Building Community: Insights from David Buckingham, Registry Interim, Vice President for Student Affairs
David Buckingham
Registry Interim
Vice President for Student Affairs
In the heart of Hobbs, New Mexico, Interim Student Affairs Officer David Buckingham embodies a holistic approach to student engagement and community building. With a wealth of experience in student affairs, he emphasizes the importance of relationships in fostering a vibrant campus life.
“Every assignment is different, but the core focus remains the same: building relationships,” he explains.
Engaging Students: On-Campus and Beyond
Hobbs presents unique opportunities for student engagement, thanks to its rich array of resources. Buckingham highlights a local 12-screen movie theater and the CORE Center—a state-of-the-art recreational facility boasting multiple gyms and swimming pools—as key partners in enhancing student life. “Most of our students find their activities here on campus,” he notes, reflecting on his time in community colleges where student involvement is crucial. 
New Mexico Junior College (NMJC), where Buckingham serves, is an independent institution that has been enriching lives since 1965. “This is not your typical community college,” he insists, describing NMJC as a residential college with a robust athletic program that has won 25 national championships across various sports. With a current enrollment of 2,233 students, NMJC offers an educational experience akin to that of a four-year institution, while retaining its identity as a junior college.
A Diverse Community
Buckingham takes pride in NMJC’s commitment to diversity, particularly its growing Hispanic student population, which has increased by 24% in recent years. Recognizing the cultural significance of family, NMJC integrates bilingual presentations to better serve its community. “We’re an international hub,” Buckingham states, noting that students hail from 41 different countries. This diversity enriches the campus culture, fostering an environment where different backgrounds converge.
Additionally, NMJC collaborates with local school districts to offer dual enrollment programs, allowing high school students to earn an associate’s degree while still in school. Buckingham believes this initiative is an attractive opportunity for the community’s youth, enhancing educational accessibility.
Unique Offerings and Community Ties
What sets NMJC apart is not just its academic programs but also its unique facilities. Buckingham highlights the college’s rodeo arena, also caters to Canadian students who often travel over 14 hours to attend. He expresses hope for future rodeo events, further integrating NMJC into the local culture.
The campus also features the Western Heritage Museum and Cowboy Hall of Fame, along with a nursing program recognized as one of the best in New Mexico. “This is a very rich institution,” Buckingham says, referring to the extensive resources available for renovations and new construction, ensuring the college continues to thrive.
The Role of Student Affairs 
When asked to define student affairs within a college community, Buckingham states, “It’s about support—how can you support the student on their journey?” He emphasizes the need for students to navigate challenges while having a safety net to rely on. For him, engagement goes beyond academics; it includes celebrating milestones and providing a nurturing environment where students can learn from their mistakes.
A Symbol of Unity
The ZIA symbol—a representation of the sacred oaths of mind, body, and spirit—serves as a powerful motif at NMJC. “My focus is on ZIA and how it transfers to the college experience,” Buckingham explains. He views the college as a pivotal space for students during their formative years, where they can cultivate their identities and explore their potential.
In a world where higher education can sometimes feel impersonal, David Buckingham’s approach as Chief Student Affairs Officer stands as a testament to the transformative power of community, support, and meaningful connections in shaping student experiences.
Building Community: Insights from David Buckingham, Registry Interim, Vice President for Student Affairs
David Buckingham
Registry Interim
Vice President for Student Affairs
In the heart of Hobbs, New Mexico, Interim Student Affairs Officer David Buckingham embodies a holistic approach to student engagement and community building. With a wealth of experience in student affairs, he emphasizes the importance of relationships in fostering a vibrant campus life.
“Every assignment is different, but the core focus remains the same: building relationships,” he explains.
Engaging Students: On-Campus and Beyond
Hobbs presents unique opportunities for student engagement, thanks to its rich array of resources. Buckingham highlights a local 12-screen movie theater and the CORE Center—a state-of-the-art recreational facility boasting multiple gyms and swimming pools—as key partners in enhancing student life. “Most of our students find their activities here on campus,” he notes, reflecting on his time in community colleges where student involvement is crucial.
New Mexico Junior College (NMJC), where Buckingham serves, is an independent institution that has been enriching lives since 1965. “This is not your typical community college,” he insists, describing NMJC as a residential college with a robust athletic program that has won 25 national championships across various sports. With a current enrollment of 2,233 students, NMJC offers an educational experience akin to that of a four-year institution, while retaining its identity as a junior college.
A Diverse Community
Buckingham takes pride in NMJC’s commitment to diversity, particularly its growing Hispanic student population, which has increased by 24% in recent years. Recognizing the cultural significance of family, NMJC integrates bilingual presentations to better serve its community. “We’re an international hub,” Buckingham states, noting that students hail from 41 different countries. This diversity enriches the campus culture, fostering an environment where different backgrounds converge.
Additionally, NMJC collaborates with local school districts to offer dual enrollment programs, allowing high school students to earn an associate’s degree while still in school. Buckingham believes this initiative is an attractive opportunity for the community’s youth, enhancing educational accessibility.
Unique Offerings and Community Ties
What sets NMJC apart is not just its academic programs but also its unique facilities. Buckingham highlights the college’s rodeo arena, also caters to Canadian students who often travel over 14 hours to attend. He expresses hope for future rodeo events, further integrating NMJC into the local culture.
The campus also features the Western Heritage Museum and Cowboy Hall of Fame, along with a nursing program recognized as one of the best in New Mexico. “This is a very rich institution,” Buckingham says, referring to the extensive resources available for renovations and new construction, ensuring the college continues to thrive.
The Role of Student Affairs
When asked to define student affairs within a college community, Buckingham states, “It’s about support—how can you support the student on their journey?” He emphasizes the need for students to navigate challenges while having a safety net to rely on. For him, engagement goes beyond academics; it includes celebrating milestones and providing a nurturing environment where students can learn from their mistakes.
A Symbol of Unity
The ZIA symbol—a representation of the sacred oaths of mind, body, and spirit—serves as a powerful motif at NMJC. “My focus is on ZIA and how it transfers to the college experience,” Buckingham explains. He views the college as a pivotal space for students during their formative years, where they can cultivate their identities and explore their potential.
In a world where higher education can sometimes feel impersonal, David Buckingham’s approach as Chief Student Affairs Officer stands as a testament to the transformative power of community, support, and meaningful connections in shaping student experiences.
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