Good afternoon, Lobos –

Leadership transitions are underway at UNM-Gallup, following the July 1 retirement of Chancellor Sabrina Ezzell. As we begin the search for the next leader in Gallup, Dean of Instruction John Zimmerman has stepped into the role of interim chancellor, providing steady leadership during this important transition. John has appointed longtime faculty member Joe Kee as interim dean of instruction, ensuring continued support for the campus's academic mission and student success.

I want to thank Chancellor Ezzell for her remarkable leadership, dedicated service, and the many contributions she made to the campus and surrounding community during her tenure—she will be missed. UNM-Gallup plays a vital role in expanding educational opportunity for western New Mexico and the Navajo Nation, and I know John, Joe, and the entire campus community will continue to build on that legacy while preparing for an exciting new chapter.

Elevate UNM: A Stronger Foundation for Our Future

One of the best investments we can make as an institution is in the people and systems that power our university every day. That’s why I’m excited to share the launch of Elevate UNM, a multi-year initiative to modernize the administrative systems that support our faculty, staff, and students. Beginning this fall with new Finance and Human Resources systems, Elevate UNM will streamline processes, improve access to information, strengthen collaboration across the university community, and create a more connected, responsive institution.

These improvements align with our UNM 2040 vision by giving people the right tools to do their best work while reducing the administrative burden. Most importantly, Elevate UNM is an investment in our mission, allowing faculty and staff to spend more time focused on teaching, research, patient care, service, and student success. I encourage you to stay engaged as opportunities arise to help shape this important effort. Together, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable foundation for UNM’s future.

Looking Skyward Together

New Mexico’s future in the space economy is bright, and I’m always excited to see UNM helping lead the way. Our Sustainable Space Research Grand Challenges team recently brought together experts from universities, national laboratories, industry, government, and Spaceport America for a day-long workshop to identify practical next steps for growing our state’s role in space innovation. From advanced propulsion and space health to workforce development and public-private partnerships, the conversations were forward-looking and collaborative—and it’s especially gratifying to see our Grand Challenges initiatives are continuing to spark meaningful partnerships around issues that matter. New Mexico has the talent, infrastructure, and entrepreneurial spirit to reach new heights, and UNM is proud to help build the collaborations that will get us there.

Meeting Behavioral Health Needs Close to Home

Behavioral health is an essential part of overall well-being, and everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality care close to home. I’m proud of the outstanding work our colleagues at UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC) are doing to meet the mental health needs of Sandoval County—presently at 160,000 residents and growing. From emergency behavioral health services and outpatient care to mobile Behavioral Response Teams that meet people where they are, SRMC is helping ensure support is available when it’s needed most. Our SRMC healthcare providers are improving lives every day by expanding access, reducing barriers, and bringing hope and healing to individuals and families throughout Sandoval County—another meaningful example of how UNM is fulfilling its mission to improve the health and well-being of every community we serve.

Lobos Lead MW in All-Academic Selections; Carris Named Scholar-Athlete of the Year


Success at UNM isn’t measured only by what happens in competition; it’s also reflected in the classroom. I was delighted to learn that, for the second consecutive year and the 10th time in the past 14 years, our Lobos led the Mountain West Conference in All-Academic selections, with an impressive 245 student-athletes earning this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations to every honoree for demonstrating the discipline, perseverance, and commitment it takes to excel both academically and athletically. These remarkable students embody what it means to be a Lobo, proving that excellence extends far beyond the playing field. I’m incredibly proud of their accomplishments and grateful to the coaches, faculty, and staff who have helped support their success at every step.

I also want to recognize New Mexico Baseball’s Akili Carris, who was named the Mountain West Scholar-Athlete of the Year, one of the conference’s highest academic honors. Akili’s achievement makes him the fifth Lobo men’s student-athlete to earn the league’s highest academic honor and reflects an extraordinary combination of academic excellence, leadership, and service. Congratulations, Akili!