Good afternoon Lobos –

The University of New Mexico has taken a major step forward in its vision for South Campus with the finalization of an agreement to launch Lobo Crossing, a transformative mixed-use retail development near our athletics facilities. This exciting project will bring new energy to an area long identified as underserved, introducing essential retail, grocery, and dining options in a walkable, community-focused environment.

Anchored by Target and featuring a dynamic mix of national retailers, restaurants, and local businesses, the 365,000-square-foot development represents the first major multi-tenant retail center built in the Albuquerque metro area in more than two decades. Just as importantly, it reflects the power of partnership—bringing together UNM, the City of Albuquerque, and SimonCRE to create new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and community connection.

Lobo Crossing is a cornerstone of the South Campus Tax Increment Development District and a key part of a broader, coordinated effort to transform this area into a vibrant destination for students, fans, and neighbors alike. As additional investments take shape across South Campus, this project signals strong momentum and a bold, shared commitment to building a thriving future for our university and our city.

Unified Policy Portal Strengthens “One University” Approach at UNM

The University of New Mexico is aligning its “One University” vision with the integration of multiple policy manuals into a single, cloud-based portal. As of April 10, policies from across UNM—including Regent, administrative, and Health Sciences Center—are now unified in one easy-to-navigate location, improving access and consistency for faculty, staff, and students.

Built on the PolicyStat platform, the new system streamlines searches, enhances ADA compliance, and improves mobile responsiveness, making UNM policies more accessible than ever. This effort supports key goals of UNM 2040, including operational alignment and inclusive excellence, by ensuring clearer, more connected guidance across the institution.

With improved usability, version control, and transparency, the integrated policy portal represents an important step forward in strengthening efficiency, accessibility, and collaboration across the University community.

A New Era for Lobo Women’s Basketball



Last week, I was proud to join Athletic Director Ryan Berryman at The Pit to officially welcome Amy Eagan as the seventh head coach in Lobo Women’s Basketball history. A proven leader with more than 300 career wins, multiple conference titles, and six NCAA Tournament appearances, Coach Eagan brings a record of excellence and momentum to Albuquerque. Her recent success includes guiding Lindenwood through its transition to Division I and building a championship-caliber program, following an extraordinary run at Drury with three conference titles and national recognition. We are excited to begin this next chapter and look forward to the energy, leadership, and competitive spirit she will bring to our program and our community.

UNM Forms Immigration Working Group to Provide Guidance and Resources



The University of New Mexico has launched a new Immigration Working Group to strengthen support for students, faculty, and staff while expanding the University’s role as a trusted resource across New Mexico. Led by Vice President for Change and Empowerment Assata Zerai, the group brings together leaders from across campus to coordinate guidance, resources, and communication related to immigration matters. Building on earlier Rapid Response Team efforts, the working group will focus on clear communication, expanded resources, and a coordinated, university-wide approach. This initiative reflects UNM’s commitment to access, student success, and inclusive excellence, ensuring our community is supported with timely information and meaningful resources.

Global Education Office Hosts Annual Springtime Festival



Each spring, the University of New Mexico comes alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of cultures from around the world. On Thursday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., our annual Springtime International Festival returns to Cornell Mall, hosted by the Global Education Office. A UNM tradition since the 1990s, the festival will feature students representing more than 30 countries through food, music, and dance. Enjoy international dishes, local vendors, and live performances from noon to 1 p.m., along with an interactive bachata lesson. This celebration is free and open to all—an inspiring reflection of our global Lobo community.

UNM Graduate Programs Earn Strong National Recognition in 2026 Rankings

The University of New Mexico is proud to be recognized in the latest U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings, with 41 programs ranked among the nation’s top 100 across disciplines. Leading the way is the Nurse-Midwifery program, ranked No. 7 nationally, underscoring UNM’s long-standing leadership in preparing highly skilled clinicians who serve communities across New Mexico and beyond. Additional top 50 rankings include Nuclear Engineering at No. 14, Environmental Law at No. 31, Fine Arts at No. 34, and Pharmacy at No. 44. UNM also continues to show strength across engineering, law, public health, business, and the sciences, with multiple programs ranked in the top tier nationwide—a testament to the strength and breadth of UNM’s graduate education, research, and professional training.

UNM College of Pharmacy Dean Honored with National Leadership Award

The University of New Mexico is proud to celebrate College of Pharmacy Dean Donald Godwin, who has received the 2026 American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists Outstanding Dean Award, honoring one dean from more than 140 pharmacy schools nationwide. Dean Godwin was recognized for fostering a deeply student-centered culture at UNM, where leadership, service, and professional growth are embedded throughout the student experience. This recognition reflects the impact of UNM’s dedicated faculty, staff, and students, as well as the strong “Pharmily” culture embraced by Dean Godwin that continues to shape the future of pharmacy in New Mexico—and beyond.

Alumni Scholarships Available Through April 30



Graduate and undergraduate students have less than a month left to apply for 2026 UNM Alumni Scholarships. UNM Alumni offers a variety of scholarships based on criteria including academic achievement, financial need, and Lobo spirit. Many UNM Regional Alumni Chapters are also providing financial aid for students from around the country. The UNM Alumni website has plenty of information on how to apply online, as well as tips for completing scholarship applications, and a free resume guide. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Project ECHO Expands Access to Care Across New Mexico

Access to specialized healthcare can be a challenge across New Mexico, but at the University of New Mexico, Project ECHO is helping change that. Featured in the latest episode of the award-winning podcast It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science, Project ECHO connects providers through virtual networks to share knowledge and improve care in real time. What began as a solution for hepatitis C treatment in rural communities has grown into a global model supporting a wide range of conditions, including diabetes. By bringing expertise directly to providers—and tailoring care to local needs—Project ECHO is improving outcomes, strengthening communities, and ensuring more New Mexicans receive high-quality care close to home. Download the latest podcast here; you can also find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Conference Showcases the Best of Undergraduate Research



As a Research 1 institution, Lobo students have regular opportunities to work closely with faculty mentors on groundbreaking research across an ever-widening variety of disciplines. This Friday, April 17, you can learn more about the remarkable work of our undergraduate researchers as part of UNM’s annual Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference (UROC), a free, campus-wide event to showcase UNM’s student research projects. Organized by the Undergraduate Research, Arts & Design Network (URAD), UROC will feature UNM students presenting their research in a number of formats, from traditional 10-minute oral presentations and poster presentations to three-minute elevator pitch competitions. Look for presentations in locations around the SUB, beginning at 9 a.m. and running until 3:30 p.m.

Nationally Ranked Lobo Golf Team Closes Regular Season in Phoenix



The University of New Mexico men’s golf team, presently ranked #20 in the nation, heads to Phoenix this week to close out the regular season at the ASU Thunderbird Collegiate, one of the nation’s premier tournaments. Competing against a deep field that includes nine top-60 teams, the Lobos continue a strong season that has already featured a tournament victory and multiple top four finishes. With a talented lineup and momentum on their side, this event offers another opportunity to compete at the highest level and prepare for postseason play.