Good afternoon Lobos –

The University of New Mexico is launching a bold vision to modernize University Stadium and revitalize South Campus as a dynamic, mixed-use district with a reach that serves not just Lobo fans but the wider community. With initial support from state capital outlay funding, this comprehensive development planning and feasibility study will outline modernization options for the stadium while exploring opportunities that strengthen UNM’s role as both an academic and community anchor.

UNM has partnered with Dekker, a trusted New Mexico-based firm, and Gensler, a global leader in stadium and athletics master planning, to help chart this path forward. Their expertise will guide plans to create a “Stadium of the Future”—a multipurpose venue designed for year-round use, including not just athletic contests, but concerts, community gatherings, and statewide events that deliver a lasting economic and social impact. The study will also explore opportunities for mixed-use development in the South Campus Tax Increment Development District (TIDD), enhancing connectivity, safety, and convenience across the area while deepening UNM’s ties with the City of Albuquerque.

At its heart, this project reflects The University of New Mexico’s mission as the state’s flagship university—to advance student success, foster innovation, and serve the broader community. By modernizing University Stadium and reimagining South Campus, we are not only strengthening Lobo Athletics, but also creating an exciting gateway that connects education, research, athletics, and economic opportunity. It’s a vision that celebrates the spirit of UNM, deepens our role as a partner to Albuquerque and New Mexico, and ensures our campus continues to inspire pride for generations of Lobos to come.

UNM and LANL Break New Ground in Materials Science

Sometimes, solving a scientific problem using traditional techniques can take so long that — quite literally — it would outlast the age of the universe. That’s been the case with a central challenge in materials science: predicting the properties of condensed matter from its atomic or molecular structure. Researchers from UNM and Los Alamos National Laboratory have now cracked that puzzle with a powerful new computational tool called Tensors for High-Dimensional Object Representation (THOR AI). By reimagining how scientists model atomic interactions, THOR AI can complete calculations in seconds that once took weeks on supercomputers — and with greater accuracy. This breakthrough will speed discoveries in fields from materials science to chemistry and physics, through better understanding the statistical mechanics of condensed matter science.

Training Tomorrow’s Physicians, Strengthening New Mexico’s Care

As New Mexico’s only academic medical center and Level I trauma center, UNM Hospital is uniquely committed to training the next generation of physicians while caring for our communities today. Resident physicians and fellows— doctors advancing their specialty training under faculty supervision — are central to that mission. Since 2019, UNM’s Graduate Medical Education slots have grown from 610 to 776 across 74 specialties, ranking among the largest in the nation. From newborn to elder care, psychiatry to surgery, and rotations in rural communities statewide, our residents and fellows deliver essential care while gaining the skills to serve New Mexicans long-term. We’re proud to be expanding graduate medical education; it’s all part of our mission to build a stronger health care workforce — and a healthier future for New Mexico.

Honoring Research and Creative Excellence

At last week’s Promoted Faculty Reception at University House, we had the honor of recognizing six exceptional UNM faculty members as recipients of the 2025 Research and Creative Works Leadership Awards. This year’s honorees are: James Cavanagh, professor of Psychology; Peter Gilbert, professor of Music; Melvatha Chee, associate professor of Linguistics; Minghui Chen, associate professor of Nuclear Engineering; Ting Jiang, research assistant professor in the College of Pharmacy; and Xuexian Yang, associate professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. These faculty represent a broad range of fields, reflecting the diversity of our faculty and their expertise, and it was a privilege to celebrate them for their groundbreaking contributions in their disciplines. Congratulations to our remarkable faculty leaders!

Lobo Lift Rolls Out to Boost Campus Safety

The Associated Students of the University of New Mexico (ASUNM) are addressing one of the biggest concerns on campus—student safety—with a new initiative launching this spring. Lobo Lift will offer evening rides for students returning to campus housing after late classes, providing a safe and convenient way to get home. The program will feature three carts staffed by trained student employees, equipped with monitoring cameras, and designed with flexible features for all-weather use. Beyond transportation, Lobo Lift represents a visible, peer-driven safety measure that enhances security on campus. Lobo Lift is more than just a ride—it’s a promise that safety and student well-being remain at the heart of the Lobo experience.

Nominate Outstanding Staff for the Gerald May Award

The University of New Mexico Staff Council is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Gerald W. May Outstanding Staff Award. Established by UNM’s 14th president, Gerald W. May, this prestigious honor recognizes staff members whose leadership, innovation, and dedication make a lasting impact on our university community. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to nominate deserving colleagues from across UNM—including the Health Sciences Center and branch campuses—by Friday, October 17, at 3 p.m. Award recipients will be celebrated at a public ceremony on December 5. Submit your nomination today and help us honor staff excellence at UNM!

Continued Guidance on the Federal Shutdown

As of Monday, October 6, the federal government remains shut down. This situation may affect some members of our campus community, particularly in areas supported by federal research funding. UNM’s Offices of Research issued early guidance on the shutdown’s impact on UNM research and HSC-sponsored projects, and our Office of Sponsored Projects Guidance on Partial Federal Shutdown website continues to provide updates on agency contingency plans. We will continue to share new information as it becomes available.