Some alumni leave their mark during their time on campus. Others come back and help shape what the university becomes. Mike Rowse did both.
Rowse attended Western New Mexico University in the early 1980s, earning his degree in Business Administration (Management/Economics). While on campus, he was an active member of the Mustangs golf team, also participating in campus traditions like the Great Race and intramural sports.
By the time he graduated in 1988, Rowse had already built a strong connection with WNMU—one that would eventually bring him back in a much bigger way. After gaining professional experience, including a role as a Divisional Manager at State Farm, Rowse returned to Silver City in 2001 and purchased KSCQ Radio. That decision would reshape how local fans experienced Mustang athletics. As the beloved "Voice of the Mustangs," Rowse became a familiar presence across the community. During his time, he delivered color commentary for football and men's and women's basketball and served as public address announcer for WNMU softball for over a decade. He also helped bring Mustang Athletics and Silver High sports into homes across the region. His voice didn't just describe the game—it became part of the game-day experience itself.
Rowse's contributions went far beyond the microphone. He played a hands-on role in improving WNMU's athletic facilities—most notably the football field known as "The Rock" now the Police Academy. He helped aerate and restore the field and assisted in repairing the irrigation system while contributing to top dressing and maintenance efforts over two years. It's rare for someone to impact both the sound and the surface of a program — but Rowse did exactly that.
In addition to his work in broadcasting, Rowse built a long-standing career in the insurance industry. Since 2013, he has served as an Agent at Farm Bureau Financial Services in Silver City, providing multi-line insurance services including home, auto, life, and business coverage.
Rowse's life is deeply rooted in family and community. He is married to Linda Rowse (formerly Harris), and together they have two daughters, Jocelyn and Marissa.
What's clear is that Silver City is home for him in every meaningful sense—professionally, personally, and through his enduring commitment to WNMU.
From walking the fairways as a student-athlete to becoming the voice that narrated Mustang victories, Mike Rowse represents what it means to stay connected to your alma mater. His story isn't just about career success—it's about returning, reinvesting, and reinforcing the community that helped shape you.
Mike Rowse was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019.
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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).