photo credit: Hyunju Blemel

Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

Once again, we celebrate the close of a successful semester for our university, students, and community. Last week we celebrated at The Pit alongside family and friends as our newest Lobo alumni crossed the stage. This year, I had the distinct honor and pleasure of serving as a name reader at the undergraduate ceremony. Though degree certifications, administrative processes, and the Board of Regents ultimately confer the degrees, taking the opportunity to speak into existence this culminating and transformative moment for some of our students really solidified what our work is all about. When we work together, with thoughtful creativity, collaboration, and resolve, we create the conditions for such success to be possible.

Here in Student Affairs at UNM, what makes us distinct is that we do so with a high degree of poise and professionalism while never losing touch with the values and heart that drive so many of us to serve students. We endure in our commitment to a sense of place and to honoring each student’s identity and path even as we strive to support their futures.

This holiday season, I hope you will rest well knowing that your work makes a difference and that when we align and advance our work together, we advance New Mexico. While I will never wish away a well-deserved break, I am also looking forward to the New Year and resuming progress on the incredible trajectory we’ve set forth together.

With appreciation,

Eric

“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.”

This quote from “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension” became more than a favorite for Jim Todd, known by many as JT. Preparing to retire after 35 years at The University of New Mexico, Todd drew on this principle to shape a career defined by patience and a belief in second chances.

He began as a student employee for Campus Recreation and Intramurals and will conclude his career as director of UNM Recreational Services—a journey that reflects resilience, perseverance and patience, qualities he said were learned through experience.

“As a student, I was on the 12-year college plan,” he joked. “I earned my first degree in computer science.”

During his college years, Todd said he was always drawn to Johnson Gym, making it a natural next step to work there.

Todd started his UNM career as a student employee, balancing work while pursuing a master’s degree in recreation and sports administration. By 1990, he transitioned into a full-time position in Recreational Services and now prepares to end his career as the department’s director.

Todd said his greatest strength—resilience—came from learning not to take things personally, a trait he attributes to two mentors: Dr. Tim Gutierrez, retired interim vice president for Student Affairs and Craig Robertson, his first collegiate soccer coach.

Dr. Eric Scott, vice president for Student Affairs, credits Todd as a steady, dedicated leader.

“Across his 35-year career, Todd focused on advocacy for his team and Johnson Center overall, a commitment to expanding quality and access, and an unwavering support for the campus community—each of which shaped Recreational Services and Johnson Center in lasting ways,” he said. “JT's service has elevated not only Johnson Center, but the overall experience of life at UNM by ensuring that well-being—both physical and mental—could be attended to in a place and space dedicated to thriving and connection.”

Johnson Center has evolved over the years through various updates and renovations. However, the most recent, largest, and lengthiest remodel taught Todd patience.

We are proud to announce that several employees from the Division of Student Affairs have been honored with Luminaria Awards by the UNM Division for Change and Empowerment. This recognition reflects your exceptional dedication and commitment to our division and the university. Congratulations to all award recipients!

Change-Maker Award

Alejandro Mendiaz-Rivera

Dr. Brandi Wells-Stone

DiCE Legacy Award

Pam Agoyo

Rosa Isela Cervantes

Dr. Stephanie McIver

El Corazón Award

Áine McCarthy

Cedric Roberson 

Daniel Torres-Chaparro

Dr. Brandi Wells-Stone

El Centro de la Raza Team

J Gourdin

Kaelyn Moon

Katrice Grant

Tommi Tejeda

Empowerment in Action Award

Áine McCarthy 

Andrew Yazzie

Dawn Blue Sky-Hill

Dennis-Ray Armijo

Dr. Brandi Wells-Stone

Lisa Lindquist

Sam Lechuga

Dr. Tina Zuniga

Career Services Career Peers, Eliza Evans and Jacob Garcia, were recently featured in a UNM Online video discussing how online students can access career resources and connect with Career Services staff.

The Student Union Building is transitioning to reduced hours beginning this week. During the winter break period, the SUB will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. UNM Food is also working on a minor renovation is also taking place in the main dining area between Subway and Dion’s. This project will take place in multiple phases and is anticipated to be completed prior to the start of the spring semester.

In addition, work will begin on updating the main elevator located next to the Welcome Desk on Monday, Jan. 5. This will be a longer-term project; however, the south elevator will remain fully operational throughout.

Just a reminder that annual training for all UNM employees is due by Wednesday, Dec. 31. All University of New Mexico employees, including regular and temporary faculty and staff, on call staff, and student employees (including grad students) are required to complete specific trainings each year.

The four required trainings for 2025 are:

• MT 2025E or MT 2025S: Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination
• BAST 2025: Basic Annual Safety Training - 2025
• ACSH 2025: Active Shooter on Campus: Run, Hide, Fight - 2025
• SANS Security Awareness Training 2025: Securing the Human

All four trainings must be completed by December 31, 2025. They are available in Learning Central and have automatically been added to each employee's learning plan.



For any questions about the Securing the Human training, please contact the ISPO security team through help.unm.edu.

 CAMP Spring 2026 Application

The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Scholarship is a federally funded initiative under El Centro de la Raza at UNM and is for first or second semester freshmen attending UNM Main Campus.