The UNM Board of Regents: A New Chapter for the University

The UNM Board of Regents has paved the way for a new chapter in university leadership with a recent, data‑driven appointment process that steered clear of the usual political drama.

A Transparent Search

• Open, data‑driven process: The board focused on UNM 2040, the university’s long‑term plan, and the capacity to manage a large public institution with a diverse health system.
• Faculty culture & research funding: Candidates were evaluated on their understanding of faculty dynamics and ability to secure research dollars—skills beyond a purely business background.
• Five top candidates: All holding senior academic or health‑care leadership roles, including provosts from UC Riverside, UGA, Purdue, UC Irvine, and the University of North Dakota.
• Public engagement: Finalists spoke on campus, answered questions from students and staff, and their evaluations were shared with the community—building trust in a field often criticized for opaque hiring practices.

Looking Ahead

The incoming president will inherit the momentum built under President Stokes, whose calm leadership guided UNM through a global pandemic. The board expects the new leader to:

• Maintain steady progress under UNM 2040.
• Balance long‑term goals with daily campus needs.
• Listen closely to all voices and steer the university through future uncertainties.

The hope is that this fresh leadership will continue the tradition of thoughtful, inclusive governance and guide UNM toward a resilient future.