A Milestone for El Rito Campus Housing

Northern New Mexico College Welcomes Students Back to Historic El Rito Campus

El Rito, NM — For the first time in more than a decade, the historic dorms and dining halls of Northern New Mexico College’s El Rito Campus are once again filled with students, families, and community members. The College hosted its first student housing move-in day in El Rito, New Mexico last week, marking a milestone in Northern’s history and bringing new life to the campus and the surrounding Española Valley.

Students were greeted by President Hector Balderas and Board of Regents Chair Mike Martin with welcome bags from The Pantry @ Northern, filled with snacks, essentials, and Eagle spirit gear. Each dorm room also included a personal letter from President Balderas, Men’s Basketball Coach Michael Dominguez, and Women’s Basketball Coach Mandy Montoya. The letter assured students that they are not alone, celebrated their courage in taking this next step, and reminded them that they are now part of the Northern New Mexico College family. “We are thrilled to welcome you to Española and the beautiful Española Valley, a place rich in culture, community, and tradition,” the letter reads. “Know that you are entering a community that values connection, resilience, and growth, both on and off the court.”

The reopening of student housing at the El Rito Campus was the vision of President Balderas, who worked for more than a year to restore the historic site as a home for Northern Eagles. “We wanted to create more than just housing; we wanted a place where students could live, learn, and thrive together,” he said. “The return of El Rito housing honors our history and reaffirms our mission to support students in every aspect of their journey.”

Students moving in this week discovered that the updated housing blends historic dorm charm with modern amenities for today’s college students in Northern New Mexico. Each student has a private room furnished with a bed, desk, dresser, and spacious closet. Amenities such as washers and dryers, heating, and cooling ensure convenience and accessibility, while shared spaces encourage connection and collaboration. The common lounge features couches and a large TV for watching games or movies, while study rooms are set up for working on group projects. A fully equipped kitchen gives students the chance to prepare meals together and share late-night snacks.

It was heartwarming to see the El Rito campus come alive with families enjoying lunch together, students helping one another move boxes, and friends sharing excitement for the year ahead. The move-in process was supported by families, friends, staff, and community members who carried belongings, swapped stories, and filled the halls with warmth. “It feels so good to know there will be laughter in these dorms again,” said one staff member. “This is more than a building—it’s a community.”

The return of housing at the Northern New Mexico College El Rito Campus marks a significant step forward in the College’s ongoing efforts to create a supportive, engaging, and vibrant college experience in Northern New Mexico. Students now have the opportunity to grow not only academically, but also personally and socially, surrounded by the rich history, culture, and tradition of the Española Valley.

👉 Learn more about the history of the Northern New Mexico College El Rito Campus by visiting El Rito Campus.