Good afternoon Lobos –

With a week to go before we begin the Fall 2025 semester, I’m excited to watch our campus fill with students and families and returning faculty, joining those who remained on campus during the summer. Many Lobos will be moving into residence halls this week, and for our newest UNM students, these first weeks provide some great opportunities to explore our campus and get to know new classmates. I encourage students to reach out for any assistance, directions, or advice they may need to find their way—our faculty and staff are here to help.

The UNM Student Activities Center has an exciting series of events planned for our Welcome Back Week, kicking things off on the evening of August 15 with the annual Friday Night Live from 7–10 p.m. at the Student Union Building (SUB). On Sunday is the Class Crawl, aimed especially at our newest students, who can gather at the SUB north mall to print their schedules, then find their classes during a personalized campus tour. Later that evening, all students are invited to Johnson Field for a Movie on the Field and a showing of the film Thunderbolts*.

Finally, I hope you’ll also let me help you start your first week of classes off right by joining me, my husband Jeff, and UNM leaders on Monday, August 18, at the President’s Ice Cream Social. Starting at noon, we’ll be at the northwest corner of Zimmerman Library serving vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream for you to enjoy as you stroll the tables packed with valuable information from UNM Schools and Departments about campus programs, services and resources. Information tables are open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and we plan on giving out ice cream and non-dairy options like popsicles from noon until 1 p.m.—but everything tends to go fast, so come by as soon as you can!



Welcome back, Lobos—and I look forward to hearing all about your first-day experiences!

UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower Ready for Activation Phase

Another major milestone has been reached at the UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower, as the state-of-the-art facility has just received its temporary certificate of occupancy—officially marking the end of construction and the start of the activation phase. Over the next two months, teams will move in equipment, rehearse emergency procedures, and familiarize themselves with the new layout as the facility prepares for its official opening this fall. The tower will house adult ICUs, the Emergency Department, and radiology services, with the first patients expected to be welcomed in October. The certificate of occupancy brings us one step closer to seamlessly delivering the Lobo brand of world-class, compassionate healthcare that New Mexicans deserve, right here at home.

UNM Joins $20M National AI Institute to Build Trustworthy, People-Centered AI

The University of New Mexico is proud to be part of a $20 million National Science Foundation initiative to create the next generation of trustworthy, human-centered Artificial Intelligence (AI). Led by Brown University, the AI Research Institute on Interaction for AI Assistants (ARIA) brings together top institutions, including UNM, where Computer Science Professor Melanie Moses and Law Professor Sonia Gipson Rankin will lead efforts to design AI systems that respect community values and ethical thinking. UNM’s interdisciplinary strengths in law, computing, and ethics make us a key partner in shaping AI that truly serves society. We are honored to be part of the team.

Kosgei Named Mountain West Female Athlete of the Year

What a year for Lobo freshman sensation Pamela Kosgei! After a season packed with jaw-dropping performances, Kosgei has been named the Mountain West Female Athlete of the Year — our second Lobo in three years to earn the honor. In her debut year, she racked up six MW titles, five All-American awards, and two NCAA outdoor national titles, all while helping UNM sweep the women’s cross country, indoor, and outdoor team championships for the first time ever. She also punched her ticket to the Kenyan national team for the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Off the track, Kosgei shined academically, earning National Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors. Simply put, she’s making Lobo history — and she’s only just getting started. Congratulations, Pamela—Lobo Nation is proud of you.

Get Set Reset Returns on August 13

With the fall semester just around the corner, UNM instructors can jump-start their teaching this Wednesday, August 13, with Get Set Reset, a day of engaging, virtual sessions hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning. This full day of professional development offers a series of inclusive, practical, and inspiring sessions, ranging from course design and assessment strategies to student well-being and community-building, with options tailored for all instructors and specific support for graduate teaching assistants. Instructors looking for additional guidance on building their courses can also drop in on the virtual Open Lab on Thursday morning at 9 a.m.

Traveling Office Hours Are Now Open

I always appreciate the opportunity to have a conversation about The University of New Mexico with those who know and understand it best: you. I regularly hold traveling office hours, which provide me with the privilege of coming directly to you to learn more about your concerns and aspirations for our university, and I’m always inspired by hearing about your lives as Lobos. Traveling office hours are on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; if you’d like me to come to your department, please send an invitation through my office. Slots tend to fill up fast—but if none are available, please add your name to the waiting list. I look forward to our conversation!