Good afternoon Lobos –

As we continue to do the work to find the leaders that will shape the future of The University of New Mexico, I’m excited to share that three outstanding finalists have been announced for provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. We welcomed Avery August to campus last Friday, with presentations from Charles Martinez and Barbara Rodriguez still to come on May 6 and 7, respectively. These campus visits are a valuable opportunity to connect with candidates and learn more about their vision for UNM’s academic future.



At the same time, our presidential search continues, with three more finalists visiting campus May 11–13. I encourage faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members to take part in open forums and share feedback through surveys. Your engagement is essential as we identify the leaders who will help guide UNM’s continued progress and strengthen our mission for years to come.

Honoring the Best of Lobo Educators

Twenty-two exceptional educators—faculty and graduate students alike—were celebrated last month at UNM’s annual Teaching Excellence Awards, part of the Spring Teaching Conference hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning. The event highlighted the innovation, dedication, and student-centered approach that define teaching at UNM across our Albuquerque and branch campuses. From fostering inclusive classrooms to advancing experiential learning, this year’s honorees reflect the very best of our academic community. Their compassion, creativity, and commitment inspire us all—and ensure our students receive an education that is both meaningful and transformative. Congratulations to all of this year’s remarkable winners.

Pictured above (l. to r.): UNM-Valencia interim Chancellor Laura Musselwhite, Dominique Rodríguez and Andisheh Dadashi. Rodríguez received the Cultivating Community Award, while Dadashi received the Open Communication & Assessment Award.

Strengthening Research Excellence at UNM Health Sciences

A new $2.6 million, three-year grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke—part of the National Institutes of Health—is helping the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center strengthen transparency, rigor, and reproducibility in research. This collaborative effort unites the Department of Neurosciences and the Health Sciences Library & Informatics Center to drive meaningful, lasting change. By aligning policies, expanding secure research infrastructure, and enhancing education and training, the initiative is designed to grow beyond a single department and benefit the entire university. These efforts are building a stronger foundation for discovery, ensuring UNM research is impactful, reliable, and as far-reaching as possible.

Share Your Voice: BELONG Survey Now Open for UNM Students

The University of New Mexico is inviting undergraduate students to share their experiences through the BELONG (Building Environments for Learning, Opportunity, Navigation and Growth) survey, now open through May 15. From academics and advising to gauging a sense of community belonging, student feedback will help us continue to improve the student experience at UNM. Led by the Office of Academic Affairs, BELONG is a comprehensive effort to enhance student success and align resources across campuses—and as a bonus, participants can also enter to win prizes. I encourage you to take a few minutes to be heard; your input will help shape a stronger, more supportive UNM for all Lobos.

A Clearer Name for the Work That Shapes Our Campus

On May 1, Institutional Support Services at The University of New Mexico was officially renamed Campus Environments & Services (CES), a change that better reflects the team’s vital role in shaping our campus. CES oversees 17 units responsible for our facilities, grounds, and essential services that support daily life at UNM—and while the name is new, the work remains the same. Informed by campus feedback, the rebrand highlights the connection between people and place and, as Vice President Shawna Wolfe noted, CES remains dedicated to creating environments that enrich the Lobo experience every day.

Celebrating Commencement with Our Lobo Communities

Graduates of the Class of 2026 are encouraged to sign up for UNM’s Graduate or Undergraduate University Commencement Ceremonies and respective academic college convocations to celebrate this important milestone in their academic journeys. In addition, all students are invited to participate in stoling ceremonies hosted by American Indian Student Services, the Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center, and El Centro de la Raza.

It has also been my privilege to support or be a part of celebrational events held by many other student organizations across our campuses, including our Veterans and Military Resource Center, Arcoiris, and UNM African American Student Services. These meaningful events honor students’ academic achievements while recognizing the cultural traditions, identities, and communities that have supported them along the way. Surrounded by family, friends, and mentors, our Lobo graduates are celebrating pride, perseverance, and belonging. These celebrations complement commencement and convocations and reflect UNM’s deep commitment to honoring culture, uplifting community, and celebrating the diverse journeys of our Lobos.

Roll Onto Campus as Bike to UNM Day Returns May 6

Grab your helmet and join the University of New Mexico community for Bike to UNM Day on May 6—a fun, energizing celebration of healthy and sustainable transportation. Coordinated by campus partners including the Office of Sustainability, the event features welcome stations on Main and North campuses from 7:30–10 a.m., with breakfast burritos for early riders, coffee, giveaways, and free bike checkups from the UNM Lobo Bike Shop. Whether you ride daily or want to give it a try, it’s a great way to start your day, connect with others, and see how easy biking to campus can be.