Nearly 100 UNM faculty, students and parent association members discussed with democratic state legislators what can be done to get UNM back on track in light of budget cuts at Wednesday’s on-campus Forum on Higher Education.
Candidates answered questions about funding, tuition and the regent selection process. The questions were collected in an online survey. Neither gubernatorial candidates were present at Wednesday’s forum, but Lt. Gov. candidate Brian Colón showed up in Diane Denish’s place.
Rep. Jerry Ortiz y Pino said he wants the regent selection process to be less political.
“I would like to take the process of regent selection out of the hands of the governor,” he said. “There should be one board of regents for the whole state.”
Rep. Gail Chasey said candidates have to remember UNM is a state institution with a large voting demographic.
“They need to remember that they have students and graduates of UNM in their districts,” Chasey said. “UNM belongs to the state, not just Albuquerque.”
Students in attendance said they wanted to hear each gubernatorial candidate’s plan to help UNM in light of the economic downturn and subsequent budget cuts.
Student Cindy Nava said the candidates’ absence was unacceptable.
“I think them not coming shows lack of importance, and it doesn’t put them in a well-standing place with students who will be voting,” she said.
Martinez and Denish were not available for comment.
Faculty Senate President Richard Wood said the forum’s priority was to create dialogue about helping the University out of financial straits. He said cooperation from state leaders is essential.
“Universities are among those institutions that are important to pull the state out of the downturn,” Wood said. “Research universities in particular are among those because what New Mexico needs is jobs, economic development and the kind of thriving cultural life that brings companies in the state.”
