Building Sustainable Institutions Through Collaboration: Lessons from New Mexico’s Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services (CHESS)
As states face growing fiscal pressure, enrollment shifts, and rising expectations for student success, New Mexico's Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services (CHESS) offers a proven model for strengthening institutional capacity through voluntary collaboration without sacrificing local governance.
Building Sustainable Institutions Through Collaboration examines how New Mexico’s community colleges came together to create CHESS, a first-of-its-kind shared-services model that modernizes operations while preserving institutional independence. Developed through Strategy Labs, Lumina Foundation’s platform for supporting state policy and leadership to increase postsecondary attainment, this case study draws on discussions with college leaders and policymakers to explore how CHESS pools talent, technology, and trust to improve the student experience, strengthen institutional stability, and reduce administrative inefficiencies.
As part of this work, HCM facilitated a peer learning meeting in fall 2025 that brought together the CHESS leadership team and higher education leaders from multiple states to create a forum for candid dialogue, shared problem-solving, and cross-state learning. The report highlights key governance lessons, measurable results, remaining challenges, and practical considerations for states and systems interested in replicating collaborative approaches to higher education sustainability.
To read the full case study, click here.
This report is produced by HCM Strategists and is based on interviews and research done in collaboration with CHESS and its member institutions, with support from Lumina Foundation through its Strategy Lab activities. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of Lumina Foundation, its officers, or employees. This report was authored by Stephanie Murphy with contributions from Martha Snyder and John Fischer. We extend our appreciation to the CHESS leadership team for the invaluable guidance they provided on this report.
