Please Join Us for the Grand Opening of Kathie Winograd Student Success Center
CNM will celebrate the grand opening of its newest building, the Kathie Winograd Student Success Center (KWSSC), on Dec. 5 at 10:30 a.m. Conveniently and prominently located at the intersection of Coal Avenue and University Boulevard, the KW Building is a state-of-the-art facility that will redefine the student experience, streamline operations, and provide a welcoming space for students, faculty, staff, and the entire CNM community.
“The Enrollment Management & Student Success team is excited about the opportunity to serve our learners in a modern and well-designed ecosystem that will enhance their experience, build communication, and lead to more success,” said Dr. Nireata Seals, CNM Vice Presidents of Enrollment Management & Student Success. “The new environment will be a one-stop shop for learners, similar to the Apple Store model. We want to ensure that all learners feel welcomed and supported, allowing us to avoid the siloed physical structure, which will make the experience easier and more efficient.”
Unlike the maze of hallways students previously navigated to access services like advising and financial aid, the KWSSC will offer a centralized, seamless experience. Upon arrival, students will be greeted by CNM staff and guided to the services they need to provide a personalized and efficient experience – it will be the new front door to Main Campus. The building’s open, inviting design also includes spaces for meetings, student visits, student clubs, and events, as well as an open front yard and breathtaking views of Main Campus.
Beyond its appealing design, KWSSC supports CNM’s strategic goals to Achieve Operational Excellence and Improve Learner Success. By improving the physical, social, and cultural environment, the building will help foster a sense of belonging among students and the broader campus community. It’s also conveniently located across the street from Smith Brasher Hall, where students can connect with the Career and Job Placement Center. The building is also tailored to support the Enrollment Management and Student Success team’s innovative working model, furthering CNM’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
For CNM Facilities Project Manager Karin Pitman, this project is a full-circle moment in her career.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how students, staff, and faculty react to the new building and interior spaces designed with everyone's specific needs in mind,” she says. "The KWSSC’s prime location adds another layer of excitement, as it creates a more welcoming public face for CNM and will serve as a vibrant hub for both CNM and the Albuquerque community. Interestingly enough, I was moved to Albuquerque in 1993 by the architecture firm that designed the original Student Services Center, so it’s been an honor to play a role in bringing this new, improved building to life as the project manager."
The building is named after former CNM President Kathie Winograd, the College’s longest-serving president (2007-2019). In 2013 under her leadership, CNM earned the national Student Success Award from the American Association of Community Colleges. In 2014, she spearheaded the efforts that led to the launch of CNM Ingenuity, which was created under New Mexico’s Research Park and Economic Development Act.
The grand opening of the building is scheduled for December 5 at 10:30 a.m. on CNM's Main Campus. You can RSVP to attend the event here. We hope you'll join us for this special occasion!