Good afternoon Lobos –

Tomorrow, November 11, is Veterans Day—a time to celebrate, commemorate, reflect on, and remember our nation’s veterans and their families. At The University of New Mexico, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served and to the families who support them. We are honored to count so many veterans among our Lobo family and proud to be continually recognized with a Gold Rating as a Military Friendly School. Through programs like Green Zone Training, we remain committed to ensuring UNM is a welcoming, supportive environment for veterans and their loved ones.

I know personally some of the challenges and sacrifices of military life. With one week’s notice when I was in ninth grade my family relocated from Luke AFB in Arizona to Covington, Georgia to live while my father was deployed to Vietnam. I understand not just the pride that comes with service, but also the uncertainty of waiting, both for those who serve and those who love them, and the strength it requires of families.

At UNM, we traditionally honor this day in the Alumni Memorial Chapel, dedicated in 1962 to our fallen Lobos. Tomorrow’s Veterans Day Celebration and Remembrance will take place there at 10 a.m., hosted by the UNM Alumni Association, the Veterans Alumni Chapter, and the UNM Veteran & Military Resource Center. The ceremony will feature a keynote by retired U.S. Army Colonel Jim R. Keene, a 1988 UNM graduate and Grammy Award–winning conductor, with a reception to follow in the chapel courtyard.

As we gather to honor those who have served, let us also remember that our gratitude extends beyond a single day. The courage, dedication, and selflessness of our veterans—and the quiet strength of their families—remind us of the values that unite us as a community and as a nation. To every member of our Lobo family who has worn the uniform, and to those who continue to serve in new ways, we thank you for your commitment, your sacrifice, and your example. May this Veterans Day inspire us all to serve others with the same spirit of honor and purpose.

Share Your Voice: Take the UNM Climate Survey


Lobos, your voice matters. UNM is inviting students to complete a confidential campus climate survey to help strengthen safety and prevention efforts around sexual harassment, relationship violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. The survey—led by the Office of Compliance, Ethics & Equal Opportunity in partnership with Grand River Solutions—was emailed on October 20 to each student via a unique link from Grand River Solutions, so check your e-mail to see if it arrived in your inbox. Watch for periodic reminders and add the sender to your safelist just to be sure it doesn’t get missed. The survey remains open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 21, and it takes about 15 minutes to complete. Students who participate may enter a raffle for Bookstore gift cards and LoboCash.

A Legacy in Motion: A $1 Million Gift Fuels the Future of LOBOMotorsports


After more than three decades of shaping future engineers at UNM, John Russell, professor of Engineering and founder and director of the LOBOMotorsports Formula SAE program, will retire in May 2026. But his remarkable legacy will continue thanks to a $1 million gift from Jim and Ellen King, dedicated supporters of the School of Engineering. Their contribution establishes the Dr. John J. Russell Endowed Professorship, providing sustained support for the program and its next director, ensuring that LOBOMotorsports will continue to offer students real-world, hands-on experiences that prepare them for high-impact careers in engineering. From his distinguished 27-year Air Force career to more than 30 years of inspiring UNM students, Dr. Russell has built a program that blends teamwork, innovation, and excellence. His influence will drive the School of Engineering—and generations of Lobos—forward for years to come.

Emmons Named New Mexico Academic Librarian of the Year


The University of New Mexico proudly celebrates Mark Emmons, professor and dean of the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences, who has been named the 2025 New Mexico Academic Librarian of the Year by the New Mexico Consortium of Academic Libraries (NMCAL). The honor recognizes Dean Emmons’s leadership, innovation, and lasting contributions to academic librarianship statewide. A member of the UNM community since 1998, he has held multiple leadership roles within the College and was appointed dean earlier this semester. Colleagues celebrated his decades-long dedication to scholarship, mentorship, and service during the New Mexico Library Association’s annual conference in October. Congratulations, Dean Emmons, on this well-deserved recognition!

Duncan-Teller Honored by National Association of Biology Teachers


Speaking of notable faculty, UNM-Valencia’s Tammi Duncan-Teller, assistant professor of Biology, has been named the 2025 Two-Year College Biology Teacher of the Year by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT). The national award honors two-year college educators who use innovative, hands-on teaching to inspire students and strengthen community learning. Duncan-Teller finds her greatest joy in seeing students grow into confident, independent thinkers—unafraid to tackle complex problems with curiosity and creativity. Presented at the NABT Honors Luncheon in St. Louis on November 1, the award highlights Duncan-Teller’s excellence in teaching and the dedication of UNM-Valencia faculty to student success and educational innovation across New Mexico’s communities. Well done, Professor Duncan-Teller!

Six UNM Health Sciences Researchers Honored for Excellence in Research


Six exceptional University of New Mexico Health Sciences researchers were recognized for their scientific achievements at the 17th annual Excellence in Research Awards, held November 5 at the Domenici Center for Health Sciences Education. Hosted by Dr. Michael E. Richards, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, and Dr. Hengameh Raissy, Vice President for Research, the event honored innovative work across multiple disciplines. This year’s honorees are: Elizabeth Yakes Jimenez, professor in the College of Population Health; Sarah Pirio Richardson, professor of Neurology; Shuguang Leng, associate professor of Internal Medicine; Tae-Hyung Kim, assistant professor of Pathology; Karla Thornton, professor of Internal Medicine; and Alan Tomkinson, professor of Internal Medicine. Together, their work exemplifies UNM’s commitment to expanding discovery and improving lives—a critical part of our mission to advance New Mexico.

Pictured (l. to r.): Sarah Pirio Richardson, Tae-Hyung Kim and Elizabeth Yakes Jimenez.

Four Honored with 2025 Advancing Compliance and Ethics Awards


Four outstanding members of The University of New Mexico community have been recognized with Advancing Compliance and Ethics (ACE) Awards during this year’s Compliance, Ethics and Equal Opportunity (CEEO) Compliance Week. The annual awards celebrate individuals who exemplify integrity, leadership, and a strong commitment to building a more ethical and transparent UNM. This year’s honorees are: Linnea Ista, Operations Director of Research Integrity and Conflicts of Interest in Research; Linda Mayo, Executive Director of the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance; Paula Smith, Associate Dean of Students; and Selam Wondaferew, Privacy Officer for the UNM Health Sciences Center. Their leadership and integrity exemplify UNM’s ongoing commitment to accountability, ethical excellence, and a culture of trust across the university community.

Study Hours at Hodgin Hall Begins Next Monday


With Finals Week looming on the calendar—it’ll be here quicker than you think!—UNM Alumni and UNM Trailblazers are here to help relieve some of your stress by hosting Study Hours at Hodgin Hall on November 17 to 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take advantage of study spaces for individuals and groups, free parking in the B-Lot east of Hodgin Hall, and plenty of snacks ranging from donuts to ramen and energy drinks to keep you fueled and focused. Just bring your UNM student ID and settle in for a productive study session.

Regents Host Presidential Search Listening Sessions


The University of New Mexico Board of Regents invites faculty, staff, students, and community members to share their perspectives as part of the national search for UNM’s next president. To gather input, the Board and its search consultants, Isaacson Miller, will host open listening sessions in November to help shape the leadership profile for the search. Sessions will be held on Tuesday, November 18, from 3–4:30 p.m. in the SUB Mirage-Thunderbird Room, and Wednesday, November 19, from 10–11:30 a.m. in Domenici North 3170. Virtual participation links and feedback forms can be found here.

Updated H-1B Sponsorship Guidance Available


This morning, the university issued an update regarding federal changes to H-1B visa sponsorships. Departments and hiring officials should review the university’s detailed guidance and next steps on the H-1B sponsorship page.