The Daily Lobo hosted a town hall Tuesday with the University of New Mexico President, Garnett S. Stokes, in an effort to help the UNM community get to know her a bit better.
Daily Lobo Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Sanchez and News Editor Kyle Land asked her questions throughout the event — some of their own, some from the public. The public’s questions were submitted through email, social media and on index cards during the event.
The town hall began with introductions and Stokes telling the audience about her life experiences.
Stokes was born in Washington, D.C. and went to college in Tennessee. She said one of her favorite memories of college is attending basketball games.
When asked about the University’s role in political activism, Stokes said, “I know that our faculty plays a role in working with our students who are really thinking about what they’re passionate about.”
She said she believes in efficiency and effectiveness in how the University invests resources. The discussion of the athletic budget arose, and she responded saying the need for athletics to have their own chief financial officer was discovered.
Many questions submitted to the Lobo through email and social media inquired about the investigation of head football coach Bob Davie.
To this topic, Stokes said, “I take these issues very very seriously. I know that there is a desire for culture change and need for culture change, but I believe under Eddie Nuñez’ leadership that a number of things are taking place, so if there are future issues to be managed I will work with the athletics director to try to deal with those,” she said.
The University’s budget was also discussed.
The funding allocated for campus security is going toward increased personal, lighting and security throughout campus, Stokes said.
“I certainly have heard from students the concern about campus safety, which made me happy that in the Budget Summit last week we were able to get approval for a tuition fee hike that would, in part, allow us to make investments that are important there,” she said.
Stokes said she supported the tuition increase, knowing there was strong support among students, faculty and staff.
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“Without (a tuition increase) we would not be able to invest in some of the areas that we thought were high-priority, retaining faculty and giving raises,” she said.
“(The town hall) opens up transparency for the students,” said the Associated Students of the University of New Mexico President Noah Brooks, who attended the event.
Stokes said she was glad to have the opportunity to be a part of the event.
A video of the town hall can be found on the Daily Lobo Facebook page.
Noah Vigil is a freelance reporter at the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @NoahJV21.
