A Message from the Dean

Dear College of Pharmacy Community,

As we reach the midpoint of the spring semester, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the many people who make the UNM College of Pharmacy such a vibrant and impactful community. Spring in New Mexico brings longer days, a lot of wind, warmer weather, and a renewed sense of energy across our campus. It is a time of momentum, and that spirit is reflected in the continued accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners. 

This issue of our newsletter highlights just a few examples of the work happening across the College. From progress on our major building renovation to the important contributions of our faculty, students, and alumni, it is inspiring to see the many ways our community continues to advance education, research, and patient care throughout New Mexico and beyond. 

I want to especially thank our faculty and staff for their dedication to teaching, mentoring, and supporting our students as we move through a busy semester. Your commitment to excellence ensures that our learners receive not only a world-class education, but also the guidance and encouragement needed to become the next generation of pharmacy leaders.

I am also deeply grateful to our alumni and partners across the state who continue to represent the UNM College of Pharmacy in their communities. Your work expands access to care, strengthens our profession, and reinforces the mission that has guided the College for more than 80 years.

To our students—thank you for your energy, service, and commitment to improving the health of others. Whether you are engaging in outreach, advocacy, research, or clinical training, you continue to demonstrate the values that define our profession.

Finally, thank you to the many supporters and friends of the College who make our work possible through their generosity, mentorship, and engagement. Your partnership helps us continue to grow our programs, expand our facilities, and create new opportunities for the people we serve.

As we welcome the arrival of spring in New Mexico, I look forward to the many milestones and celebrations ahead in the coming months. Thank you for all that you do to support the mission of the UNM College of Pharmacy.

Donald A. Godwin, Ph.D

Dean, UNM College of Pharmacy

Renovation Progress at the UNM College of Pharmacy

Big changes are coming to the UNM College of Pharmacy! Demolition is making way for upgraded classrooms, high-performance research labs, and modernized spaces designed to support students and researchers for decades to come. This $35 million renovation will combine cutting-edge technology with sustainable design, creating a state-of-the-art environment that reflects the College's 80-year legacy of excellence in pharmacy.

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Poison Centers Save Lives and Money, New Study Says

A new, independent analysis by the RAND Corporation found that U.S. poison centers collectively save an estimated $3.1 billion each year by reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, shortening hospital stays and preventing serious health outcomes. For every $1 invested, communities receive an average return of $16.77 in benefits, according to the report. "This report shows we're doing more with less, so if we want to continue to support poison centers and the work they're doing, we need to invest more in poison centers," said Joseph Lambson, PharmD, DBAT, the Director of the New Mexico Poison & Drug Information Center, which operates within the UNM College of Pharmacy.

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No Clinics for Miles: UNM College of Pharmacy Alums Bring Vital Health Care to Rural Northern New Mexico

UNM College of Pharmacy alumni are filling critical gaps in primary care across rural northern New Mexico by serving as clinical pharmacists who diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, prescribe medications, and build relationships in the communities they call home. From Clayton to Española to Taos, their work expands access to essential health care and exemplifies the College's commitment to training pharmacists who return to serve underserved areas across the state.

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Dean Godwin Receives 2026 APhA-ASP Outstanding Dean Award

The UNM College of Pharmacy is proud to announce Dean Godwin has been named the winner of the 2026 APhA-ASP Outstanding Dean Award. The award, which recognizes a dean who has made significant contributions to the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP), will be presented at this year's annual APhA Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. Thank you, Dean Godwin, for your unwavering commitment to leadership development and support of our student pharmacists!

Dr. Bakhireva Co-Leads Effort to Secure Statewide Approval of Perinatal OUD Endorsement for Peer Support Workers

Dr. Ludmila Bakhireva recently co-led a successful, multi-disciplinary effort to secure unanimous approval from the New Mexico Credentialing Board for Behavioral Health Professionals for a continuous education curriculum establishing a "Perinatal OUD Endorsement" for Certified Peer Support Workers (CPSWs). Working with Dr. Crisanti (Psychiatry) and colleagues from Family Community Medicine and Pediatrics, they developed the program to better support perinatal individuals experiencing opioid use disorder—advancing UNM Health Sciences' priorities in substance use treatment and workforce development—with plans to expand the training to additional behavioral health professionals statewide.

Pharmacy Students and Visiting Japanese Students Bring Health Screenings to

UNM SUB

UNM College of Pharmacy students recently welcomed visiting students from Japan for an outreach event at the UNM Student Union Building (SUB). Together, they offered free health screenings, including blood glucose, blood pressure, and A-fib checks, helping the campus community stay informed about their health. The event also provided an opportunity for students to practice patient interaction, share knowledge, and engage with the broader UNM community.

Students Advocate for Health and Pharmacy at the New Mexico State Legislature

On Wednesday, February 4, UNM College of Pharmacy students took part in UNM Day at the New Mexico State Legislature, engaging lawmakers and the public in health and pharmacy advocacy. Students provided flu vaccinations, conducted health screenings, offered heart rhythm testing, and shared the important role pharmacists play in community health. The event showcased the impact student pharmacists while giving them a chance to connect with policymakers and prmote the profession at the state level.

UNM College of Pharmacy to Host Alumni & Friends Reception During APhA 2026 Annual Meeting

Are you attending the APhA 2025 Annual Meeting & Exposition in Los Angeles, or do you live in the area? Join us for dinner and drinks at our Alumni & Friends Reception on Saturday, March 28 at Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar. Reconnect with your fellow alumni, friends, and students (you do not need to be attending the conference to attend). We hope to see you there!

RSVP here by March 25 or contact Alex Tibble at altibble@salud.unm.edu with any questions.

Save the Date for the 2026 Alumni & Friends Tea!

Mark your calendars for this year's Alumni & Friends Tea on Saturday, September 19 at the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque. Join us for an afternoon of delicious teas, light hors d'oeuvres, inspiring words, and meaningful connections! Reserve your ticket by clicking the link below ($20 each). All proceeds go to support the Circle of Joy Student Scholarship.

Purchase Tickets

National Poison Prevention Week:

March 15-21

Each year, the third week of March is recognized as National Poison Prevention Week. This year's theme, "When the Unexpected Happens," highlights the importance of being prepared and informed to prevent accidental poisonings. Across the nation, poison centers work together during this week to raise awareness and provide life-saving guidance.

Learn how to protect your family and community by visiting the New Mexico Poison & Drug Information Center website for resources and tips.

Research & Scholarship Day

Join us for Research & Scholarship Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at the UNM Student Union Building, Ballrooms B & C. This annual poster exhibition and competition highlights groundbreaking research and scholarly achievements of our PharmD, MS, PhD students, post-docs, residents, faculty, and staff. Explore innovative projects, celebrate academic excellence, and connect with the next generation of pharmacy researchers!

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Pinning Ceremony

The UNM College of Pharmacy will host its Annual Pinning Ceremony on Thursday, May 7 at 6 p.m. at the UNM Continuing Education Building. This special ceremony recognizes student pharmacists as they complete the classroom phase of their PharmD education and marks their transition into the final experiential year of the program.

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2026 Convocation Ceremony

The UNM College of Pharmacy is delighted to recognize the Class of 2026 at this year's Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, May 16 at the Kiva Auditorium. Family, friends, faculty, and staff are invited to help us honor our graduates and the remarkable milestone of earning their Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Together, we'll celebrate their dedication, perseverance, and bright futures ahead!

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Seeking CV Reviewers: Make a Difference in a Future Pharmacist's Journey!


We're seeking qualified CV reviewers to help our students prepare for the next big step in their careers. Your real-world insight can help students refine their CVs, strengthen their confidence, and stand out to future employers. CV reviewers must be a UNM College of Pharmacy alum or active pharmacy professional and be available March 25 - April 18 to provide feedback via email (no meetings required). Volunteer by March 13 to give back and support the next generation of pharmacy leaders.

Sign-Up Here

Mark Your Calendars for This Year's UNM Big Give!

Get ready for the UNM Big Give on Thursday, April 9! This 24-hour fundraising event is your chance to support student scholarships, innovative research, and major College of Pharmacy initiatives like the COP building renovation. Every gift counts, so mark your calendars and help us make this year's Big Give the biggest yet!

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Dr. Linda Felton, funding for project titled Formulation and Batch Records for the VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Esther Erdei, NIH flow-through funding from Missouri Breaks Industries Research, Inc. for project titled Factors Influencing Pediatric Asthma (FIPA2) Study.

Dr. Alicia Bolt, Y2 CDC funding for R21 titled Defining the Role of IL-1 in Tungsten-mediated Cardiovascular Disease.



Dr. Sarah Blossom, Y4 NIEHS funding for P30 titled University of New Mexico Center for Metals in Biology and Medicine (NM-INSPIRES).

Dr. Jose Cerrato, Y4 and Y5 NIEHS funding for P42 titled UNM Metal Exposure Toxicity Assessment on Tribal Lands in the Southwest (METALS) Superfund Research Program (converted to multi-year award by NIH).  

Dr. Matt Campen, Y4 NIA funding supplement for R01 titled Acceleration of Circulatory and Neurological Aging due to Wildfire Exposures.