For some, the path to a college degree is a straight line, but for Western New Mexico University (WNMU) alum Chris Cochran, it was a 35-year journey defined by resilience, Mustang pride, and a life-changing connection to Silver City. Cochran, a former Mustang quarterback and successful Oklahoma entrepreneur, returned to his roots to complete his MBA, proving that the door to higher education at WNMU never really closes.

Cochran’s story began in 1988 when he transferred from an Oklahoma school to play football for the Mustangs. Seeking to leave the small town he grew up in and create a fresh start for himself, Cochran thrived in the unique environment of Silver City. He credits Silver City and WNMU with helping him “straighten up” and focus on his future. During his time on campus, he excelled both on the field and in leadership roles, serving as a Junior and Senior Senator for the student body.

On the gridiron, Cochran led the Mustangs as quarterback during the 1988 and 1989 seasons. He was a central figure in one of the most storied wins in the university’s history: the 1989 upset of the Division I Northern Arizona University, a team ranked third in the nation at the time. Decades later, Cochran was instrumental in reuniting his teammates to honor that achievement at the New Mexico Bowl, where they were celebrated as the “Late 80s Gang.”

After graduating in 1990 with a 3.7 GPA and a business degree in marketing, Cochran launched a highly successful career. He initially worked in public relations for Delta Dental in Albuquerque—where his very first professional presentation was delivered to his own former WNMU professors—before returning to Oklahoma. There, he owned and operated a commercial insurance agency for 25 years while raising four sons with his wife of 36 years.

Despite his professional success, Cochran felt the pull to finish his graduate studies. Having started an MBA many years prior but leaving it unfinished due to a business opportunity, Cochran found that other institutions were unwilling to honor his older credits. WNMU, however, welcomed him back with open arms. Cochran enrolled in January 2024 and completed his MBA in July 2025.

“I called Western and they were so welcoming,” Cochran said. “They honored my undergraduate credits, which allowed me to achieve my masters. I’m so proud to be from WNMU; they’ve taken the care of their students to a different level.”

A proud member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Cochran now serves as a consultant for Native-owned businesses and is developing property near the Texas-Oklahoma border. He remains one of the university’s most vocal advocates, frequently encouraging prospective students to choose the personalized, community-focused environment of Silver City.

“You need to look into Western because it’s small enough that you can be engaged in several different things,” Cochran advised. “At a bigger place, you get lost in the mix. At Western, you’re part of something.”