Good afternoon Lobos –

The past few months have seen unprecedented demands from the federal government regarding how we must structure our policies to comply with new Executive Orders and other federal directives. There is no doubt our campus has been deeply affected; the UNM administration is working hard to remain in compliance with all federal laws and remain eligible for federal funding--including the federally supported student assistance programs that are crucial for so many of our own Lobos. Our students remain of vital concern to us here at The University of New Mexico—which is why we were especially alarmed by recent news affecting our international students.

You have likely heard that over the past week, international students across the country, including at UNM, have had their student immigration status terminated; it’s an issue that has garnered national attention and raised concerns across our community. At The University of New Mexico, we deeply value the contributions of our international students, who enrich our campus with diverse perspectives, cultures, and ideas. These abrupt changes to immigration status have created significant uncertainty and distress for those affected, as well as for our Lobo family.

While visa decisions are under the purview of federal agencies, we are committed to supporting every impacted student with resources, guidance, and advocacy during this challenging time. Multiple offices across UNM are working collaboratively to provide assistance, counseling services, and academic support to ensure these students are not alone in navigating the complexities of their situation.

We join other institutions in calling for greater transparency and due process in these matters. International students are vital members of our academic community and deserve clarity and fairness in how their statuses are determined. UNM will continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for policies that uphold the principles of inclusion, equity, and respect. If you or someone you know has been affected, please reach out to our Global Education Office for immediate assistance.

I encourage everyone to take part in celebrating the incredible diversity and global perspectives that our international students bring to UNM by attending the upcoming International Festival on Cornell Mall, this Thursday, April 17. Hosted annually by the Global Education Office, this vibrant event has been a tradition for over 30 years, showcasing the rich cultures and traditions of our Lobo community. This year’s festival will feature representatives from more than 30 countries sharing their heritage through global cuisine, cultural dances, arts and crafts, and interactive booths. It is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of international cultures and connect with students from around the world.

UNM Nurse-Midwifery Program Ranked No. 10 Nationally

I was delighted--but not surprised—to learn that the UNM College of Nursing’s Nurse-Midwifery Program has climbed to No. 10 in the nation in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings. This achievement reflects the outstanding dedication of our faculty, students, and community partners—and with its strong focus on serving New Mexico’s diverse families, our nurse-midwifery program leads the way in preparing compassionate, highly skilled providers. Thanks to significant support—including a $4M federal AMOR grant and a $200K award from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation—our reach and impact continue to grow. Congratulations to everyone advancing health equity and access through midwifery care at The University of New Mexico.

Additionally, UNM is pleased to have 26 more of its colleges/schools and graduate programs ranked in the Top 100. Thank you for all you do to make our university a terrific place to get a noteworthy education. 

Celebrate Earth Month with Campus Cleanup Days

April is Earth Month, a time to reconnect with our community and our campus by giving a little love back to the beautiful spaces we call home—and you’re invited to roll up your sleeves for our second annual Campus Cleanup Days, a fun and meaningful way to show your Lobo pride through sustainability and stewardship. This year, we’re pleased to be hosting two events to help make our campus cleaner. The first is the North Campus Earth Day Cleanup on Tuesday, April 22, from 8 a.m. to noon, followed by the Central Campus Arbor Day Cleanup, on Friday, April 25, 8 a.m. to noon. From pulling weeds to picking up litter, both are a hands-on way to make a difference and support UNM’s commitment to community engagement and a greener campus.

New UNM Police HQ Under Way

Last week, UNM broke ground on a new UNM Police Department Headquarters (PDHQ) at Mesa Vista and University Blvd., with construction underway on April 8. This $17 million project—partially funded through the 2023 Institutional Bond—will provide a purpose-built space to support campus safety, enhance visibility, and strengthen community connections. The facility will include modern dispatch services, dedicated training areas, private interview spaces, and a public meeting room—all designed with accessibility and collaboration in mind. More than just bricks and mortar, the new PDHQ represents UNM’s deep commitment to a safe, welcoming, and community-centered campus.