Good afternoon Lobos –

After more than eight years of serving this extraordinary university—and the equally incredible people of New Mexico—I am delighted that The University of New Mexico has selected an outstanding new leader to guide UNM into its next chapter. Following an extensive national search that engaged faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community leaders across New Mexico, the UNM Board of Regents has unanimously selected Steve Goldstein as UNM’s 24th president.

Dr. Goldstein is an accomplished academic leader, physician-scientist, and champion for public higher education whose career has been defined by innovation, collaboration, and service. He currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at University of California, Irvine, where he has led remarkable growth in research, healthcare, philanthropy, and student opportunity. His deep experience advancing academic health systems and expanding research partnerships makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead our institution.

Throughout this search process, I was inspired by the passion and dedication of our campus and statewide community. The engagement and thoughtful input shared at forums and listening sessions reflected the extraordinary commitment so many people have to The University of New Mexico and its mission.

UNM today is stronger, more innovative, and more impactful than ever before, and I have every confidence that Dr. Goldstein will build on that momentum. I look forward to welcoming Steve and his family to the Lobo community and to seeing all that The University of New Mexico will accomplish in the years ahead.

Farewell to the Class of 2026

It has been a joy to celebrate our Class of 2026. On Friday night in The Pit - Powered by Nusenda, we proudly honored our graduate students as they completed the next stage of their academic journeys. Then, on Saturday morning, we cheered our undergraduates as they entered the arena as Lobo students and proudly left in the afternoon as Lobo graduates and alumni. It was wonderful to experience these life-changing milestones together, and to celebrate mutual joys and accomplishments as Lobos. Congratulations to our Class of 2026! I hope you’ll take a moment to check out the stories of some of this year’s Inspiring Graduates—as well as the graduating seniors recently honored with the 2026 Clauvé Outstanding Senior Awards—and learn more about the three honorary doctorates we presented on Saturday morning.

My thanks as well to the countless departments and employees across campus whose untold hours of planning and preparing for the ceremony made the day a huge success. If you were unable to join the festivities, you can watch our graduate and undergraduate celebrations here.

UNM Researchers Advance Innovative Treatment for Substance Use


At The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, researchers are leading important work to improve prevention, treatment, and recovery for substance use disorders across the Southwest. Through the Southwest Node of the national Clinical Trials Network, UNM investigators are partnering with communities, health care providers, and universities to develop culturally responsive, evidence-based approaches that meet the unique needs of New Mexico and the region. Current studies are exploring integrated care models for hospitalized patients, strategies to support long-term recovery from opioid use disorder, and ways to reduce stigma in treatment settings. Lobo researchers are also collaborating with Native American and Alaska Native communities to strengthen culturally centered care and expand access to lifesaving medication treatment, helping improve outcomes for individuals and families statewide.

Lobos Leading the Way in Service, Sustainability and Community Care


Across The University of New Mexico, students are turning compassion into action through initiatives that support both their peers and the broader community. This spring, Lobo students expanded campus food recovery efforts, redistributing nearly 700 pounds of surplus food and providing more than 580 meals through partnerships with dining locations, volunteers, and the Lobo Food Pantry. At the same time, UNM’s fraternity and sorority community raised a record-breaking $57,000 and collected more than 8,600 pounds of food for Storehouse New Mexico during Greek Week 2026. Together, these efforts reflect the extraordinary commitment of Lobos to addressing food insecurity, reducing waste, and strengthening communities through service, innovation, and collaboration.

Women’s Track & Field Repeat as MW Champions


The University of New Mexico women’s track and field team has once again made Lobo history, capturing its sixth consecutive Mountain West championship across cross country, indoor and outdoor competition. Competing at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in Clovis, California, our Lobos delivered a record-setting performance with 190 team points — the highest outdoor score in program history — and became the first women’s program since BYU in 2004-05 to sweep all three conference titles in back-to-back years. Lobo runners also claimed 11 individual conference titles over the weekend, while Head Coach Darren Gauson earned Mountain West Women’s Coach of the Year honors. Congratulations to our incredible student-athletes and coaches for another extraordinary championship season.

Lobo Golfers Earn Mountain West Honors Ahead of NCAA Regional


Ahead of today’s NCAA Bryan Regional—hosted by Texas A&M in Bryan, Texas—our nationally ranked Lobo men’s golf team is receiving well-deserved recognition for an outstanding season. Freshman Thayer Plewe was named Mountain West Freshman of the Year, becoming the seventh Lobo to earn the honor and the first since 2022. Plewe, along with Mesa Falleur, Johnnie Clark, and Emil Albers, also earned All-Mountain West honors, tying a program record with four Lobos recognized in the same season.



This talented team has demonstrated remarkable depth, determination, and consistency throughout the year, capturing multiple tournament victories along the way. As the Lobos tee off in Texas this week, the entire UNM community is cheering them on toward a return to the NCAA Championship.

Early Voting Available in the SUB

The University of New Mexico Student Union Building is once again serving as an early voting location for the 2026 New Mexico primary election, making it easy and convenient for Bernalillo County residents to cast their ballots on campus. Early voting will take place in Louie’s Lounge, Room 1076, from May 16–30, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day voting will be held Tuesday, June 2, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Same-day voter registration is also available.