Task: Explanation
Input (English): New Mexico State University (NMSU or NM State) is a major public, land-grant, research university in Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest public institution of higher education in the state of New Mexico. NMSU is the second largest four-year university in the state, in terms of total enrollment across all campuses as of 2011, with campuses in Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Doña Ana County, and Grants, with extension and research centers across New Mexico. Question: What year was the university founded where Stuart Pimm was awarded a PhD in Ecology? Answer: 1888
Output (English):  Founded in 1888, it is the oldest public institution of higher education in the state of New Mexico.