard H.
- Col Edwin M.
- Mr. Max L.
- Mr. John Perkins VanDenburgh, Jr.
- Mr. Harvey E. Yates, Sr.
- Mr. Guy R. Brainard, Jr.
- Mr. Arthur R. Carmody, Jr.
- Mr. Raymond P. Holland, Jr.
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- Mr. Orlando G.
- LTC Arden R.
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- Mr. James F. Dickason, Jr.
- Mr. Bruce R.
- Mr. Robert Samuel Kerr, Jr.
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- Mr. Jack Howard White, Sr.
- Mr. Hubert L. Brown, Jr.
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- Dr. Ira B. Harkey, Jr.
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tags: #new #mexico #military #institute #notable #alumni
