Lights. Camera. Action. This is Melody Godby’s path. The New Mexico State University student graduated in 2024 from Doña Ana Community College in digital filmmaking, is an alumna of the Creative Media Technology program and now has her eyes set on a lasting career.
DACC’s Creative Media Technology building, also known as Cholla Hall, sits at 2400 Film St. on the Arrowhead Business Park campus just south of NMSU. The state-of-the-art film and media education facility boasts three high octane media production computer labs, a motion capture studio, a 4,000-square-foot soundstage, a construction mill and an equipment room.
This is where Godby also works as a student aide.
“Part of my job description as an employee includes maintaining the facilities and CMT equipment, so I’m still very hands-on here,” she said.
Programs at the CMT building offer three degrees and nine certificates in a variety of digital media technologies, ranging from graphic design and film production to game development and animation, photography and much more.
“The facility elevates the college’s ability to offer the latest tools and techniques in professional film, game and media creation,” said Matt Byrnes, DACC Arts Department chair.
This is exactly what drew student Kelsey Hiss to the facility.
“Right now, I’m actually not shooting for a particular major or associate’s; it’s more like taking classes to fill out my portfolio and skill profile,” Hiss said.
The CMT building is the first phase of a larger concept called the Creative Campus. When complete, it will co-locate DACC, NMSU’s Creative Media Institute, the Media Arts Collective commercial soundstage and other Arrowhead business partners.
“Being on the Arrowhead Business Park puts us in direct contact with NMSU’s entrepreneurial programs,” Byrnes said.
Both Godby and Hiss agree this will bring more opportunities to the area.
“Knowing that New Mexico is already a hotbed for the film industry, I’m sure having a fully equipped sound studio to play in with quality equipment and a low-cost barrier will make the pathways for students even easier,” Hiss said.
For more information about the new CMT facility, call 575-528-7073 or visit nmsu.link/DACCArts.
A version of this story was published in the spring 2025 issue of Panorama. For more stories, visit https://panorama.nmsu.edu.
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WRITTEN BY: Denise LaFrance-Ojinaga
CUTLINE: A musician plays guitar on a set built inside Doña Ana Community College’s new Creative Media Technology studio, which boasts a 4,000-square-foot soundstage. (DACC photo)