Native American studies offered at UNM
Dec. 14 - The UNM Board of Regents approved the curriculum for a bachelor's degree in Native American studies. Classes toward the degree will be offered this semester. UNM has offered a minor in Native American Studies since 1999 but is now one of 35 institutions to offer the degree. Greg Cajete, UNM Native American studies program director, said in a press release the University is an ideal setting for the program because it has 30 American-Indian faculty in tenure positions, 250 American-Indian staff members and 3,000 American-Indian students.
University gives land back to Cochiti Pueblo
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Dec. 15 - UNM Board of Regents President Jamie Koch appeared before the Cochiti Pueblo Tribal Council in a commemorative ceremony for the return of 220 acres of scared land to the pueblo from the University. According to a press release, Koch was invited to the meeting so the tribe could express its appreciation for Koch's efforts in getting the land returned to the tribe. The regents approved the land transfer last year.
Regents will no longer sign resignation letters
Dec. 15 - Gov. Bill Richardson announced he will no longer require university regents to sign undated letters of resignation. Richardson said he got rid of the requirement, because his goal of attaining hardworking regents was accomplished. He said letters previously signed by university regents will be thrown away.
Basketball player alleges unfair treatment
Dec. 21 - Women's basketball player Fatima Maddox was benched for the game against New Mexico State. Maddox went to the Albuquerque chapter of the NAACP to ask for assistance in getting released from the team. The NAACP sent a letter to the coach Don Flanagan saying they wanted to discuss unfair treatment of African-American players on the team. UNM President Louis Caldera met with the president of the NAACP, the executive director of the State Office of African-American Affairs and Athletics Director Rudy Davalos, releasing a joint statement Jan. 6 that stated support for Flanagan and his program.
House speaker named to Board of Regents
Jan. 8 - Gov. Bill Richardson appointed former speaker of the state House Raymond Sanchez to the UNM Board of Regents. He will replace Regent Maria Griego Raby, who was appointed to the State Board of Finance. Regent Jack Fortner was appointed for another six-year term. Both Griego Raby and Fortner have been on the board for six years. Griego Raby will continue to serve until Sanchez's appointment is confirmed by the state Legislature.
