Good morning Lobos –

As I prepare to conclude my service as president in July 2026, I am excited to see the University of New Mexico reach an important milestone in the search for its next leader. The Board of Regents has announced five finalists for the job, each bringing deep experience and a strong record of leadership from distinguished institutions across the country.

Choosing the next president is among the most important decisions for the future of UNM. This role requires not only academic and administrative excellence, but a genuine commitment to our mission as a public, flagship university serving the people of New Mexico. The right leader will build on our momentum, strengthen our impact, and help shape the next chapter of this remarkable institution.

I encourage our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to engage in this process by learning more about each candidate, attending the upcoming campus forums, and sharing your feedback. Your voices are vital to ensuring that UNM’s next president reflects the values, aspirations, and promise of our community.

College of Population Health Celebrates 10 Years



The University of New Mexico’s College of Population Health is celebrating a decade of impact, innovation, and leadership in advancing health across our state. Since its founding in 2016 as one of the nation’s first colleges of its kind, COPH has helped shape a growing field, achieving a 98% graduation rate, securing millions in research funding, and launching the country’s first Bachelor of Science in Population Health. This milestone reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni, whose work strengthens communities and advances health equity across New Mexico. Looking ahead, COPH remains committed to advancing New Mexico by expanding partnerships, supporting future public health leaders, and addressing the complex challenges that shape the well-being of our communities.

Lobo Researchers Look at Resilience Along the Rio Grande

Backed by nearly $1.6 million from Allen Family Philanthropies and the National Science Foundation, researchers at The University of New Mexico are advancing an innovative environmental flows model to strengthen resilience along the Rio Grande. In collaboration with partners including World Wildlife Fund and the National Audubon Society, the project will refine the Rio Grande Futures model to guide water management in a changing climate. By integrating ecological data with water-use scenarios, the effort will help balance the needs of communities, agriculture, and Tribal nations while protecting critical river ecosystems and species. This critical work positions UNM and its partners at the forefront of developing science-driven solutions for a more sustainable and resilient water future across the region.

College of Education Presents First “State of the College”


The University of New Mexico College of Education and Human Sciences will host its inaugural State of the College address on April 22 at 5 p.m. at the UNM Continuing Education Conference Center, with a virtual option available. Led by Dean Kristopher M. Goodrich, the event will highlight the college’s recent progress and future direction as a state-serving institution. Over the past several years, COEHS has expanded programs, strengthened partnerships, and invested in student success—driving gains in enrollment, retention, and workforce readiness. The address also looks ahead to the college’s centennial in 2028, inviting the community to help shape its next era of impact across New Mexico.

Research Team Confirms Multi-Planet System

Researchers at The University of New Mexico are helping unlock the mysteries of our universe with a remarkable new discovery. Led by Ph.D. candidate Ismael Mireles and Professor Diana Dragomir, a UNM team has confirmed three bodies orbiting the dynamic TOI-201 system—a super-Earth, a warm Jupiter, and a rare brown dwarf—offering a real-time window into how planetary systems evolve. Published in Science Advances, this work highlights the power of collaboration, innovation, and student-led research at UNM. Discoveries like this not only deepen our understanding of the cosmos but also demonstrate how our university is preparing the next generation of scientists to lead at the new frontiers of knowledge.

Forty Years of Scribendi at UNM Honors College

The UNM Honors College recently marked a special milestone with the release of the 40th edition of Scribendi, its annual student-produced literary and arts magazine. This celebratory moment—recognized by the City of Albuquerque by designating April 18 as “Scribendi Day”—brought together students, alumni, and faculty to honor four decades of creativity and expression. Building on national recognition, including a prestigious Pacemaker Award for last year’s edition, Scribendi continues to showcase the extraordinary talent of our students—and students throughout the region—across disciplines. This anniversary reflects the enduring power of the arts at UNM and our commitment to elevating student voices, storytelling, and creative achievement in New Mexico and beyond.

2026 Service Awards Celebrates More Than 400 Lobo Faculty and Staff

Last Thursday, I was proud to attend The University of New Mexico’s 2026 Annual Service Awards, celebrating 418 faculty and staff whose 15 to 45 years of service embody the very best of UNM. Surrounded by proud family, friends, and colleagues, honorees were recognized for advancing New Mexico through teaching, research, healthcare, and essential operations; it is their dedication, talent, and shared commitment that make UNM such a remarkable place. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, thank you for your lasting impact, and for all you do for our university and our community.

Root Beer Floats at the Cactus Garden on Thursday

To celebrate Spring—and to give you a much-deserved break as we head into the final weeks of the semester—I invite you to come by for a root beer float on Thursday afternoon at the Cactus Garden between Zimmerman Library and the Duck Pond. Starting at noon, I’ll be joined by campus leaders as we serve orange and root beer floats—or, if you prefer, a cup of ice cream—going until 1:30 p.m. or until we run out of supplies. We hope to serve as many of you as we can on Thursday!