Wednesday, August 5, 2026 | Edition #188

Dear Student Affairs Colleagues,

As we prepare to embark on another year of opportunity and connection in our community and beyond, I am astonished by where we will begin this semester. We have entered year 2 of implementation of our Innovating the Student Experience Strategic Plan, a model that has been lauded on campus and nationally as an authentic, meaningful approach to data-driven, results-oriented strategic planning. Our Engage magazine has officially launched, elevating the people and programs that create opportunities for thriving and flourishing on our campus and providing long-deserved visibility to some of our most innovative programs.

We are a few months from breaking ground on phase one of an expansion to our Children’s Campus, while new focus and supports for parenting students are implemented across campus as a result of our FamilyU cohort. At the same time, the Olga M. Eaton M.D. Acute Care Clinic renovation is set to begin at SHAC, creating a modern and functional intake for student patients. At the center of these initiatives and accomplishments are our people and a culture of innovation and care that bridges high-quality and professional service with authentic connection and relationships to define the particular essence that makes a University of New Mexico student experience distinct.

As we welcome new leaders in key areas this year, we are also confident that what we built will only grow and who we are will stay true. Over the next few weeks, campus will come alive, and I couldn’t think of a better team to share it with. On a special note, I want to highlight the opportunity to receive Green Dot training right here on campus two weeks from now supported by the Women’s Resource Center. As a Green Dot trained professional myself, I highly encourage our team members to participate in this engaging program as we work together to ensure that this year is also one that centers a safe and supportive campus culture that is intolerant to violence of all kinds. 

With gratitude,

Eric

DSA Launched Inaugural Engage Magazine

The Division of Student Affairs is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural issue of Engage magazine, a new print and digital publication designed to highlight how we Innovate the Student Experience through the people, programs, services and initiatives that support student success and foster a vibrant campus community.

“Engage tells the story of Student Affairs and shines a light on the many ways the Division supports our students,” said Dorene DiNaro, senior public relations specialist in the Vice President for Student Affairs Office. “Bringing this publication to life from concept to completion was a rewarding experience, and one that made me even more proud to be a part of a place that has such a positive impact on our Lobos.”

Dr. Eric Scott, Vice President for Student Affairs, said Engage is designed to elevate the people and programs advancing New Mexico through their passion and dedication to student success.

“The Division of Student Affairs at UNM has been engaged in innovative and student-centered work for decades, providing critical services, programs, and resources that position students to flourish and thrive on our campus and beyond,” Scott said. “These stories can further inspire innovation and serve as an invitation for partnership and collaboration on campus and beyond.”

Available in both print and digital formats, the 2026 issue showcases the achievements, stories and innovative work taking place across Student Affairs and its transformative departments and programs. Featured stories highlight leadership development and student success initiatives, including the relaunch of the LoboGROW Program, the Student Affairs Leadership Intern Initiative and the Peer Learning Facilitators Program, as well as health, wellness and personal growth opportunities through the Collegiate Recovery Center, the Outdoor Adventure Shop and restorative justice initiatives. Together, these features spotlight the dedicated individuals, impactful efforts and resources that help students succeed and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Community, culture and belonging are at the heart of stories on the Afro Hair Shop, the El Puente Fellows Program, American Indian Senior Day and the new Asian American and Pacific Islander community space. Engage also highlights campus traditions, philanthropic initiatives and student-focused events, including Silent Lights and First-Gen Celebrations, as well as the renaming of the SHAC Acute Care Clinic made possible through a generous donor gift, all of which strengthen relationships and foster connection throughout the UNM community.

For more information about Engage magazine or the Division of Student Affairs, visit the Student Affairs website.

Wells-Stone Named

Executive Director for Student Support

 in the Division of Student Affairs

Following a competitive national search, Dr. Brandi Wells-Stone has been named executive director for Student Support in the Division of Student Affairs. Wells-Stone, who has served The University of New Mexico for 11 years, will begin her new role on Monday, Aug. 17. The search included participation from students, faculty, staff, campus partners and community members through interviews, open forums and opportunities for feedback.

Currently, Wells-Stone serves as director of African American Student Services and special advisor to the president on African American Affairs. A proud second-generation Lobo, she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from UNM before completing her doctorate at New Mexico State University. As a scholar-practitioner, her work has focused on student belonging, cultural resource center leadership, assessment and equitable student success.

As executive director, Wells-Stone will provide strategic leadership for programs and services that support student access, engagement, belonging, persistence and success. The role also focuses on strengthening partnerships across student-serving units, advancing innovative practices and using assessment data to improve student outcomes.

In this role, Wells-Stone will oversee African American Student Services, American Indian Student Services, the Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center, College Enrichment and Outreach Programs, the Community Engagement Center, El Centro de la Raza and the Women’s Resource Center. She will also support divisional initiatives focused on first-generation student success, coordinated student support, strengthening assessment and data infrastructure and enhancing collaboration across student-serving units.

“This is an especially meaningful opportunity because several of these centers shaped my own educational journey as a student and professional,” Wells-Stone said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside students, staff, faculty and communities to continue strengthening how we support students while also supporting the staff who make that work possible.”

Dr. Eric Scott, vice president for Student Affairs, said the appointment comes at an important time for the division.

“As a division, we are at a moment where the execution of our strategic plan, the building of assessment infrastructure and the implementation of new systems, while staying true to a core value of student success, calls for thoughtful, pragmatic and authentic leadership,” Scott said.

Wells-Stone brings extensive experience in student affairs and Black Cultural Center leadership, with a strong record of developing partnerships, strengthening communities and creating opportunities that support both student and institutional success.

The Lobo Reading Collective offers a welcoming space for conversation, learning, and personal growth. Whether you're interested in building community, exploring new ideas, or connecting with coworkers across campus, there's a pathway for you.

Upcoming Pathways

📚 Social and Fun

August 10, 5 p.m.

Daily Lobo, Marron Hall 104

🌱 Well-Being and Renewal

September 17, 12 p.m.

Dean of Students Conference Room

🚀 Professional Growth

October 13, 12 p.m.

Career Services Conference Room

🤝 Community-Rooted

November 19, 12 p.m.

AAPIRC, Mesa Vista Hall 1064

Discussion: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

Join one pathway, several pathways, or attend the discussions that best match your interests.

Traditional prevention programs may only approach men as potential perpetrators and women as potential victims. Green Dot approaches all students, staff, administrators, and faculty as allies. The original Green Dot program was conceived in the college setting to prevent dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking. It relies on the premise that if everyone does their small part and commits to individual responsibility, the combined effect is a safe campus culture that is intolerant of violence.

The college-based curriculum draws heavily on the experiences of college students and the reality of this issue in their lives. This curriculum uses interactive activities to reinforce core concepts and encourages students to envision their future and the world in which they want to live, then aligns their bystander behavior with that vision.

UNM McNair & ROP are looking for volunteers for the Undergraduate Research Conference on September 10-11. Opportunities include moderating sessions, evaluating presentations, and providing general event support.

Last year's conference featured student researchers from 35 universities nationwide, with 61 poster presentations and 135 oral presentations.

The McNair Scholars Program supports first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students as they prepare for graduate school.



The time commitment is minimal, but your impact can be substantial.

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.