Good afternoon Lobos –

Thank you to everyone who joined me at Keller Hall last week for a special conversation on Opportunities Ahead for The University of New Mexico. It meant a great deal to reflect together on where we have been since I came here in 2018, and where we are headed eight years later. I was honored to be joined in the discussion by Interim Provost Barbara Rodriguez, EVP for Health Sciences and CEO of UNM Health System Mike Richards, and EVP for Finance and Administration Teresa Costantinidis.

My presidency began with a journey across all 33 counties of our state—an experience that reinforced my guiding belief that UNM is not simply in New Mexico; it is of New Mexico. That idea has shaped our work over the past eight years, from the development of UNM 2040: Opportunity Defined to the ways we serve our students, patients, and communities.

Together, we navigated the challenges of a global pandemic while continuing to fulfill our mission as the state’s only academic medical center. We advanced research through initiatives like Grand Challenges, strengthened support for student success, and expanded access to education and care across the state. We also invested in our campus, our people, and our partnerships—ensuring that UNM continues to grow as a place of discovery, opportunity, and impact.

What really stands out the most to me, however, are not just these major milestones, but the people behind them: our students, faculty, staff, and health care professionals, whose dedication defines this university. I am so appreciative of all you do for our university, our community, and our state. None of what we do could happen without you.

We still have three more months of work to do together before my time here at UNM ends—and I look forward to all we will accomplish together.

Pictured above (l. to r.): EVP for Finance and Administration Teresa Costantinidis, EVP for Health Sciences and CEO of UNM Health System Mike Richards, Interim Provost Barbara Rodriguez and President Garnett S. Stokes.

UNM Redesignated by WHO as Leader in Innovative Health Education



The University of New Mexico continues to lead on the global stage, earning re-designation as a Collaborating Center for Innovative Health Workers Education, Service and Research Models by the World Health Organization, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization. This distinction—held by only three academic medical centers in North America—reflects more than three decades of impactful collaboration. Co-directed by faculty in Family and Community Medicine, the center advances interprofessional training and community-based care models that serve rural and underserved populations. UNM’s pioneering HEROs program and its widely used Social Determinants 101 curriculum exemplify this work, now shared globally while informing solutions here at home. Together, these efforts highlight UNM’s unique role in shaping health education through innovation, partnership, and our deep commitment to advancing New Mexico.

Six Lobo Researchers Earn National Honor for Library Research Excellence



At The University of New Mexico, our Lobo scholars are advancing knowledge in ways that resonate far beyond campus, and I am so proud to celebrate Blair Solon, Margie Montañez, Liz Cooper, Amy Jankowski, Glenn Koelling and Laura Soito on receiving the prestigious Jesse H. Shera Award from the American Library Association. Their collaborative, all-women team produced impactful research on censorship and reconsideration policies, offering practical tools for academic libraries nationwide. This honor reflects both scholarly excellence and a deep commitment to intellectual freedom—and during Women’s History Month in particular, their achievement is a powerful reminder of how UNM researchers are shaping the national conversation and leading with purpose.

Samuel, Kosgei Named Mountain West Track & Field Student-Athletes of the Year

Following an incredible indoor season, Habtom Samuel and Pamela Kosgei have been named Mountain West Track & Field Student-Athletes of the Year—an extraordinary sweep not achieved by UNM since 2010. Together, they delivered dominant performances at the conference and national levels, combining for 40 points at the Mountain West Championships and 24 at the NCAA Championships. Habtom captured a national title in the 5,000 meters and remained undefeated in the event all season, while Pamela led our women to a second consecutive conference title and earned All-America honors in both the 3K and 5K. Congratulations to these amazing student-athletes, whose excellence exemplifies the strength, determination, and the very spirit of Lobo Athletics.

UNM Research Reveals a Powerful “Motherhood Advantage” in the Workplace



Fascinating new research from The University of New Mexico is helping to reshape how we understand working parents in today’s workforce. A study coauthored by Assistant Professor I-Heng (Ray) Wu challenges long-standing assumptions about a “motherhood penalty,” instead identifying a compelling “motherhood advantage.” The findings show that many mothers draw deeper meaning from their work as a way to model integrity, responsibility, and diligence for their families—often leading to increased motivation, stronger performance, and greater ethical leadership. This work underscores the importance of building workplace cultures that value the full identities of employees; at UNM, we are proud to contribute to research that advances opportunity and a more accurate understanding of the strengths individuals can bring to their professions.

Temporary Access Gates on Central Being Upgraded for Safety



The University of New Mexico is taking a practical next step to strengthen how our campus is protected by controlling access after-hours. The Board of Regents has approved the installation of four automated access gates along Central Avenue, replacing the temporary nightly barriers with a more reliable, technology-driven solution. By limiting access from Central between 10 p.m. and 6 p.m., these gates will build on proven safety measures by reducing unauthorized traffic and allowing our police officers to focus more effectively on prevention and response. This $1.43 million investment reflects thoughtful, long-term planning as construction begins in May 2026—ensuring our campus remains secure, accessible, and supportive for all who learn, work, and live here.

Honoring Resilience, Advancing Justice for Uranium-Impacted Communities



At The University of New Mexico, we are guided by the strength and stories of New Mexicans like Frances Whitmore; her journey reminds us why our Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program stands at the forefront of care and advocacy—helping families navigate the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act with compassion and expertise. Today, expanded eligibility brings long-awaited recognition and support to uranium workers and downwinders. While challenges remain, our commitment is unwavering: to connect communities with vital resources, advance health equity, and ensure that stories like Frances’s lead not only to justice, but to hope for the future.

On the Latest Podcast . . .



All across New Mexico, meaningful research is happening not just on our campuses, but in the communities we serve. Here at UNM, our Office of Community Engagement—led by Tim Castillo—is helping connect faculty expertise with real-world challenges. By partnering with local organizations, governments and residents, our researchers co-create solutions grounded in lived experience and shared knowledge. On the latest installment of It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science, Tim reflects on how this work shows our commitment to collaboration, empathy, and impact. As we continue to earn national recognition, we remain focused on strengthening partnerships and advancing opportunities throughout our state. Listen to the episode at podcast.unm.edu or wherever you get your podcasts.

Men’s Basketball Advances to Semifinals in National Invitational Tournament

It’s been a great two weeks for the Lobo men’s basketball team, as three straight wins in the National Invitation Tournament—including last week’s impressive 84-69 victory over Saint Joseph’s at The Pit—has our Lobos advancing to the NIT semifinals for the first time since 1990. Our team takes on Tulsa in the NIT semifinals on Thursday, April 2 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, tipping off at 5:00 p.m. MT on ESPN. Congratulations to Coach Olen and his entire team of coaches and players for a terrific tournament so far; it’s been a thrill watching our Lobos play three games at home in The Pit—now on to Indianapolis!