ABQ Times

New Mexico voters will soon decide on the future of The University of New Mexico (UNM) College of Pharmacy building, along with other capital projects for higher education institutions across the state. During this year’s general election, voters will be asked to approve a series of General Obligation (GO) Bonds, including Higher Education GO Bond 3. If passed, GO Bond 3 will release $230 million to higher education institutions statewide.

The UNM College of Pharmacy is earmarked to receive $35 million from the bond for renovations to its building, which has been in use for over five decades.

“The College of Pharmacy possesses a proud legacy as the primary provider of pharmacy professionals to New Mexico,” said Donald Godwin, dean of the UNM College of Pharmacy. “We are the state's only College of Pharmacy and UNM's oldest health professional school."

The renovation aims to consolidate operations from eight buildings into three, fostering new connections and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. Phase-I will create modern learning spaces and collaborative environments while embodying a welcoming atmosphere central to the College's mission.

A renovated building will feature energy-efficient systems that reduce operating costs typically covered by public funds. Key drivers include enhancing the building’s longevity and identity through a high-performance facade that increases energy efficiency and natural daylight access. Biophilic design strategies will establish a strong connection to nature within the facility.

Equipped with reliable HVAC systems, updated networks, and enhanced communication systems, the renovated building will serve as a multi-functional destination with classrooms and collaborative areas for both students and faculty.

An investment in this renovation is seen as an investment in the future of pharmacy education and healthcare in New Mexico.

“I’m proud to say 81% of practicing pharmacists in New Mexico are graduates of our program – many practicing in rural or underserved areas,” Godwin added.

The College has pioneered new models of patient care and roles for pharmacists, partnering across healthcare sectors in telemedicine, HIV care, transgender medicine, hepatitis C management, cardiology care, among others.

“Our faculty conducts cutting-edge research answering important questions to improve health,” Godwin said. “Our research funding exceeded $21 million in FY24.”

GO Bonds come before New Mexico voters every two years as a method for funding infrastructure projects throughout the state. The economic impact is estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars in new spending and jobs across New Mexico. Other UNM projects that would benefit from this year’s bond include:

- Humanities & Social Sciences Complex: $52 million

- Gallup Gurley Hall Renovations: $4 million

- Taos Science & Space Education: $1.5 million

- Los Alamos Student Services & Success Renovation: $1 million

- Valencia Nursing & Health Sciences Phase-1: $1 million

For more information on GO Bond 3, visit bonds.unm.edu.