ABQ Times

Dan Garcia, vice president for enrollment management at The University of New Mexico (UNM), has been appointed to RNL's AI Leadership Council. This initiative aims to shape the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education.

Garcia joins a group of university executives exploring AI's potential to enhance educational experiences, improve operational efficiency, and address challenges facing higher education institutions.

RNL’s AI Leadership Council focuses on discussions that will influence the future of AI in higher education. Members stay informed about AI trends and legislation to ensure their institutions are prepared. Their insights will also impact RNL’s AI solutions, benefiting institutions nationwide. Networking with industry leaders is expected to foster collaboration and drive innovation in AI applications.

"We're fortunate to have Dan Garcia join our AI Leadership Council. His leadership and insights will help us shape the future of AI in a way that benefits students, faculty, and institutions alike," said RNL Chief Operating Officer Stephen Drew.

“I’m honored to be appointed a member of the RNL AI Leadership Council, representing New Mexico’s flagship university and a national R1 institution,” said Garcia. “Providing input on this council to the newest approaches to enrollment management, using the newest tools and technologies, is important to help ensure we as public institutions continue to serve our residents. From my perspective, RNL has demonstrated a sincere and strong commitment to access to higher education—it aligns well with the values of the University of New Mexico.”

Garcia specializes in Strategic Enrollment Planning (SEP) and has led the enrollment management division at UNM. Since his arrival at UNM, the incoming class size has increased by 40%, setting a record with a cohort of 3,642 this fall.

Before joining UNM, Garcia served as vice president for enrollment management at several other universities including the University of Texas at Arlington and West Texas A&M University. At West Texas A&M University (2007-2017), total enrollment increased each year under his leadership.

Ruffalo Noel Levitz (RNL) provides higher education enrollment management, student success solutions, fundraising solutions, and AI solutions. For decades, colleges and nonprofit organizations have turned to RNL for help with enrolling students, improving graduation rates, and building relationships with donors.

“From my perspective,” reiterated Garcia, “RNL has demonstrated a sincere and strong commitment to access to higher education—it aligns well with the values of the University of New Mexico.”

For more information about UNM’s Enrollment Management Division visit their website.