ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico (UNM) made a significant impact at the State Capitol in Santa Fe during UNM Day, which took place on January 29. The event highlighted the university's programs and initiatives to legislators and the public.

Members of the Lobo community, including leadership, faculty, staff, and students, gathered at the Roundhouse to discuss key priorities with lawmakers. These included essential programs for the state and infrastructure needs across all UNM campuses. Among these are plans for a new humanities and social sciences complex, Title IX improvements, an improved police department headquarters on the main campus, as well as facility updates for health sciences.

Assata Zerai, vice president for equity and inclusion at UNM, emphasized the importance of showcasing inclusive excellence: “As both an MSI [minority-serving institution] and HSI [Hispanic-serving institution], it’s important that we share with our state legislators all the ways we promote inclusive excellence among our students, faculty, and staff at UNM.”

Michael Hix from the Department of Music expressed his enthusiasm about participating in UNM Day: “We have tremendous student musicians, and I enjoy being able to highlight their talents.” Performances included members from UNM Opera Theatre and The Enchantment Winds – Wind Quintet.

Gregory Vigil from the School of Engineering shared his experience as a recruiter during UNM Day: “I really enjoyed my time in Engineering as a student... it's very easy for me to talk about all the ways the School has changed my life.”

UNM Health Sciences also focused on expanding New Mexico’s healthcare workforce. Mike Richards highlighted educational projects such as replacing their School of Medicine facility: “One of the most important things that we do is that we train the health care workforce for the state.”

Patricia Finn emphasized investments into educational healthcare programs: “We can save so many lives... We can educate more. We can train more.” The replacement of their medical school aims to increase graduating classes within ten years.

Over upcoming months, UNM leaders aim to secure legislative support for various projects impacting statewide healthcare. Richards concluded by noting how "UNM Day is an opportunity...to help them understand how we can make multiple contributions."

For further details on legislative priorities visit UNM’s FY26 Legislative Priorities page.