New Mexico State University President Michael Martin wants to join a coalition of schools that will help rebuild agriculture in Iraq.
Martin has just returned from a trip to Baghdad, and said he hopes NMSU can play a lead role in the task.
It’s part of Martin’s broader goal of making NMSU known and influential far beyond New Mexico’s borders. The branding campaign, which included the new logo, is geared in that direction. He has completely (and controversially) shaken up the research structure at NMSU, with the goal of improving it. And Martin has also visited North Korea with Gov. Bill Richardson.
While Martin and others were in Iraq, the United States and Iraq signed a joint statement of intent to strengthen and broaden Iraq’s agricultural extension system and universities through partnerships with schools here. Martin says the U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to issue a request for proposals from universities in the fall, and NMSU will probably form a consortium with other schools.
The Iraqi desert is in some ways similar to New Mexico’s, and many here have expertise that could benefit the people of Iraq.
Martin rightly said this gives NMSU a chance to learn about and become involved in the world. It could be a great educational opportunity.
New Mexico State University President Michael Martin wants to join a coalition of schools that will help rebuild agriculture in