Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | Edition #188

Greetings from the Accessibility Resource Center!

July is Disability Pride Month, and we are excited to celebrate the diverse identities, cultures, accomplishments, and contributions of the UNM disability community. July also marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation signed into law on July 26, 1990, that continues to advance accessibility and equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

At UNM, we proudly support and recognize that disability is often created through systems and barriers that limit access and participation. We view access and accommodations as fundamental civil and human rights and embrace disability as a valuable and diverse expression of the human experience. We also acknowledge and honor the important role that intersectionality plays in shaping the lives and experiences of our students.

This Disability Pride Month, we also recognize the numerous challenges and systemic threats facing the disability community. As we reflect on the work that remains, we are reminded that dismantling ableism is a shared responsibility. We greatly appreciate the continued partnership and support of our colleagues as we strive to create a more accessible and inclusive campus community.

Throughout July, the Accessibility Resource Center will host a variety of community events that celebrate disability pride, joy, culture, and inclusion. We look forward to sharing these opportunities with you and hope you will join us in recognizing and celebrating Disability Pride Month.

$4.7 Million Award Expands Child Care Access for UNM Families and Parenting Students

The University of New Mexico Children’s Campus (UNMCC) has been awarded $4.71 million from the New Mexico Higher Education Department (HED) to expand access to high-quality early childhood education for UNM and community families. The award, part of a statewide initiative supporting child care expansion at five colleges and universities, reflects New Mexico’s national leadership in early childhood education and will fund the first phase of a long-envisioned expansion that will increase the Children’s Campus’ licensed capacity by 52 children. For dozens of UNM families, the expansion will mean greater access to high-quality early childhood education and the opportunity for parents to continue pursuing degrees, careers, and research while their children learn in a nurturing environment.

As a university-based early childhood program, the Children’s Campus plays a unique role in supporting UNM’s educational mission. By serving student parents, faculty, staff, and community families, the center helps remove barriers to higher education, supports workforce participation, and provides young children with a strong educational foundation during their most critical years of development. The Children’s Campus also serves as a model early childhood laboratory where university students, researchers, and early childhood professionals engage in teaching, learning, and research alongside children and families.

The $4.71 million award comes after more than 18 years of planning and advocacy to expand the Children’s Campus. The program is nationally accredited and recognized as one of New Mexico’s premier early childhood education programs, known for its commitment to high-quality, research-informed teaching and learning. The center serves several hundred children each year and currently has a waitlist of more than 2,400 children, underscoring the significant demand for high-quality child care among university and community families.

“This funding from the New Mexico Higher Education Department is transformative for the University of New Mexico Children’s Campus and the families we serve,” said Daniela Baca, director of the UNM Children’s Campus. “For nearly two decades, we have envisioned expanding our capacity to meet the growing demand for high-quality early childhood education, and this award allows us to finally take that important first step. Child care is educational infrastructure, and as UNM continues to grow, including the University’s planned expansion of the School of Medicine, investments in child care become even more essential to supporting students, faculty, staff, and New Mexico’s future workforce.”

The grant supports the first phase of the Children’s Campus’ long-term expansion plan, which is estimated at $39.5 million. The project will add four new classrooms, including one infant classroom, one young toddler classroom, one older toddler classroom, and one early Pre-K classroom, and increase licensed capacity from 271 to 323 children, creating space for an additional 52 children. The award enables the Children’s Campus to move from nearly two decades of planning to implementation. While the HED award funds construction of the new classrooms, additional philanthropic support will help create outdoor learning environments that are integral to the Children’s Campus’ nationally recognized, play-based approach to early childhood education.

The funding is especially important as demand for child care continues to outpace available space. While the Children’s Campus serves infants through pre-kindergarten children from across the university and broader community, demand is expected to grow as UNM expands. The University’s planned School of Medicine expansion will increase enrollment of future physicians while bringing additional medical residents, faculty, researchers, and staff to campus, many of whom will need access to dependable, high-quality child care. The expansion positions the Children’s Campus to meet the evolving needs of a growing university community, both today and in the years ahead.

UNM Executive Director for Student Support Finalist Visits Announced

Following a national search, four finalists have been selected to participate in open forums where students, staff, faculty, and community members can learn more about their experience, leadership approach, and vision for advancing student success at UNM.

Finalist visit dates and additional information, including candidate bios and CVs, are now available on the Division of Student Affairs website. As we move forward in selecting the next Executive Director for Student Support, your participation and feedback are an important part of the process. We encourage you to attend the open forums and engage with the candidates. 

Campus Visit Schedule

Dr. Wallace Southerland III

Former Vice President for Student Affairs, Millikin University

Monday, July 6

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

SUB Lobo A & B

Zoom: https://unm.zoom.us/j/93006490155

Dr. Brandi Wells-Stone

Director, African American Student Services and Special Advisor to the President on African American Affairs, The University of New Mexico

Tuesday, July 7

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

SUB Lobo A & B

Zoom: https://unm.zoom.us/j/95618561026

Dr. Kyle R. Williams

Former Assistant Vice President and Dean for Intercultural Engagement, Oberlin College and Conservatory

Wednesday, July 8

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

SUB Lobo A & B

Zoom: https://unm.zoom.us/j/93704542672

Rosa Isela Cervantes

Director, El Centro de la Raza and Special Advisor to the President on Latina/o Affairs, The University of New Mexico

Thursday, July 9

1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

SUB Lobo A & B

Zoom: https://unm.zoom.us/j/94639908745

The Executive Director for Student Support serves as a key leader within the Division of Student Affairs and provides strategic direction for a portfolio of programs and services that promote student access, engagement, persistence, belonging, and success. The position is responsible for strengthening partnerships across student-serving units, leading organizational and programmatic innovation, and advancing assessment-informed practices that improve student outcomes.

Working closely with campus partners, the Executive Director helps strengthen systems of support that connect students with the resources, services, and opportunities needed to persist and succeed at UNM. Through a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, the Executive Director plays an essential role in advancing the Division's strategic priorities and the University's mission of student success.

Support the Sabrina Single Parent Scholarship

New Mexico United is partnering with the Sabrina Single Parent Scholarship for a special fundraising event. Through July 29, $5 from every ticket purchased using the dedicated ticket link will be donated directly to the scholarship fund.

This is a great opportunity to support student parents while enjoying a New Mexico United match. Be sure to purchase your tickets through the specialized link before July 29 to ensure your purchase contributes to the scholarship.

Thank you for helping support the educational goals and success of our student parents.

The Louie Awards, held in early June, brought together members of the UNM community to celebrate the outstanding achievements, leadership, and service of students, faculty, staff, and campus partners. The annual awards recognize individuals and teams who embody the spirit of the Lobo community and make a lasting impact across campus.

The 2026 Louie Awards and Lobolympics winners were:

• Amazing Assessment – Lesley McKinney
• Howling Best Employee – Kaya Sheets
• Lobo Star Student Employee Award – Alexandra Wright
• Student Affairs Cub – Michael Martinez
• UNM Faculty Leader of the Pack – Dr. Cassandra Boness
• UNM Staff Leader of the Pack – Marlena Bermel
• Enduring Impact Award – President Garnett Stokes
• Outstanding Pack – Student Union Building
• Lobo Legacy Award – Pam Agoyo

These award recipients were recognized for their dedication, excellence, innovation, and commitment to supporting the UNM community. Congratulations to all of the 2026 winners for their well-deserved recognition and for the positive impact they continue to make on campus.

Nusenda Credit Union, UNM announce the 

Nusenda Center for Financial Capability

Nusenda Credit Union and The University of New Mexico (UNM) celebrated the ribbon cutting of the newly named Nusenda Center for Financial Capability (NCFC), marking continued investment of a more than 40-year partnership dedicated to improving financial literacy and student success.

The celebration highlighted Nusenda’s continued investment in student well-being and financial empowerment through a 10-year, $1.6 million commitment, with the center renaming to reflect Nusenda’s name. Building on nearly a decade of impact, this next phase ensures the center can expand its reach and continue delivering meaningful financial education and support to UNM students.

“At Nusenda, supporting UNM students is something we do every day. From serving them at our Lobo Landing branch in the Student Union Building to providing tools and guidance that help them navigate real financial challenges,” said Nusenda Credit Union President and CEO Michelle Dearholt. “This investment strengthens our ability to meet students where they are and prepare them for what comes next, whether that’s building a budget, establishing credit, or accessing responsible lending solutions. We’re excited to deepen our commitment to help students gain confidence, build strong financial habits, and successfully transition into life after college.”

Originally established in 2018 through a collaboration between Nusenda and the UNM Dean of Students Office, the Center for Financial Capability was created to address financial literacy gaps and support student success. Since then, the center has grown into a critical campus resource, helping reduce financial stress, improve retention, and provide targeted support for first-generation, Pell Grant-eligible, and low-income students.

Student Affairs staff are invited to join the Lobo Reading Collective, a new book club experience designed to foster connection, learning, and community through reading.

Participants may choose from four pathways:

• Community-Rooted – Stories connected to New Mexico, identity, and place
• Social and Fun – Reading for enjoyment and connection
• Well-Being and Renewal – Books focused on balance, wellness, and self-care
• Professional Growth – Thought-provoking reads that support Student Affairs practice

The Collective offers opportunities to connect with colleagues, engage in meaningful discussions, and support personal and professional development in a welcoming, low-pressure environment.

Kickoff sessions will allow each group to select its book and discussion format. The first meeting, Community-Rooted, will take place at noon on July 22 in AAPIRC. Staff are welcome to participate in one pathway or explore multiple groups.

UNM Career Services Featured by UNM Online

Whether learning online or attending classes on campus, UNM students have access to a wide range of career development resources through the Office of Career Services. Services include one-on-one career counseling, résumé and cover letter assistance, job and internship search support, networking opportunities, employer connections, and career fairs designed to help students prepare for their future careers.

Recently, two members of the Career Services team were featured in a UNM Online interview highlighting the value of these resources. Erin Callahan, Career Counselor, and Victoria Kirikos, Employer Relations Specialist, discussed how Career Services helps students explore career paths, develop professional skills, expand their networks, and connect with employers. They also encouraged students to engage with Career Services early and often throughout their academic journey.

Join us for one of our 2026 Summer Assessment Workshops.

Beyond Surveys: Alternative Assessment Methods

This session explores assessment methods beyond traditional surveys, including focus groups, interviews, observations, rubrics, and artifacts. Participants will learn how to gather richer data while reducing survey fatigue and more effectively capturing student learning and program impact.

Data Storytelling in Student Affairs

This workshop helps participants turn data into clear, compelling stories for diverse audiences. Attendees will learn how to present findings to support decision-making, advocate for resources, and highlight the impact of student affairs work.



Becoming an Assessment Champion in Your Unit

This session empowers staff at all levels to take an active role in assessment efforts. Participants will learn how to use data to inform decisions, drive improvement, and build confidence as leaders of data-informed change.

Summer Assessment Drop-in Hours and

Howl-To Wednesdays

Have assessment questions or ideas you’d like to talk through? Drop-in virtually to get guidance, ask questions, and receive real-time feedback.

Get targeted support on Qualtrics, eSurvey, and Opinio this summer through the Howl-To Wednesday series. Whether you’re just getting started on surveys or looking to refine your skills, sessions will cover survey design best practices, platform tips, and insights on lagging metrics.