Good afternoon Lobos –

As you may know, a White House Executive Order was issued last week directing the Secretary of Education to take all necessary steps to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education.

We had anticipated the signing of the executive order, but at this time, there are no specific or actionable matters related to it. We want to assure our students and their families that we continue to distribute federal financial aid and that the executive order directs the Department of Education to ensure "the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely.”

Rest assured that The University of New Mexico is not alone in navigating these changes. We are working closely with our elected officials, other public institutions, and national organizations such as the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) to share best practices and advocate for the interests of higher education at the highest levels. The APLU, of which UNM is a member, is actively advocating for federal policies and funding levels that support and enhance the work of public research universities, including the Department of Education.

We will continue to provide updates and guidance as the situation evolves and encourage all members of our community to stay informed and engaged.

We want to emphasize that our commitment to providing access to high-quality education for students from all backgrounds remains unwavering. Thank you for your continued dedication to making UNM a place where all Lobos can learn, work, and thrive.

Two-Day Teaching Conference Celebrates Lobo Educators

Get ready for a bit of instructional inspiration, as registration is now open for UNM’s Spring 2025 Teaching Conference, happening April 9-10. This year’s theme, “Teaching, Learning, and Well-being at UNM,” celebrates the vital role Lobo educators play in fostering success across our campuses and across our communities. The conference begins in the SUB on April 9, with a dynamic day of in-person sessions, meaningful conversations, and the much-anticipated Teaching Excellence Awards. Then, log in on April 10 for even more virtual learning and connection. Hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning and the Faculty Senate Teaching Enhancement Committee, the conference is free and open to all instructors, staff, and students.

Expanding Health Care for Rural Newborns

Thanks to new federal funding, The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center is leading an initiative that will transform newborn care in rural New Mexico. With the help of some congressionally directed support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the NOWS-NM QI Initiative is equipping rural hospitals to better care for infants born with prenatal substance exposure. This initiative will reduce unnecessary newborn transfers, keep families together, and provide critical support for rural clinicians. Just as important, by delivering hands-on training, developing evidence-based resources, and building lasting partnerships, UNM is helping close the health care gap for New Mexico’s most vulnerable infants and setting a model for improving child health outcomes in rural communities nationwide.

UNM Ranked in Top 100 Worldwide on Utility Patents

The University of New Mexico has earned a place among the world's top innovators, ranking No. 93 on the National Academy of Inventors’ 2024 Top 100 Worldwide Universities Granted Utility Patents list. This recognition highlights the strength of UNM’s research enterprise and the impact of our innovation ecosystem. Through the dedicated efforts of UNM Rainforest Innovations, we successfully protect and commercialize cutting-edge technologies developed at UNM, moving them from the lab to the marketplace. This ranking is a testament to the creativity and hard work of our faculty, researchers, and students and underscores our commitment to driving economic development and societal benefit through innovation. We are proud to contribute to advancing technology that improves lives across New Mexico and around the world.