It was a day full of celebration, memories, and community spirit as New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) officially opened the doors to its brand-new Steve McCleery Industrial Training Center on July 17, 2025. 

The Center, named in honor of former College President Dr. Steve McCleery, pays tribute to a man whose vision and leadership helped shape the future of workforce training in the region. Dr. McCleery, who passed away earlier this year, was remembered fondly during the naming ceremony by his wife and daughters, who shared heartfelt words about his commitment to students, the college, and the community.

“Across the country, workforce education is receiving unprecedented attention—and rightfully so. But here at NMJC, workforce training isn’t a new idea. It’s part of our legacy. Visionaries like Dr. Steve McCleery recognized the need years ago and laid the foundation for what we’re celebrating today. The addition of the Industrial Training Center expands our ability to build a pipeline of skilled workers—workers who are essential to the strength and success of our local industries and communities.” Said NMJC President Cathy Mitchell. “This project was made possible through the collaboration of our industry partners across the Permian Basin, government leaders, the NMJC Board of Directors, and the unwavering support of our community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in bringing this vision to life. Thanks to this investment, our students will continue to pursue meaningful, in-demand careers without the burden of excessive debt. This facility is more than a physical expansion. It’s a symbol of NMJC’s deep and ongoing commitment to workforce education and our support of Lea County and the surrounding region.”

Community members, faculty, students, and local partners came together for the celebration, making it clear just how loved and respected Dr. McCleery was. One of the day’s highlights came from Lea County State Bank, which generously donated $30,000 to support the Training Center’s future growth and programs.

“We were thrilled to invite the community, partners, supporters, and friends to the grand opening of the Industrial Training Center and see the amazement on their faces. It was the privilege of a lifetime to name the new center after Dr. Steve McCleery – a visionary and pioneer for so many things at NMJC, including the Workforce Development division – and to have his dear family with us for this special occasion,” NMJC’s Vice President of Workforce Development, Steve Sauceda, said. “We are not new to providing workforce development to our community and region, and this new facility will allow us to help and train even more students to obtain the training they need to enter the workforce with a high-paying job.”

The Steve McCleery Industrial Training Center will now be home to high-demand programs, including Welding, Automation & Industrial Systems, and a variety of Oil and Gas courses designed to meet the workforce needs.

"We are deeply grateful for the incredible support from our community members, local companies, and organizations who came together to make the ITC event a success. Each person and group in attendance played a vital role in supporting NMJC’s mission throughout the years,” said NMJC Vice President for Advancement Rachel Gallagher, Ph.D.  “We extend a special thank you to President of Lea County State Bank Josh Grassham and his team for establishing the new Lea County State Bank Scholarship Fund that was unveiled at the ITC event. This generous $30,000 contribution will directly empower students pursuing workforce development training and educational pathways, an investment that will truly shape the future of our community."

 

New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) is a leading educational institution committed to providing success through learning and high-quality education to its diverse student body. Founded in 1965, NMJC offers a wide range of academic programs, certifications, and services to empower students to achieve their educational and career goals.

Contact: Valerie Onsurez Gauna, Director of Engagement & Outreach, New Mexico Junior College, 575-492-2780, vgauna@nmjc.edu, or Deira Fernandez, Recruiter, 575-492-2776, dfernandez@nmjc.edu