Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Edition #185

As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, I reflect on the work we do within the Division of Student Affairs. As a Pacific Islander and a native of the Polynesian Islands, I carry with me the core values and beliefs that are deeply rooted in my Samoan heritage.

Family and cultural values are what connect Polynesian people. They are the foundations that strengthen our villages and our islands. Across the vast Pacific Ocean, there are tens of thousands of islands, each with its own unique identity, culture, and rich heritage. Despite these differences, there is a common thread that ties us all together: family—whether we call it "Ohana" in Hawaiian or "Aiga" in Samoan. These bonds are what keep us connected and strong.

As I reflect on these cultural values, I see a direct correlation to the work we do in the Division of Student Affairs—CONNECTION. Each of our units is unique, with its own culture and purpose, much like the islands of the Pacific. Yet what brings us together is our shared commitment to our goals. The stronger our connections with one another and with the students we serve, the greater our collective impact.

In many ways, the Division of Student Affairs is like the islands of the Pacific Ocean: distinct in our roles, yet united in our mission to support student engagement and student success. Though each “island” or “Unit” may seem small or large on its own, together they form something powerful. When we are connected and grounded in something greater than our individual units, we become a strong and unified force.

As we honor AAPI Heritage Month, I want to emphasize the importance of connections, with each other and with our students. Being intentional in how we engage with our colleagues and those we serve: learning names, understanding stories, and building relationships goes a long way in strengthening that connection.



May we be intentional in our efforts to connect with those we serve, united in our purpose to uplift our traditions, celebrate our cultures, and share these values with our students. In essence, our connection becomes our "Ohana"—our Family.

Go Lobos!

Encourage students to take a break and relax before Finals Week at Late Night Breakfast. Enjoy free food, tons of giveaways, and exciting prizes, plus music, dancing, and fun activities with friends.

Staff from the Division are invited to attend this event to learn more about the impactful work taking place across Student Affairs and to foster collaboration, strategic thinking, and fresh ideas for the coming year.

Public Allies is a national, AmeriCorps‑based movement dedicated to creating a more just and equitable society by developing diverse leaders to sustain it. Public Allies (publicallies.org) offers 10‑month, full‑time apprenticeships (40 hours per week) with nonprofit organizations focused on social justice.

Corps members receive a monthly stipend and earn an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of their term of service. Through their placements, apprentices help address critical community needs, including educational justice; youth and family development; racial equity within the legal and justice systems; environmental and community sustainability; and community health.

The University of New Mexico’s Division of Student Affairs has launched a national search for the next Executive Director for Student Support, a senior leadership role that plays a central part in strengthening student success, engagement, and persistence across the institution.

The Executive Director for Student Support oversees several student support units and partners across UNM to advance coordinated, student-centered approaches to student success. The position also serves on the Student Affairs Executive Leadership Team and plays a key role in shaping division-wide strategy and institutional alignment.

The search follows the departure of Pam Agoyo, who will be leaving UNM to serve as Vice President for Student Affairs at Fort Lewis College. The selected candidate is expected to begin prior to the start of the fall 2026 semester.

A diverse search committee representing academic affairs, student services, enrollment management, and student leadership will guide the process. Committee members include: 

• Chair: Dr. Rebecca Sánchez, Interim Associate Vice Provost for Academic Personnel
• Dr. Stephanie McIver, Executive Director, Student Health and Counseling
• Laura Franklin, Director, Accessibility Resource Center
• Andrew Yazzie, Director, American Indian Student Services
• Joseph DeBonis, Strategic Project Director, Enrollment Management
• Sarah Dominguez, Transfer Pathways Officer, Office of Advising Strategies
• Miriam Barba, Student Affairs Leadership Intern, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
• Emmanuel Mitchell, Student Operations Assistant, Student Union Building

To learn more, visit UNMJobs posting req36450. The best consideration date is Monday, May 18. 



Members of the campus community are encouraged to share this opportunity broadly and to apply or nominate qualified candidates.

Academic Affairs is seeking your help in encouraging undergraduate students to participate in an important survey focused on the student experience at UNM.

The survey is part of BELONG (Building Environments for Learning, Opportunity, Navigation, and Growth), an initiative designed to better understand how undergraduate students experience UNM. Topics include the quality of classes and academic advising, as well as students’ overall sense of belonging as Lobos. Feedback collected through this effort will directly inform ongoing work to strengthen students’ academic and social experiences at the university.

The survey is currently open and will remain available through May 15.

Students may access the survey using their UNM email address as a passcode on this survey link. Alternatively, students may use the QR code included in the attached materials.

As a thank‑you for their time, students who complete the survey will be entered for a chance to win a variety of prizes, including Lobo Cash, gift certificates, athletic apparel, personal training sessions, and more.

Any assistance in sharing this information and encouraging student participation is greatly appreciated.

Applications Open for VPSA Leadership Interns Deadline Extension to May 11

The Division of Student Affairs is seeking motivated students to apply for the Student Affairs Leadership Intern (SALI) position. This paid internship offers hands‑on professional experience within a collaborative office environment while supporting programs and services that enhance the UNM student experience.

SALI interns gain exposure to careers in Student Affairs, build transferable professional skills, contribute to assessment and reporting efforts, and have opportunities to develop and implement innovative ideas. This role is ideal for students interested in leadership development, graduate school preparation, and careers in higher education.

Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) is excited to announce we are hiring two highly qualified candidates for the position of Accommodations Specialist. 

As an employee of this highly energetic and student-oriented center, you will provide academic support to prospective and current students within ARC.

The Accommodations Specialist provides direct support to individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), conducts disability eligibility analyses, provides referrals, approves reasonable accommodations, and connects individuals with services to support their personal and/or academic goals. Additionally, the Accommodation Specialist educates campus constituencies regarding support for individuals with disabilities and facilitates compliance with the ADA/ADAAA and related federal, state, and local regulations and University policies.

Best consideration date is Thursday, May 21.