§ 21-11-1 NMSA 1978

The object of the New Mexico school of mines [New Mexico institute of mining and technology] is to furnish facilities for the education of such persons as may desire to receive instruction in chemistry, metallurgy, mineralogy, geology, mining, milling, engineering, mathematics, mechanics, drawing, the fundamental laws of the United States, and the rights and duties of citizenship, and such other courses of study, not including agriculture, as may be prescribed by the board of regents; further, to engage in research projects approved by the board of regents, and incidental to such research to negotiate and enter into research contracts with appropriate governmental agencies, private foundations, individuals or associations.