Douglas Ziedonis, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, CEO, UNM Health System | University Of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
Douglas Ziedonis, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, CEO, UNM Health System | University Of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
The University of New Mexico (UNM) held its annual UNM Day at the State Capitol on January 29, marking a significant engagement with legislators in Santa Fe. The event showcased the university's programs and initiatives aimed at reinforcing its role as "The University for New Mexico."
UNM representatives, including leadership, faculty, staff, and students, gathered at the Roundhouse to discuss key priorities with lawmakers. These included essential programs and infrastructure requests across all campuses to support UNM's status as an R1 institution. Capital projects for fiscal year 2026 involve developing a new humanities and social sciences complex and improving police department headquarters.
Dr. Mike Richards, executive vice president of UNM Health Sciences and CEO of the UNM Health System, attended alongside UNM President Garnett S. Stokes. They highlighted legislative priorities such as expanding New Mexico’s healthcare workforce and improving health outcomes statewide.
Jennifer Malat, Dean of Arts & Sciences, and Fernando Lovo, Director of Athletics, were introduced on the Senate floor. Sen. Leo Jaramillo led the senate chamber with UNM's cheer.
Assata Zerai emphasized the importance of engaging with various audiences during UNM Day to promote inclusive excellence. Michael Hix expressed his enthusiasm for showcasing student musicians from the Department of Music.
Gregory Vigil represented the School of Engineering at the event, sharing insights about a previous Lobo Launch rocket.
Among UNM Health Sciences' legislative requests are $37 million for a new School of Medicine building plan and design and $28.5 million for College of Pharmacy renovations. Patricia Finn highlighted public investments in educational healthcare programs as vital to state health improvements.
Finn noted that replacing the School of Medicine would allow more graduates in various health professions. Overcoming these challenges requires careful planning focused on delivering value to communities.
Richards stressed that UNM plays critical roles in clinical care delivery and research innovation contributing to economic development.
For more details on legislative priorities, visit UNM’s FY26 Legislative Priorities webpage.
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