Authorized by the New Mexico Legislature in 1963, CNM was approved by district voters in 1964 to provide adults with the skills necessary to gain employment and succeed in the workforce. Since its inception, CNM career-technical programs in business, health, technologies and trades have continually been redesigned to provide students with the most current and relevant skills needed by local employers. CNM was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1978. Degree-granting power was approved for CNM by the State Legislature in 1986, signaling the college’s transformation into a full-fledged community college. By the late 1980s, liberal arts had become CNM’s fastest growing area and an increasingly important part of occupational instruction.