Good afternoon Lobos –

There’s nothing quite like the start of a new semester. Our campuses are alive again with the energy of returning students and the excitement of those joining us for the first time. This past weekend’s First Year Convocation and today’s Ice Cream Social were wonderful opportunities to meet so many of you, hear your stories, and share in the enthusiasm for the year ahead.

Your time at UNM is about more than classes — it’s about connection. From student organizations and service projects to Greek life and campus jobs, there are countless ways to get involved, build friendships, and discover new passions.

As you dive into the semester, remember that we offer a wealth of resources to support your success and well-being, including career services, mental health counseling, advocacy groups, and student support organizations. And don’t forget to check out Welcome Back Days and the Student Activities Calendar for events happening all this week and all semester long.

Wherever you are — Albuquerque, Gallup, Los Alamos, Rio Rancho, Taos, Valencia, or online — we’re glad you’re part of the Lobo family. Here’s to a terrific Fall 2025 semester.

A New Era for the Humanities at UNM

Big changes are underway at the heart of our Albuquerque campus, as the aging Humanities Building is being demolished to make way for the future-focused Humanities & Social Sciences Facility—an $87.6 million investment in modern teaching, research, and gathering spaces. Demolition is expected to finish by late Fall 2025, with construction on the new building beginning in 2026 and classes expected to start in the new spaces in 2028. Pedestrian access through Smith Plaza remains open, with safety measures in place. This exciting project—designed by Studio Tsien and SMPC Architects—will benefit nearly every Lobo student and transform the academic experience.

Project ECHO Strengthens Maternal & Child Health in New Mexico

In too many parts of New Mexico, expectant mothers face a “maternity care desert” — counties without birthing facilities or obstetric clinicians. Now in its third year, UNM’s Project ECHO Maternal & Child Health program is bridging that gap, especially in rural and Tribal communities. By equipping community health workers and Tribal health representatives with specialized training in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care, the program is helping improve outcomes for mothers and babies statewide. Participants gain free, culturally informed, continuing education through in-person and virtual sessions. The results are real: stronger connections between patients and providers, greater access to resources, and healthier families. This is how UNM delivers care — and hope — where it’s needed most.

UNM Leads $7 Million Effort to Protect New Mexico’s Watersheds

The University of New Mexico’s ARID Institute has received a four-year, $7 million National Science Foundation EPSCoR grant to launch the “Forest Research for New Mexico Water and Carbon Management” (FOR-NM) project. This statewide network unites researchers, land managers, and communities to advance watershed management, workforce development, and climate resilience. New Mexico’s forested watersheds—vital for water supply, carbon storage, and cultural heritage—face increasing threats from climate change, wildfire, and reduced snowpack; FOR-NM will combine cutting-edge remote sensing, ecological observation, AI modeling, and community engagement to improve forest management and protect resources like the Rio Grande and Pecos River Basins. By aligning science with local values, this bold initiative helps secure our water, forests, and economy for generations to come.

UNM and Anchorum Team Up to Strengthen Community Health

The University of New Mexico is proud to announce a new $330,000 partnership with Anchorum Health Foundation—the largest health foundation in the state—to expand UNM’s Health Extension Regional Offices (HEROs) program. HEROs are local leaders who live and work in rural and Tribal communities, connecting people with the resources they need to improve health outcomes and address social factors like housing, food access, and education. This funding will support new partner and regional HEROs across northern New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. It’s a win-win that aligns perfectly with the mission of both organizations: to empower communities by listening, supporting local solutions, and making lasting, meaningful change.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed

As you’re getting settled into new schedules and new routines for the Fall semester, please make sure you include looking out for your safety—and the safety of others—as one of your daily habits. The University of New Mexico is constantly working to provide the services, information, and resources needed to make our campus safe, and you can do your part by taking advantage of services like the LoboGuardian App, signing up for Lobo Alerts, and by letting UNM Police know if you see or hear anything unusual by calling (505) 277-2241.

I’ll be discussing campus safety with the UNM Board of Regents tomorrow to keep them up to date on our ongoing efforts to keep our campus safe—and as we approach our annual Campus Safety Week in early September, the UNM Newsroom will begin publishing a series on safety starting later this week. Stay informed and stay safe.