Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 | Edition #201

Message from the Vice President

Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

Today, we honor those who have served our country.

This morning, I will be at the Alumni Chapel, where the bell will ring in remembrance of Lobos who made the ultimate sacrifice throughout our institution's history. I hope you will join me for this moving and meaningful recognition.

Thanks in large part to the dedicated team at our UNM Veteran & Military Resource Center (VMRC). The University of New Mexico continues to be recognized as a top destination for military-connected students. In the 2026 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges rankings, UNM was ranked No. 1 in New Mexico, No. 5 in the Southwest, and No. 10 nationally. The university also retained its No. 10 national ranking for the second year in a row in the newly released 2026 rankings. In addition, UNM earned Gold Level recognition as a Tier 1 research institution in the 2026-27 Military Friendly rankings and was designated a 2026-27 Military Friendly Spouse School.

The VMRC invites our campus community to participate in Veterans Week, Nov. 9-13, as we recognize and celebrate the service, sacrifice, and contributions of our student veterans, military-affiliated students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

The week features a variety of events, including the Staff & Faculty Veterans Luncheon, a Marine Corps Birthday Celebration, the Veterans Day Celebration & Recognition Ceremony, a gathering honoring women veterans, and a community resource fair. Attendees can also support local veteran-serving organizations through a donation drive benefiting Paws and Stripes, Blue Star Mothers, and the New Mexico State Veterans Home.

Thank you to the VMRC staff for creating these meaningful opportunities for our campus to come together in gratitude and recognition. Whether you are a veteran, military-connected, or simply wish to show your appreciation, Veterans Week offers opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate those who have served.

Also today, our team at American Indian Student Services (AISS) will host UNM's second annual Feast Day as part of our continued celebration of Native American Heritage Month.



AISS Feast Day is a vibrant community gathering that invites the UNM campus community to learn about Pueblo Feast Day traditions and the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico's 19 Pueblos. The event highlights the diversity of Native cultures through food, art, dance performances, and community connection.

Feast Day will take place on Cornell Mall on UNM Central Campus in Albuquerque. The day's activities include:

• 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Arts & Craft Vendors
• 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Pueblo Performances
• 12:00 p.m. | Community Feed (first come, first served)
• 1:15 p.m. | Pueblo Throw

I hope to see you there as we celebrate and learn from the vibrant traditions and cultures that enrich our university community.

With gratitude,

Eric

UNM Alumni Veterans Day Celebration

Join UNM Alumni on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. at the UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel as we honor the courage and sacrifice of our veterans, including the many Lobos who served in our nation’s military.

The UNM Alumni Veterans Day Celebration will feature organ and bugle music, an ROTC color guard, a live national anthem performance, and a keynote address by Commander Jessica L. McNulty, U.S. Navy, a 2003 UNM graduate and fourth-generation sailor whose career has spanned public affairs, international assignments, and service as an adviser to three consecutive Secretaries of Defense.

Veterans in attendance will receive a special pin as a token of appreciation, and a reception will follow in the chapel courtyard. The ceremony is open to the public.

Register now at UNMAlumni.com/VeteransDay.

UNM Director of African American Student Services Finalist Visits Announced

The Division of Student Affairs at The University of New Mexico has announced the finalists for the Director of African American Student Services (AASS) position following a national search that attracted a strong and highly qualified pool of candidates.

Each finalist will participate in an open forum, providing members of the UNM community with an opportunity to learn more about their professional experience, leadership approach and vision for African American Student Services. Students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members are encouraged to attend and provide feedback as part of the search process. Feedback opportunities will be available following each open forum.

African American Student Services is a unit within the Division of Student Affairs that advances student success through educational, cultural and community-based initiatives that support engagement, belonging, leadership development and academic achievement. The department works collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners to strengthen pathways to student success while increasing awareness and appreciation of African American, African and broader African Diasporic histories, cultures, experiences and contributions.

The director of African American Student Services provides strategic leadership for the department’s staff, programs, services, operations, resources and partnerships. The position also serves as a resource to the University, providing consultation, expertise and partnership to support student success initiatives, strengthen institutional practices and advance programs and partnerships that enrich the broader university community.

Search Committee

The search committee was chaired by Tryphenia B. Peele-Eady, Ph.D., professor and associate chair, Department of Africana Studies, and included:

• Zach Hammerle, director of Campus Recreation
• Tina Zuniga-Carilli, Ph.D., strategic support manager, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
• Cedric Roberson, senior student success specialist, African American Student Services
• Tonya Covington, community representative
• Jayden Charter, student representative
• Amara Ortiz, student representative

Twelve staff members from the Division of Student Affairs recently participated in the inaugural UNM Sky Campus Happiness Retreat, taking time to invest in their well-being while learning practical strategies to manage stress, build resilience and support personal growth. The experience aligns with the DSA Strategic Plan, particularly Objective 2.1, by incorporating the Eight Dimensions of Wellness into staff development and professional growth.

When staff members feel supported and equipped to navigate life's challenges, they are better able to create positive workplace environments, build meaningful connections with colleagues and enhance the student experience. The retreat represents an exciting step toward making wellness a core part of how we work, lead and serve the UNM community.

As the division continues to prioritize employee well-being, future opportunities may be available for additional staff members to participate and help foster a healthier, more connected culture across DSA.

Lobo's Got Talent

The 19th Annual Lobo's Got Talent Show showcases the best UNM has to offer! All types of student talent is displayed: Singing, Dancing, Spoken Word, Comedy, Bands, and more! 

📅 Thursday, Nov. 12

⏰ 7 p.m.

📍 SUB Ballroom C

Join the Global Education Office in celebrating International Education Week, Nov. 15-21, with a week of events that highlight the diverse cultures, perspectives and experiences that make the UNM community stronger.

From cultural celebrations and international cuisine to educational programs, interactive activities and entertainment, there are opportunities for students, faculty and staff to engage with the world without leaving campus.

Visit the event calendar for a full schedule and join us as we celebrate global learning, cultural exchange and the international spirit of UNM.

Johnson Center Student Survey

UNM and the Division of Student Affairs are conducting a Johnson Center facility planning study. Please share this with your students and encourage them to take 3–4 minutes to complete this survey about their experiences, wants, and needs regarding facilities, programs, and services in the Johnson Center. Student feedback is important and will help shape the future of this highly utilized space. Please complete the survey by Wednesday, Nov. 18. Click here to complete the survey. Thank you for helping us reach students and gather their input.

Join the Professional Development Committee on Nov. 18 for an engaging workshop led by Letha Parrott, manager of Residence Life, focused on setting effective goals and creating a personal mission statement.

Participants will explore strategies for aligning personal and professional aspirations with their core values, leaving with practical tools to support growth, focus and success.

📅 Nov. 18

⏰ 11 a.m. to noon

📍 SUB Fiesta Room

All Student Affairs employees are encouraged to attend.

UNM Alumni Senior Send-Off

Are you graduating from UNM this fall? Get ready for your next chapter at UNM Alumni’s Senior Send-Off on Thursday, Nov. 19. Take advantage of free professional headshots, résumé reviews, and career guidance. Pick up commencement essentials at the UNM Bookstore pop-up, connect with representatives including UNM Career Services, Financial Aid, and Jostens Rings, and explore graduate study opportunities at UNM schools and colleges.

Attendees will also receive a complimentary Lobo for Life honor cord when they sign up for UNM Alumni Connect. Membership is free and offers career support, exclusive benefits, and updates on upcoming alumni events.