ENMU-Ruidoso Student Spotlight

Freshman Cross Country Runner Cole Hanshew

Education Experiences Lead to Meaningful Personal Growth

Cole Hanshew is a 23-year-old ENMU-Ruidoso student athlete originally from Lubbock, Texas. Growing up, he loved coming to Ruidoso, and that connection stuck with him. That’s really what inspired him to come here. “It just felt like the right place to be,” said Hanshew.

Coming to ENMU-Ruidoso wasn’t something he had planned years ahead of time. He made the decision about four weeks before the semester started in August 2025, but once he did, everything seemed to fall into place with ease. He was able to get all the classes he wanted, enroll without any problems, and start fresh without a lot of stress.

He is a Natural Sciences major who plans to graduate May 2027. He has gotten involved on campus by running on the new College Cross-Country Team, playing on the Golf Team, and is part of the President’s Ambassadors Club, a student organization. The criteria for consideration for the Club require enrollment in at least 6 credit hours; a 2.5 grade point average (GPA) or higher; and a recommendation from a faculty or staff member. The Club is coordinated through the External Affairs Office. The Ambassadors assist with recruiting activities and events on campus.

L-R: State Representative Harlan Vincent; ENMU-Ruidoso Student Ambassadors/Peer Mentors Cole Hanshew, Olivia Withrow, Ella Hovrud; Chief External Affairs Officer Robin DeMott; Student Ambassador/Peer Mentor Chyenne Marrufo; and Director of Community Development and Grants Nicole DeLorenzo

“Being involved has made a big difference for me. It’s helped me stay motivated and feel connected to the school and the people around me. Before coming here, I worked as a manager at a western retail store in Lubbock. That experience taught me a lot about responsibility and working with people, but I knew I wanted to take a different path and build something bigger for my future,” said Hanshew.

“Some of my favorite classes have been my biology classes. I’ve always been interested in how things work, and those classes have kept me engaged. As a student Ambassador, one of my favorite experiences was taking a trip to Santa Fe to visit the Capitol building for the ENMU Day. That experience gave me a better understanding of how government works and made me realize the impact it can have on people’s lives.

“My time at ENMU-Ruidoso has really opened my eyes to the importance of education. After not having the best experience in high school, I never thought I’d be in a position like this. Now, I see education differently; it’s not just about getting a degree, it’s about growing as a person and understanding how we can contribute to something bigger than ourselves.

“The professors and faculty here play a big role in that. The passion they bring every day keeps me motivated. Seeing them go out of their way to help students pushes me to work harder and also makes me want to be that kind of support for others.

“Overall, my experience at ENMU-Ruidoso has been incredibly positive. The environment here is supportive, and you’re treated like more than just a number. Having access to unique classes and people who genuinely care has helped me stay confident in the path I’m on.

“Looking ahead, my goal is simple but meaningful. I want to do everything I can to help as many people as possible. I see myself pursuing a position in government where I can advocate for policies that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities in the long term.

“For me, this experience is about more than just school; it’s about building a future that actually means something,” said Hanshew.