Longtime UNM dean to retire after illustrious career

After 38 years at UNM as a student and staff member, and 13 years in his current position, Randy Boeglin, dean of Student Affairs, has decided it is time for retirement.

In the interim, Boeglin will be replaced by Kimmerly Kloeppel, who is currently acting as the Division of Student Affair’s Fiscal and Planning officer, while a search goes on for a new dean. Associate Vice President of Student Life Walter Miller said UNM hopes to have the position filled by spring of 2011.

Boeglin said he will be “still in the saddle” until his employment ends on July 1, but he saw this as an appropriate time to step down.
“It’s just time to move on. Time to make room for new people and new things,” Boeglin said.

As dean of Students Affairs, Boeglin has been a central point of contact for students needing to resolve issues, learn about campus resources, or find information about their new school.

He said he has taken the opportunity in this role to make an impact on those he has come into contact with.

“We are really a touchstone for the entire student community,” Boeglin said. “In this position, I have been blessed to work with some of the greatest students UNM has ever produced, and I also feel so fortunate to be part of an institution with such a rich mix of cultures.”

Miller said Boeglin has taken a personal interest in the students he worked with.

“As a graduate of UNM himself, he is really committed to this institution and has seen a lot of change here,” Miller said. ”He shows such concern for each student’s growth and personal development and is always very accessible to the students.”

Some students set up a Facebook page to show their appreciation for Boeglin. The page has more than 200 members and is filled with sentiments from current and former students and staff wishing him well. A farewell gathering will be held for him on Jun. 24, in the Student Services Building.

Boeglin said he has been “very moved” by the student and staff response to his retirement.

“I have had some emotional moments, and I know that I have been very fortunate to travel in this company.”