Good afternoon Lobos –

At the University of New Mexico, our strength lies in the diversity of our community. Students, faculty, researchers, and health professionals from around the world come to UNM to share their talents, expand knowledge, and contribute to discoveries that benefit New Mexico and beyond. We are proud to be home to an international community whose perspectives, expertise, and cultures enrich our classrooms, clinics, and laboratories.

We also recognize that federal policy changes can create uncertainty for our colleagues and students from abroad. Please know that UNM strives to support our international community by providing accurate information, timely guidance, and resources to help navigate these changes. From immigration advising and cultural programming offered through the Global Education Office to a wide range of academic, wellness, visa processes and student success services across campus, you have resources to support you.

Critical Care Tower Officially Opens

Last Friday, I had the privilege of joining Lobo leaders and some distinguished guests as we cut the ribbon together on UNM Hospital’s sparkling new 570,000-square-foot Critical Care Tower (CCT). This is the largest expansion of UNM’s clinical delivery system in 15 years and will immediately transform the way we deliver health care in New Mexico as the state’s only academic medical center. The CCT features 68 new emergency beds, 96 intensive care beds, 18 operating rooms, two helipads, and some of the nation’s most advanced medical technology. Designed as both a treatment and teaching space and staffed by our unique brand of compassionate health care professionals, this historic project continues our progress toward meeting the state’s most critical health care needs and is a crucial step in our long-term plan to support the state’s health care workforce.

UNM Joins $43.6M NIH-Funded Effort to Improve Health Across the Region

The University of New Mexico is joining forces with The University of Arizona on an ambitious new research partnership that will bring major benefits to the Southwest. Backed by a $43.6 million Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health, our two universities will launch the Southwest Center for Advancing Clinical & Translational Innovation (SW CACTI). Over the next seven years, this collaboration will accelerate medical discoveries, expand clinical trials, and strengthen health care for communities across New Mexico, Arizona, and the Navajo Nation. The grant also invests in the future, supporting training programs to prepare the next generation of translational scientists and staff. Together, UNM and U of A are building healthier futures and advancing research that directly benefits our region.

Innovation Academy Celebrates a Decade of Creativity and Impact

Ten years ago, The University of New Mexico launched the Innovation Academy (iA) with one bold idea: make creativity the only curriculum requirement. Since then, more than 21,000 students from over 90 majors have participated in iA programs, gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and innovation. From the flagship Rainforest Pitch Competition to e-commerce courses and the Tech Navigator Challenge, students have turned bold ideas into real-world ventures, securing more than $25 million in outside investment. As iA celebrates its first decade, it continues to expand opportunities for students to think like entrepreneurs, fuel New Mexico’s economy, and shape a brighter future.

UNM Cancer Researcher Leads $12.9M Study on Endometrial Cancer

Dr. Kimberly Leslie, a research professor at The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, has secured a five-year, $12.9 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to lead a multi-university study on preventing and treating endometrial cancer. The disease, which primarily affects women over 55, is now rising among younger women and has surpassed ovarian cancer in U.S. deaths. Dr. Leslie’s team, spanning six universities, will evaluate all available hormonal therapies to identify the most effective prevention and treatment strategies. With UNM serving as the parent institution, the study leverages the Cancer Center’s research resources and builds on years of collaborative work aimed at saving lives and improving care.

UNM-Gallup Launches Solar Technician Program to Power Communities

At UNM-Gallup, students are turning sunlight into opportunity through the new solar technician program offered by Community Education & Workforce Development. The 12-week course prepares students to earn certification and gain hands-on experience installing solar panels in local communities. In its first cohort, five students installed panels on homes in Zuni and Fort Defiance, helping families gain reliable electricity while building valuable skills for the clean energy workforce. Supported by a grant from the New Mexico Higher Education Department, tuition is fully covered, making this career pathway accessible to all. With three cohorts planned for 2026, UNM-Gallup is equipping students to power their communities—and power their futures.

UNM Gives as Lobos Lead the Way

The annual UNM Gives campaign kicks off this Wednesday, October 1, continuing our nearly 30-year partnership with the United Way of North Central New Mexico. Running through November 30, the campaign reflects UNM’s deep commitment to service, supporting programs that advance education, health, financial stability, and basic needs across five counties. This year, students are stepping into leadership roles, driving campus engagement through creative outreach, events, and the new Lobo Paws initiative. Signature activities include the Salsa Showdown on October 16 and the Change 4 Change department challenge. With “United is the Way Forward” as our theme, Lobos are coming together to build stronger communities—on campus and beyond.

Applications Open for Expanded Faculty Leadership Program

UNM faculty are invited to apply for the expanded WeR1 Leadership Innovation for Faculty Transformation (LIFT) program, launching in 2026. The program provides mentoring, support, and pathways to strengthen research and academic leadership skills while advancing UNM’s mission. Open to Albuquerque campus tenured faculty, LIFT offers a focused cohort model with opportunities to explore specialized leadership goals. Applications are due Thursday, October 16, with selections announced in mid-November.

Podcast Explores “Catch and Release” in New Mexico’s Justice System



The latest episode of It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science takes on a complex issue making headlines: so-called “catch and release” in New Mexico’s criminal justice system. “Detained and Dismissed” highlights research from UNM’s Institute for Social Research, which reviewed more than 6,500 pretrial detention motions filed in Bernalillo County between 2017 and 2023 and found that many defendants deemed threats to public safety sat in jail for months, only to have their cases dismissed or abandoned. Criminologist Paul Guerin and his team explain why this happens, how bail reform has shifted the system, and why perceptions don’t always match reality.

Lobos Bring the Fire, Claim the Rivalry Roaster

Lobo pride was on full display this weekend as our Lobo football team beat downstate rival New Mexico State, 38-20, in front of a sell-out crowd at University Stadium—our first sell-out since 2007. After trailing at halftime, the Lobos dominated the second half 24-3, tying a program record with nine sacks while holding the Aggies to just 15 rushing yards. The win was capped with Head Coach Jason Eck and his players hoisting “The Chile Roaster,” the official new rivalry trophy designed for the game by Lobo and Aggie students. Congratulations to Coach Eck for beating the Aggies in his first season—and my thanks to all the Lobo fans who turned out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to make this one for the record books.

Silent Lights Shines Bright at University Stadium

After the roar of the Rio Grande Rivalry, University Stadium is set to quiet down and glow in a whole new way as the site of the 8th annual Silent Lights on Thursday, October 2, from 7–10 p.m. This Lobo-favorite event, organized by ASUNM Student Special Events, transforms the stadium concourse into a dazzling silent disco, complete with 2,250 headphones, six DJs, and three channels of nonstop music. Students can dance overlooking the football field, grab free giveaways, and even enjoy open concessions. Admission is free with a Lobo I.D., plus one guest.