Good afternoon Lobos –

The University of New Mexico has taken an important step toward a more sustainable future with the release of its first comprehensive Sustainability Plan, a five-year roadmap to reduce the University’s environmental footprint and deepen a culture of sustainability across campus.

Developed through a year-long, community-driven process, the plan reflects extensive input from students, faculty, and staff, as well as guidance from an Executive Steering Committee and subject-matter experts. Organized around two core priorities—Transform Campus Operations and Build Sustainability Engagement & Culture—the plan details actionable goals across areas such as energy and water use, waste reduction, transportation, dining, applied learning, and institutional governance. You can read the entire plan here.

Implementation will include the creation of a Sustainability Council to coordinate campus efforts and a Sustainability Corps to engage students as peer educators and project leaders. Aligned with UNM 2040: Opportunity Defined, the plan reinforces The University of New Mexico’s commitment to long-term environmental stewardship, financial resilience, and student success—ensuring that the Lobo community continues to thrive while protecting the planet for generations to come.

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month, Cultivating New Partnerships

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on, and find strength in, our unique culture here at The University of New Mexico. UNM is very fortunate to benefit from the students, faculty, and staff who come to us from New Mexico’s 23 tribal nations--including 19 Pueblos, three Apache Tribes and the Navajo Nation—and the many more who come to us from tribes beyond the borders of our state. Each of these sovereign tribes and nations reflect distinctive cultures and impact, and a timelessness we see reflected in our Native students as well. We take pride in recruiting Native students, and in ensuring our Native students have the support and resources they need to succeed.



We are also honored to continue to strengthen our ties with tribal communities through meaningful collaboration. Most recently, the UNM College of Nursing has partnered with Navajo Technical University (NTU) to expand nursing education and increase opportunities for students serving New Mexico’s rural and tribal regions. Together, our institutions are sharing expertise, curriculum, and cultural knowledge to build a nursing program that honors both community and tradition. Rooted in Diné philosophy and guided by mutual respect, this partnership reflects UNM’s ongoing commitment to learning from—and alongside—New Mexico’s native nations and beyond.

Valencia Launches State’s Only Medical Biotechnology Certification Program



The University of New Mexico’s Valencia Campus is breaking new ground with the launch of the state’s first Medical Biotechnology Certification Program—a 20-credit-hour associate certification designed to prepare students for in-demand careers in the biomedical laboratory industry. The program blends rigorous coursework with advanced, hands-on lab experience; students spend more than seven hours a week in the lab mastering cutting-edge methods used in cancer and biomedical research. Now in its second year, the program draws students from across central New Mexico and emphasizes applied learning, professional readiness, and undergraduate research—empowering students to enter the workforce or continue on to advanced studies in biomedical and health sciences.

Architecture Dedicates Predock Center for Design + Research



Last month, The University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture and Planning celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated Predock Center for Design + Research (PCD+R)—a milestone nearly eight years in the making. The innovative center, housed in the former home and studio of world-renowned architect Antoine Predock and Constance DeJong, now serves as a creative hub where students can study and build upon Predock’s groundbreaking legacy. The center will also host SA+P’s Design Planning Assistance Center and Resource Center for Raza Planning, expanding community engagement and collaboration. Rooted in Predock’s visionary spirit, the new facility embodies the creativity, craft, and regional connection that define UNM architecture.

SRMC Launches Patient Family Advisory Committee



The University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC) is inviting patients and families to help shape the future of care through its new Patient Family Advisory Committee (PFAC). The committee brings together patients, family members, and hospital staff to share experiences, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen trust between SRMC and the community it serves. Applications are now open for individuals interested in serving on the committee, which will meet monthly. This new initiative underscores SRMC’s commitment to partnership, transparency, and continuous improvement—ensuring that the voices of patients are central to the care they receive.

Lobos Sweep Mountain West Cross Country Championships



The University of New Mexico’s men’s and women’s cross-country teams raced to glory at the Mountain West Championships in Fresno, capturing both team and individual titles for the second straight year — a feat last accomplished in 2014.

Junior Habtom Samuel made conference history by becoming the first Mountain West athlete to win three consecutive individual titles, while Pamela Kosgei, in her season debut, repeated as women’s champion. Both were named Mountain West Athletes of the Year, with Marion Jepngetich earning Women’s Freshman of the Year honors.



Under head coach Darren Gauson, who swept both Coach of the Year awards, the Lobos extended an incredible streak, winning at least one conference title in 18 consecutive seasons. With speed, teamwork, and championship spirit, our amazing Lobo Cross Country continues to lead the pack.

Food Pantries Need Your Support

With the status of SNAP benefits still uncertain—though it appears some resolution may be in sight—the Lobo Food Pantry and the Health Science Student Council Pantry can help students who may need assistance with food and basic hygiene products. Donations are also appreciated and may be made to either pantry. You can also check here for other distribution sites in our area.

Our Podcast Goes Inside UNM’s Hidden Museum

Behind an unmarked door at the heart of The University of New Mexico’s main campus lies a world-class treasure: the Museum of Southwestern Biology, home to nearly 5 million preserved specimens that are shaping global research on evolution, conservation, and climate change. In the latest episode of It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science, biology professor Christopher Witt reveals how this “hidden museum” has grown from a small regional collection into an international research hub. From the Rio Grande silvery minnow to giant hummingbirds, UNM’s collections help scientists uncover how species evolve and ecosystems adapt. Listen to “Inside UNM’s Hidden Museum” wherever you get your podcasts.