Senate Memorial 18 recognizes the achievements and future vision of New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), a public university established in 1893. The memorial highlights the university's commitment to providing high-quality education, fostering creativity, and maintaining accreditation across various programs. It also addresses the challenges faced by the university due to the devastating Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak fire in 2022, which negatively impacted students and the campus environment. The university aims to enhance student enrollment and retention by improving academic experiences, renovating athletic facilities, and ensuring adequate housing for students.

The memorial encourages the New Mexico Legislature to support NMHU's request for $100,000 in funding to develop a master plan for modernizing the university's main campus. This plan includes constructing new multi-use facilities, enhancing student services, and increasing the university's online presence to better serve its diverse student body. The resolution emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the university's goal to create a dynamic academic environment that fosters student success and strengthens connections with the surrounding community.