New Mexico Highlands University officials announced during Thursday's open house that they had heard rumors of their withdrawal from Rio Rancho and none of them is true.

"New Mexico Highlands is committed to Rio Rancho," Regent Chairman Javier Gonzales said. "We're not leaving this place."

Interim President Dr. Manuel T. Pacheco echoed the sentiments. "New Mexico Highlands is already here, and we're not going to move out," he said.

NMHU opened an extended learning center in Rio Rancho during the 1997-98 school year. According to Pacheco, the move almost bankrupted the school, but it has since recovered.

Because the University of New Mexico has acquired land for a campus in the city's new downtown, promising to bring along New Mexico State University and the Central New Mexico Community College (former TVI), rumors of NMHU's demise have once again began to circle.

But Pacheco said Highlands, whose main campus is in Las Vegas, could fill the needs overlooked or unreached by the other institutions.

"Believe me; there are going to be some gaps," he said.

As an open enrollment university, NMHU accepts any student, especially those who are not accepted to the other universities and colleges.

It is that mission, Mayor Kevin Jackson said, that makes the university a priceless asset to Rio Rancho.

"What you do in this city can't be replaced by another university," he said.

Jackson said NMHU would always be Rio Rancho's first university, adding that they have been faithful to the city.

"Loyalty goes a long way," Jackson said.

Jackson promised to do whatever he could, whether in Rio Rancho, Las Vegas or Santa Fe, to help Highlands.

"I'm going to fight to keep you here," he said.

Jackson said the city would need NMHU to help the city in the healthcare, film and hi-tech fields. A Presbyterian hospital - and possibly a UNM one, too - are already in the works, as is Lionsgate Films' movie studio, which will be built in the downtown. As for the hi-tech industry, "Look for more of the Intels of the world to come to Rio Rancho," Jackson said.

As for NMHU's future, Gonzales said the regents will "do our utmost best to select a president that will help us go forward with honor." Pacheco said he does not wish to be considered for the permanent position.

The interim president did give the guests two ways to support the university: attending events like the open house and opening their wallets.

"I know I'm not the only one whose horizons were opened by Highlands University," he said.