Meet Efraín Villa, the Winner of CNM’s Student Signage Contest

When CNM’s Marketing and Communications Office announced it was hosting a design contest for a signage installation, Efraín Villa figured he’d toss his hat in the ring. Now, his original design has been installed on Main Campus for thousands of students, faculty, and staff to enjoy.

“It’s really cool to know that my design has been installed in such a prominent place for so many to see,” he says. “This is the biggest piece of work I’ve ever designed from scratch, and I’m excited that it will be a part of CNM for quite some time.”

The design contest took place last fall as a way to beautify Main Campus and showcase the work of a talented CNM student artist. Efraín was one of dozens of students who submitted a design that needed to represent CNM and the community in a bold and inspiring way. All the designs were reviewed by a selection committee and one was selected.

Efraín's winning design incorporated several unique elements, including the Albuquerque skyline, quotes that coincide with each of CNM's Core Values, and illustrations of native plant life.

Colton Davies, Interim Director of Brand Strategy for the CNM Marketing and Communications Office and a member of the selection committee, said the combination of these New Mexican and CNM-focused elements hit all the right notes.

“The artwork selection committee, which was comprised of CNM leaders from across the college, debated over dozens of outstanding student submissions before reaching a consensus on Efraín's piece,” Colton says. “His synthesis of a personal passion with iconic Albuquerque views and an overarching theme of academic achievement is the perfect addition to the campus landscape.”

Along with having his design installed on Main Campus, Efraín received a $1,000 scholarship from the CNM Foundation. Two runners up also each received a $500 scholarship.

Moving forward, Efraín plans to keep taking CNM art and design classes, running his crisis communications firm, and pursuing his acting career. He’s also grateful to have had the opportunity to leave his mark on CNM through art.

“I enjoyed the whole process of this competition and exploring what it means to be a student and what it means to be New Mexican,” he says. “It was such a fun puzzle to solve, especially through art, and I’m proud of the story I was able to tell through my work.”

Stay tuned for more information about the signage unveiling celebration happening during the Summer 2025 term!